Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar! The unique combination of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender creates a refreshing dessert perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress with their light lavender flavor and sweet finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of lemon and lavender brings a refreshing taste that stands out from traditional desserts.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them at brunch, picnics, or as an afternoon treat; they fit any occasion beautifully.
- Impressive Presentation: Dusting with powdered sugar gives these bars an elegant look that is sure to impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These Lavender Lemon Bars can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for busy schedules.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Lavender Lemon Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Fine mesh sieve (for dusting)
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even cooking and ensures you get nice thick bars that hold together well.
- Whisk: A good whisk helps blend ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing eggs with other liquids for your filling.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly into your batter.
Ingredients
These Lavender Lemon Bars require simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
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)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake once you place your bars in.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and culinary dried lavender.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and flour gradually while mixing until a dough forms.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy.
- Add fresh lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour; mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Filling with Crust
Pour the filling over the cooled crust evenly.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return to oven and bake for another 40-45 minutes or until set. The center should not jiggle when moved gently.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch!
Enjoy your delightful Lavender Lemon Bars!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
Serving Lavender Lemon Bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance their presentation and enjoyment.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries to add a vibrant color contrast and a juicy bite.
- Blueberries: Scatter blueberries atop the bars for a burst of flavor and added antioxidants.
Drizzle with Honey
- Local Honey: A light drizzle of local honey brings out the floral notes of the lavender and adds extra sweetness.
Add Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy texture that balances the tangy lemon.
Serve with Tea
- Herbal Tea: Pair these bars with a soothing cup of herbal tea, like chamomile, to complement the lavender flavor.
Garnish with Edible Flowers
- Edible Flowers: Use edible flowers for decoration. They not only look beautiful but also enhance the lavender theme.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between cold and warm textures.
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
To ensure your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and high-quality lavender will intensify the flavors in your bars.
- Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor balance.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Add powdered sugar on top right before serving for an elegant finish.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling before baking; feel free to adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their unique flavor profile. Here are some great options to serve alongside them:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the bars.
- Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut treats provide a lovely texture contrast and additional sweetness.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with tea or coffee served with your dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting contrast to the sweet and tart lemon bars.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the bars well.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats add decadence while echoing the fruity notes of the dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Lavender Lemon Bars can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar: This will result in losing the unique floral flavor that makes these bars special. Always use homemade lavender sugar for the best taste.
- Overbaking the bars: Overbaking can lead to dry lemon bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just set.
- Skipping the lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a vibrant flavor that complements the lavender. Don’t skip it if you want your bars to be truly refreshing.
- Not letting them cool completely: Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy presentation. Allow them to cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
- Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice has a brighter taste compared to bottled versions. Always opt for fresh lemons for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat each bar for about 20-30 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it, and warm each bar for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender Lemon Bars are a sweet dessert made with a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling infused with lavender flavor.
How do I make homemade lavender sugar?
To make lavender sugar, simply blend culinary dried lavender with granulated sugar until well combined. This creates a fragrant and flavorful sweetener perfect for baking.
Can I substitute other herbs for lavender?
Yes! While this recipe focuses on lavender, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or mint, although it will change the flavor profile significantly.
Are Lavender Lemon Bars suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! These bars make beautiful gifts when cut into squares and packaged nicely. Their unique flavor is sure to delight anyone who receives them!
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars embody a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Their vibrant floral notes offer versatility—feel free to customize by adding berries or nuts! Try making this recipe at home and enjoy a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dessert
Description
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of Lavender Lemon Bars, a delightful twist on the classic lemon dessert. These bars feature a buttery crust topped with a tangy lemon filling infused with fragrant lavender, creating a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, enjoying a summer picnic, or simply treating yourself, these exquisite squares are sure to impress. With their elegant presentation dusted in powdered sugar and their unique flavor profile, Lavender Lemon Bars will become your go-to dessert for elevating any gathering or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 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).
- In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and dried lavender. Add melted butter and mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in vanilla extract, salt, and flour until a dough forms. Press into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy, then mix in lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until set.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
