Lavender lemon bars are a delightful combination of floral and citrus goodness that can make your tastebuds dance. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery crust topped with a creamy, zesty lemon filling infused with just the right amount of lavender. The fragrance alone transports you to a sun-kissed garden, where bees buzz lazily among fragrant blooms, and the world feels just a little bit brighter. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
These bars aren’t just for sunny picnics or fancy tea parties; they’re perfect for any occasion when you want to impress your friends or simply indulge yourself. I fondly remember the first time I made lavender lemon bars for a gathering. The looks on my friends' faces as they took their first bites were priceless—and yes, there may have been happy tears involved. Trust me when I say these bars will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These lavender lemon bars are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
- Their unique flavor profile combines the tartness of lemons with the subtle sweetness of lavender for a refreshing treat.
- Visually, these bars are stunning; the vibrant yellow filling against the pale crust is picture-perfect for any dessert table.
- They are versatile enough to serve at brunch, dessert parties, or even as a sweet snack while binge-watching your favorite show.
Ingredients for Lavender Lemon Bars
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your crust and gives it that lovely buttery texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a rich flavor in your crust.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens both the crust and filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemons.
- Fresh Lemons: You’ll need both juice and zest to bring out that bright citrus flavor.
- Dried Culinary Lavender: Make sure it's food-grade so you can enjoy its subtle floral notes safely.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and give your filling that luscious creaminess.
- Baking Powder: A little bit helps create a light texture in your filling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden brown. While this bakes, enjoy the heavenly smell wafting through your kitchen.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried lavender, and baking powder until well combined. This mixture should look smooth and vibrant—like summer in a bowl!
Step 5: Bake Again
Once your crust has cooled slightly after baking, pour the lemon-lavender filling over it. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your lavender lemon bars cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of elegance.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful treats with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- Lavender lemon bars are a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten any dessert table.
- They are easy to whip up, and their lovely lavender aroma will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
- Perfect for tea parties or cozy evenings at home.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix up the buttery crust. Bake that crust until it's golden brown, then prepare the luscious lemon-lavender filling in a separate bowl. Pour it over the crust and bake again for firm, zesty perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular lemons for Meyer lemons for a sweeter flavor. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving for an extra flavor kick. You can even experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your lavender lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to warm them without losing that perfect texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always zest your lemons before juicing; it makes the zesting process much easier and ensures you get every bit of flavor.
- Use a light hand when mixing the filling; over-mixing can lead to tough bars.
- And remember, patience is key—let them cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
I once made these lavender lemon bars for a friend’s birthday party, and they disappeared faster than I could say “lavender.” Everyone raved about how refreshing they were, and I felt like a dessert wizard all evening! Decadent chocolate dessert option.
FAQs :
What are Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender lemon bars are a delightful dessert that combines the bright, tart flavor of lemons with the floral notes of lavender. This treat features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a creamy lemon filling infused with culinary lavender. Lemon blueberry cake pairing Perfect for tea parties or as a refreshing summer dessert, these bars offer a unique twist on traditional lemon bars. Raspberry mousse dessert They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
How do you store Lavender Lemon Bars?
To keep your lavender lemon bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to one week when properly stored. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and enjoy their zesty flavor.
Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried culinary lavender instead of fresh for your lavender lemon bars. Dried lavender is often more concentrated in flavor, so use it sparingly—usually about half the amount compared to fresh. Make sure the dried lavender is food-grade, as some varieties may not be suitable for consumption. This substitution will still yield deliciously aromatic bars.
What pairs well with Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender lemon bars pair beautifully with various accompaniments. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances their creaminess. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries provide a nice contrast to the tartness of the bars. Additionally, serving these treats alongside herbal teas or sparkling lemonade can elevate your dessert experience.
Conclusion for Lavender Lemon Bars :
Lavender lemon bars offer a delightful blend of floral and citrus flavors that elevate any dessert table. With an easy-to-follow recipe, these bars feature a buttery crust and creamy lemon filling infused with culinary lavender. Easy lemon cookie cups Storing them properly ensures they remain fresh and flavorful for days. Whether enjoyed at gatherings or as an afternoon treat, these bars are sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Lavender Lemon Bars
Lavender lemon bars are a delightful treat that combines the floral essence of lavender with the zesty brightness of lemons. This easy-to-make dessert features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a creamy lemon-lavender filling, making it perfect for any occasion—from tea parties to cozy family gatherings. Indulge in this refreshing dessert and impress your guests with its unique flavor and stunning presentation.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, lavender, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour filling over the baked crust and return to oven for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 179
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 66mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
Keywords: For a sweeter twist, substitute Meyer lemons for regular lemons or sprinkle sea salt on top before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
