Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert! Infused with homemade lavender sugar, they offer a unique floral flavor that complements the tangy lemon. Perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or simply treating yourself, these bars are both refreshing and delicious. The combination of sweetness and citrus makes them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The addition of lavender gives these bars a distinctive taste that sets them apart from traditional lemon bars.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and yields great results.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether for a picnic, potluck, or casual family dinner, these bars fit right in at any gathering.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow color and dusting of powdered sugar make for an eye-catching dessert that impresses.
- Perfectly Balanced: The tartness of lemons paired with the sweetness of lavender sugar creates a delightful flavor harmony.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Lavender Lemon Bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even cooking and makes cutting the bars into perfect squares easy.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring your batter is lump-free for a creamy filling.
- Baking parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment allows for easy removal of the bars after baking, preventing sticking.
Ingredients
These Lavender Lemon Bars require simple yet effective ingredients that create their delicious flavor profile.
For the Crust
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar (3 ¼ cups)
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter (1 cup), melted and slightly cooled
- 3.5 oz lavender sugar (1/2 cup)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 9 oz all-purpose flour (2 cups)
For the Filling
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- 19.25 oz lavender sugar (2 3/4 cups)
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 TBSP)
- 2.25 oz all-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Lavender Lemon Bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, dried lavender, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour.
- Mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs until light and frothy.
- Gradually mix in fresh lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Filling and Crust
Pour the filling over your pre-baked crust gently to avoid disturbing it.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until set. The edges should be firm but center may have a slight jiggle.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch. Enjoy your Lavender Lemon Bars!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them in various ways that complement their unique flavor profile.
With Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make a vibrant and tart pairing with the sweetness of the bars.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon filling.
Chilled with Iced Tea
- Serve these bars chilled alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea for a perfect summer treat.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- A sprig of fresh mint on top adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that enhances the lavender flavor.
Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream
- The creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the tartness of the lemon and adds an indulgent touch to your dessert.
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
To ensure your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
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Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the brightness you want in this dessert.
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Sift powdered sugar before serving: This ensures an even distribution over your bars, giving them a beautiful finish.
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Chill before cutting: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the fridge makes them easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.
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Experiment with lavender: If you desire a stronger lavender flavor, try adding more dried lavender or using lavender extract in small amounts.
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Store properly: Keep your Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Lavender Lemon Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
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Lemon Sorbet: A light and refreshing sorbet complements the lemon flavor while providing a cooling effect.
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Pistachio Muffins: These nutty muffins add crunch and richness that pairs well with the tangy sweetness of the bars.
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Coconut Macaroons: Their chewy texture offers a nice contrast, making them an ideal companion for Lavender Lemon Bars.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balance, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
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Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti can be enjoyed alongside coffee or tea as you savor your dessert.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs wonderfully, adding savory notes that complement the sweet bars nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lavender Lemon Bars, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch for.
- Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar – Lavender sugar enhances the flavor. Make sure to use it in both the crust and filling for a fragrant kick.
- Overbaking the bars – Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaked bars can become dry and lose their creamy texture. Bake until just set.
- Not using fresh lemon juice – Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons. Always opt for fresh lemon juice to achieve that zesty punch.
- Skipping the lemon zest – The zest adds depth and aroma to your bars. Don’t skip it; it complements the lavender beautifully.
- Neglecting to let them cool completely – Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy presentation. Allow them to cool fully before slicing for neat squares.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds until warm but not hot, as this might change their texture.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, watching closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lavender Lemon Bars that can help you while preparing this delightful dessert.
What are Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender Lemon Bars are a unique dessert combining tangy lemon flavor with aromatic lavender. They offer a refreshing twist on traditional lemon bars.
How do I make lavender sugar?
To make lavender sugar, combine granulated sugar with dried culinary lavender. Let it sit for several days to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
Can I substitute other flavors?
Yes! You can experiment by adding different herbs or extracts like rosemary or mint if you’re looking to customize your Lavender Lemon Bars.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Your Lavender Lemon Bars are done when they’re set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I serve these bars at a party?
Absolutely! Lavender Lemon Bars make an elegant addition to any dessert table. Their unique flavor will wow your guests!
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only refreshing but also versatile and delightful. You can easily customize them by adjusting sweetness or experimenting with flavors. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the heavenly combination of lemon and lavender!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with our Lavender Lemon Bars! These enchanting treats combine the tanginess of fresh lemons with the subtle floral notes of homemade lavender sugar, creating a unique dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy tea parties. The vibrant yellow bars are elegantly dusted with powdered sugar, making them not only a refreshing treat but also a stunning addition to any dessert table. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these Lavender Lemon Bars will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 3.5 oz lavender sugar
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 9 oz all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, mix granulated sugar, dried lavender, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour in a bowl until crumbly. Press into a lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until slightly golden.
- For the filling, whisk eggs until light and frothy. Gradually add lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour until well combined.
- Pour filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake again for 40-50 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
