Lavender Lemon Bars

These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar recipe! The unique infusion of homemade lavender sugar gives them a light floral flavor, making them a perfect treat for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging yourself, these bars offer a refreshing and tangy sweetness that stands out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The combination of lavender and lemon creates an extraordinary taste that is both refreshing and aromatic.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, tea party, or dessert table at a wedding, these bars fit right in.
• Beautiful Presentation: Their vibrant color and dusting of powdered sugar make them visually appealing on any plate.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them chilled as a refreshing dessert or at room temperature for a delightful snack.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Lavender Lemon Bars successfully, having the right tools can streamline your process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for even cooking and easy serving of your bars.

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))

For Serving

• Powdered sugar (for serving)

How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Lavender Lemon Bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour.
2. Mix until crumbly but well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

1. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until well blended.
2. Gradually add in the lavender sugar and lemon zest while continuing to whisk.
3. Finally, sift in the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for an additional 45 minutes or until set in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow your Lavender Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch!

Enjoy your delicious Lavender Lemon Bars as a refreshing dessert!

How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars

These delightful Lavender Lemon Bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve the bars alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant and fruity contrast.

Drizzled with Honey

• A drizzle of honey over each bar adds a touch of sweetness and complements the lavender flavor beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream on top brings a creamy texture that pairs well with the tangy lemon filling.

Garnished with Edible Flowers

• Decorate each bar with edible flowers to make an elegant presentation that’s perfect for special occasions.

Paired with Iced Tea

• Enjoy these bars with a refreshing glass of iced tea, enhancing the citrus notes in the dessert.

Save this!

How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars

To achieve the best results when making Lavender Lemon Bars, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemons and quality lavender will give your bars the best flavor.
• Let them cool completely: Allow the bars to cool before cutting them; this helps them set nicely.
• Sift powdered sugar: For a beautiful finish, sift powdered sugar on top just before serving.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the lavender sugar slightly in the filling.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Lavender Lemon Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Minted Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed with mint leaves that complements the flavors of lavender.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This light and tangy sorbet is a perfect palate cleanser after enjoying your bars.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The rich chocolate adds an indulgent twist that pairs nicely with lemon.
5. Herb-Infused Water: Prepare water infused with herbs like rosemary or basil for a refreshing drink option.
6. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies can provide a contrasting texture while complementing your dessert’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Lavender Lemon Bars. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar – Lavender sugar adds a unique flavor that enhances your bars. To prevent this mistake, ensure you prepare homemade lavender sugar by blending dried lavender with granulated sugar before starting the recipe.
• Overbaking the bars – Overbaked Lavender Lemon Bars can become dry. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and perform a toothpick test; they should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
• Skipping the zest – Lemon zest is crucial for adding vibrant flavor. Don’t skip this step; use fresh lemons and zest them right before juicing for the best results.
• Not letting them cool properly – Cutting into warm bars can result in a messy presentation. Allow the Lavender Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for cleaner edges.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your bars. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth filling and crust.

Save this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the fridge for up to one week for optimal freshness.

Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lavender Lemon Bars that might help you enhance your baking experience.

What can I substitute for culinary dried lavender?

You can use lavender extract as an alternative. However, use it sparingly as it has a stronger flavor than dried lavender.

Can I make these Lavender Lemon Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it’s suitable for baking to achieve similar texture and taste.

How do I know when my Lavender Lemon Bars are done?

They should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when done. A toothpick inserted should come out clean but not overly dry.

Can I add other flavors to my Lavender Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can mix in flavors like rosemary or thyme, or even add blueberries for extra sweetness while maintaining that signature lemon-lavender taste.

Final Thoughts

These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only delightful and refreshing but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them plain or with added fruit flavors, they provide a wonderful treat perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and let your taste buds experience this magical combination!