Cranberry Shortbread Bars: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart Flavors

Delight in the exquisite harmony of tart cranberries and sweet, buttery shortbread with these Cranberry Shortbread Bars. Each bar combines a luscious cranberry jam with a rich shortbread base and a light, crisp topping of turbinado sugar, creating a dessert that's as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

Why You’ll Love This: The combination of the fruity cranberry layer with the classic shortbread texture offers a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile. The turbinado sugar topping adds just the right amount of crunch and sparkle, making these bars not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Perfect Occasion: These bars are ideal for festive occasions, especially during the holiday season when cranberries are most celebrated. They're perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a special treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Decoration Tips: For a festive presentation, garnish the bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. You can also add a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Part 1: Shortbread Crust

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup superfine white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Instructions:
  1. Line a 9x9 baking pan with greased parchment paper.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  7. Press half to two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan. Refrigerate the crust for 15-30 minutes.
  8. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until very lightly golden.

Part 2: Cranberry Jam

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon agar agar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Combine sugars, cinnamon, agar agar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir until the sugars dissolve, then add cranberries and cook until they burst, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add orange juice and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Part 3: Assemble and Bake

• Instructions:
  1. Pour 2 cups of cranberry jam over the prebaked crust.
  2. Flatten the remaining dough into clusters and place over the jam.
  3. Spoon some cranberry jam over the top and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes.
  5. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Enjoy these Cranberry Shortbread Bars, a festive and flavorful treat that combines sweet and tart in each delicious bite!