Lavender lemon bars are a delightful treat that combines the tangy brightness of lemons with the floral essence of lavender. Imagine biting into a zesty, smooth bar where the citrus dances on your tongue while hints of lavender whisper sweet nothings. It’s like summer in a bite, perfect for those sunny afternoons when you want something refreshing yet indulgent. For more inspiration, check out this lazy girl pecan pie bars recipe.
I first encountered these dreamy desserts at a local farmer’s market, where their vibrant yellows and delicate purple hues caught my eye. I took a chance and ended up creating a love affair with these bars that even my taste buds can’t forget. They’re ideal for picnics, brunches, or just a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Trust me—you’ll be counting down the minutes until they cool because the flavor experience is nothing short of amazing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These lavender lemon bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The unique blend of flavors creates a refreshing dessert that brightens any occasion.
- Visually stunning with their golden-yellow hue and lavender accents, they impress at parties.
- Versatile enough to be served plain or topped with whipped cream for an extra treat!
Ingredients for Lavender Lemon Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your crust, giving it a sturdy yet tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
- Fresh Lemons: Choose juicy lemons for the best flavor; zest and juice are both essential.
- Dried Culinary Lavender: Ensure it’s food-grade; this will infuse your bars with aromatic floral notes.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together while adding richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden. While it’s baking, let’s focus on making that luscious filling!
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried lavender until fully combined. Pour this heavenly mixture over your baked crust.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return your dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center—don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if you fancy some extra sweetness.
Transfer to plates and serve chilled or at room temperature—perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
You Must Know
- These Lavender Lemon Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they add a splash of elegance to any dessert table.
- With their sweet and tangy flavor, they will have your guests wondering if you’re secretly a pastry chef.
- Perfect for picnics or afternoon tea, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven while you prepare the crust. Mix the buttery shortbread base, then bake it until golden brown. While it cools, whisk together the egg mixture with lavender and lemon. Pour it onto the crust and bake again for perfectly set bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular lemons for Meyer lemons for a sweeter twist. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond, or even add a pinch of sea salt to enhance that sweet-tart balance. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds, but don’t overdo it—nobody likes a soggy bar!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lavender buds instead of dried ones for a more potent flavor and vibrant color.
- Always let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent messy edges.
- For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving, creating a beautiful presentation.
I remember the first time I made these Lavender Lemon Bars for my book club. Everyone devoured them and raved about my “culinary genius,” but really, it was just me following this easy recipe! seasonal cookie option.
FAQs:
What are Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender lemon bars are a delightful dessert combining the zesty flavor of lemon with the floral notes of culinary lavender. This unique dessert features a buttery crust topped with a rich lemon custard infused with lavender essence. complementary dessert option The result is a refreshing treat that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Many enjoy serving these bars chilled, making them an excellent option for warm-weather events or picnics.
How do I store Lavender Lemon Bars?
To preserve the freshness of your lavender lemon bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to one week when properly stored. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Cut the bars into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use dried lavender in my Lavender Lemon Bars?
Yes, you can use dried culinary lavender to make lavender lemon bars. However, ensure that your lavender is labeled as food-grade to ensure safety. Dried lavender adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dessert. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference since its flavor can be potent. Always remember to strain out any remaining lavender buds from the filling if you prefer a smooth texture.
What occasions are perfect for serving Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender lemon bars are versatile and suitable for various occasions. They make an elegant addition to tea parties, bridal showers, or garden parties thanks to their beautiful presentation and delightful flavor. Additionally, they serve as a refreshing dessert at summer barbecues or potlucks. chocolate dessert variations Their unique taste also makes them a wonderful choice for gift-giving during holidays or celebrating special moments with friends and family.
Conclusion for Lavender Lemon Bars:
In summary, lavender lemon bars offer a delightful blend of tartness and floral notes that elevate any dessert table. With their buttery crust and creamy lemon filling infused with lavender, they create a refreshing treat perfect for various occasions. Storing these bars properly ensures their deliciousness lasts longer. Whether you’re hosting an event or treating yourself, lavender lemon bars are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings! For more inspiration, check out this vanilla custard cream bars recipe.
Print
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 9 servings 1x
Description
Savor the exquisite blend of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender in these Lavender Lemon Bars. Creamy, buttery, and visually stunning with their golden hue and delicate purple accents, these bars are the perfect refreshing dessert for any occasion. Ideal for picnics, brunches, or cozy evenings, they promise to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 4 large fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (food-grade)
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried lavender in another bowl until well combined. Pour over the baked crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For a sweeter twist, consider using Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons. Add flavored extracts like vanilla or almond for additional depth of flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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