Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar. With a unique blend of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender, these bars are perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a sweet treat at home. The addition of homemade lavender sugar elevates the flavor profile, making them refreshingly sweet and aromatic. Everyone will appreciate the beautiful balance of flavors in each bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing and aromatic dessert that stands out.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for summer picnics, birthday parties, or afternoon tea.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious bars.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and they pair beautifully with tea or coffee.
- Impressive Presentation: The lovely hue from the lavender and lemon zest makes for an eye-catching dessert.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these Lavender Lemon Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
- Baking dish: A sturdy 9×13 inch dish ensures even cooking and proper portion sizes.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your mixture for a light texture.
Ingredients
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 an even bake when you put your Lavender Lemon Bars in.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour.
- Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten.
- Add fresh lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour to the eggs; whisk until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the pre-baked crust in your baking dish.
Step 4: Bake Again
Bake your assembled Lavender Lemon Bars for about 45 minutes or until set in the middle. The edges should be lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness!
Now you have delicious Lavender Lemon Bars that are sure to impress anyone who tries them! Enjoy!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are perfect for any occasion. Their unique flavor profile makes them a delightful addition to gatherings, picnics, and afternoon teas. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Tea
- Earl Grey Tea – The bergamot in Earl Grey complements the lavender perfectly.
- Green Tea – A light green tea can balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Herbal Infusions – Chamomile or mint herbal teas provide a refreshing contrast.
Add Fresh Berries
- Raspberries – Tart raspberries add a burst of flavor and color.
- Blueberries – Sweet blueberries pair beautifully with the tangy lemon.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries bring a classic touch to your dessert table.
Serve with Cream
- Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds richness.
- Mascarpone Cheese – This creamy cheese provides a decadent twist.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of ice cream makes for an indulgent treat.
Garnish Ideas
- Lemon Zest – Sprinkle lemon zest on top for extra brightness.
- Lavender Sprigs – Use fresh lavender sprigs as an elegant garnish.
- Powdered Sugar – A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finish.
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
To achieve the best Lavender Lemon Bars, it’s essential to follow these tips closely.
- Chill Before Serving – Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge to set properly.
- Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh lemon juice enhances flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Sift Flour and Sugar – Sifting helps create a lighter texture in your bars.
- Monitor Baking Time – Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but moist.
- Use Culinary Lavender – Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender for safety and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
When serving Lavender Lemon Bars, consider these side dishes that complement their unique flavors. They can add variety and balance to your dessert spread.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and color.
- Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits – A small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and sweetness.
- Pistachio Cookies – Nutty cookies offer another layer of flavor that pairs well with lavender.
- Cucumber Sandwiches – Light and refreshing cucumber sandwiches enhance the overall menu.
- Savory Scones – Cheese or herb scones provide a delicious, hearty option alongside the sweet bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home bakers make simple mistakes when making Lavender Lemon Bars. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for and how to avoid them.
- Using fresh lavender instead of dried: Fresh lavender can be overpowering and may alter the texture of your bars. Always opt for culinary dried lavender for the best flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are exact.
- Overbaking the bars: Baking too long can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on your bars and remove them from the oven as soon as they set nicely.
- Skipping the lemon zest: The zest adds essential oils that enhance flavor. Don’t skip it; incorporate it for a brighter taste!
- Ignoring cooling time: Letting your Lavender Lemon Bars cool completely before cutting ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
- They can last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds per bar, checking regularly.
- Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Lavender Lemon Bars taste even better?
Enhance the flavor by adding extra lemon zest or a pinch of salt, which balances sweetness.
Can I use other flavors besides lavender?
Yes! You can substitute with herbs like rosemary or mint for a unique twist on this recipe.
What should I serve with Lavender Lemon Bars?
Pair these bars with whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful dessert experience.
Can I make these Lavender Lemon Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.
How long do Lavender Lemon Bars last at room temperature?
If kept covered, they can last up to two days at room temperature, but refrigeration is recommended for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their sweet yet tangy flavor profile makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or citrus fruits to customize this recipe and make it uniquely yours!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the bliss of Lavender Lemon Bars, where the vibrant zing of lemon meets the soothing aroma of culinary lavender. These delightful bars are not only a refreshing treat for sunny afternoons but also an impressive addition to any gathering, from tea parties to summer picnics. The homemade lavender sugar enhances their flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that will leave everyone craving more. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these charming dessert bars in no time.
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary dried lavender
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup lavender sugar
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust: Combine granulated sugar, dried lavender, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour in a mixing bowl until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- For the filling: Whisk eggs in a bowl; add lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour until smooth. Pour over crust.
- Bake for another 45 minutes or until set and edges are golden. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
