Lavender Lemon Bars

Lavender Lemon Bars are a unique and refreshing twist on the classic lemon bar. Combining the tangy brightness of fresh lemon with the delicate floral notes of lavender, these bars offer a luxurious, balanced flavor that is both sweet and fragrant. The crunchy, buttery crust complements the soft, silky filling, while the subtle lavender aroma adds an elegant touch, making this dessert perfect for any special occasion, or as a fragrant indulgence with your afternoon tea.

Whether you are hosting a spring or summer gathering, or simply looking for something a little different to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Lavender Lemon Bars are a delicious, memorable treat. The combination of lavender sugar and fresh lemon juice creates a harmonious flavor profile that is far from overwhelming but still wonderfully unique. The beautiful appearance, with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top, also makes them an ideal dessert for gifting or serving at a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination

The pairing of lavender and lemon creates a sophisticated and unexpected flavor combination. The floral notes of lavender blend perfectly with the tartness of the lemon, creating a sweet and refreshing dessert.

2. Perfect Texture

The crust is buttery and crisp, while the filling is smooth and custardy, offering a delightful contrast in textures. This balance ensures that every bite is as satisfying as the last.

3. Elegant and Beautiful

These lavender lemon bars are not just delicious, they’re also beautiful. The vibrant lemon color and the light dusting of powdered sugar make them an elegant addition to any table or dessert spread.

4. Great for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a spring brunch, a baby shower, or a wedding, these bars are perfect for any special occasion. Their delicate flavor and elegant appearance will make a statement.

5. Fragrant and Inviting

The floral aroma of lavender provides a sensory experience that enhances the enjoyment of the dessert. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds, but for your nose as well!

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

• Lavender Lemon Curd: For a richer, creamier filling, you can use a homemade lavender lemon curd in place of the simple lemon filling. This variation will add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add fresh or dried blueberries to the filling or sprinkle them on top of the bars before baking. The combination of blueberry and lemon complements the floral lavender beautifully.
• Herb-Infused Sugar: If you love experimenting with flavors, you can substitute the lavender in the sugar with other herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist.
• Vegan Lavender Lemon Bars: To make this recipe vegan, swap out the eggs for a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a plant-based butter in place of regular butter.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Lavender Sugar

In a food processor or blender, pulse the granulated sugar and dried lavender together until the lavender is finely ground and incorporated into the sugar. This will infuse the sugar with the lavender’s floral fragrance.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour. The mixture should be smooth and well combined. Pour this filling over the slightly cooled crust.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a delicate, sweet finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Culinary Lavender: Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as this type is safe to eat and has a more refined, aromatic flavor than decorative lavender.
• Allow to Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps the filling set and prevents it from being too runny when you slice them.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your desserts on the sweeter side, you can increase the amount of lavender sugar in the filling by a tablespoon or two, but be mindful not to overpower the delicate lavender flavor.
• Chill for Extra Firmness: If you want firmer bars, allow them to chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours after baking. This helps the filling set more completely and results in clean slices.

How to Serve

These Lavender Lemon Bars can be served in various ways:

• As a Standalone Dessert: Perfect as a sweet treat for afternoon tea or after a meal.
• As Part of a Dessert Spread: Add them to a dessert table alongside other light and citrusy desserts for a refreshing selection.
• With Tea or Coffee: The floral notes of lavender pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal snack for a relaxing afternoon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These bars freeze well. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Reheating

These bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried lavender from my garden?

Make sure the lavender is culinary grade and free of pesticides. Only use lavender that is safe for consumption.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice often lacks the bright, fresh taste that lemon bars require.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be set, and the edges should be slightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can experiment with using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but be aware that it may alter the flavor and texture of the bars slightly.

5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Just keep them covered and in the fridge.

6. How can I make these bars more lemony?

Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice by a tablespoon or two to intensify the lemon flavor.

7. Can I add another fruit flavor to these bars?

Yes, you can mix in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to the filling for a twist on the traditional lemon bar.

8. Do I need to use the powdered sugar?

The powdered sugar is optional but adds a nice decorative touch and extra sweetness.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may not be as rich as with real butter.

10. Can I skip the lavender sugar and use regular sugar?

If you skip the lavender sugar, you may lose the distinct lavender flavor, but you can still make the bars with regular sugar and add a little lavender extract for flavor.

Conclusion

Lavender Lemon Bars are a beautifully unique dessert that combines the refreshing tang of lemon with the delicate floral notes of lavender. Whether you’re looking for an elegant treat for a special occasion or a fragrant indulgence for yourself, these bars deliver on both taste and presentation. Their buttery crust, creamy filling, and subtle floral aroma make them a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Try them out for a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar – they’re sure to become a new favorite!

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