Lavender Lemon Bars

Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, blending the bright, tangy taste of fresh lemon with the aromatic floral notes of lavender. These bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and floral, creating a unique dessert that’s sure to impress. The base of the bars features a buttery, lavender-infused crust, while the filling is creamy, smooth, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are an elegant treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering, a tea party, or simply craving something sweet with a twist, Lavender Lemon Bars will elevate your dessert table. The combination of lavender sugar and fresh lemon juice creates a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out from typical lemon desserts. These bars are both refreshing and indulgent, offering a fragrant aroma with every bite. Plus, the recipe is simple to prepare and yields bars that are perfect for slicing into squares or bars for easy serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor: The addition of lavender sugar transforms the traditional lemon bar into a fragrant, floral treat that’s both refreshing and sophisticated.
2. Perfect Balance: These bars offer the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and floral flavors, making them a delightful treat for all your taste buds.
3. Versatile: Lavender Lemon Bars are ideal for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant tea parties or as a unique gift for friends and loved ones.
4. Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these bars are straightforward to make and require only a few simple ingredients.
5. Visually Stunning: The soft yellow filling and powdered sugar topping create a beautiful presentation, making these bars as stunning as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Lavender Sugar:

• Granulated sugar
• Culinary dried lavender

For the Crust:

• Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• Lavender sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• All-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• Large eggs
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lavender sugar
• Lemon zest
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar (for serving)

Variations

Use Lemon Sugar Instead of Lavender Sugar

If you’re not a fan of lavender or simply want a more traditional lemon flavor, you can substitute lavender sugar with lemon sugar for an extra citrusy punch.

Make Them Gluten-Free

To make these bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.

Add Blueberries or Raspberries

For a burst of color and flavor, consider adding fresh blueberries or raspberries to the filling. Their sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with the lavender and lemon.

Try Different Herbs

If you love experimenting with herbs, you can swap the lavender for another herb, such as rosemary or thyme, to create a different aromatic flavor profile.

Add a Little Lemon Extract

For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the filling, enhancing the citrusy notes of this dessert.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Lavender Sugar

In a food processor, pulse the granulated sugar and culinary dried lavender together until the lavender is finely ground and the sugar is infused with the lavender flavor. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour. Continue whisking until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Culinary Lavender: Be sure to use culinary lavender for a food-safe option. Regular lavender flowers might not be suitable for consumption.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: When making the filling, whisk just until combined to avoid creating bubbles in the filling that could affect the texture.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the bars cool fully to allow them to set and make cutting easier. If cut too soon, the filling might be too soft.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice will provide a better flavor than bottled lemon juice, giving your bars a more vibrant and natural citrus taste.

How to Serve

Lavender Lemon Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance. These bars can be served at any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal event like a bridal shower or afternoon tea.

Pair with a hot cup of tea or lemonade to complement the fresh, floral flavors of the bars. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter or as a sweet gift for friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for an hour before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. If you prefer them warm, you can place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars without lavender?

Yes, you can substitute the lavender sugar with lemon sugar or just use regular granulated sugar for a simpler lemon bar.

2. How can I make sure the crust doesn’t get soggy?

Allow the crust to cool slightly before adding the filling. This helps prevent the crust from absorbing too much moisture.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Fresh zest is recommended for the most vibrant flavor.

4. Can I make the lavender sugar in advance?

Yes, you can make the lavender sugar ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

6. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan.

7. Can I add fruit to the bars?

You can add berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor. Just make sure to gently fold them into the filling before baking.

8. How long can I store these bars?

Lavender Lemon Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

9. Can I use dried lavender flowers from my garden?

Make sure that the lavender you’re using is culinary grade and free of pesticides if you’re harvesting it from your garden.

10. Can I add more lemon zest for extra flavor?

Absolutely! You can add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Lavender Lemon Bars offer a unique, elegant twist on a classic dessert. The combination of fresh lemon and floral lavender creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and aromatic. Perfect for special occasions or a simple treat, these bars are sure to impress with their bright, delicate flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re a fan of lemon desserts or looking to try something new, Lavender Lemon Bars are a must-try recipe that will add a touch of sophistication to any dessert table.

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