Lavender Lemon Bars are the sweet, tangy, and fragrant treat your taste buds have been dreaming of. Imagine biting into a buttery crust that crumbles perfectly, followed by a smooth lemon filling infused with delicate lavender notes. cherry pie filling recipe The aroma alone will whisk you away to a sunny afternoon in a blooming garden.
These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience! Whether you’re enjoying them at a fancy tea party or while lounging in your pajamas on a lazy Sunday, Lavender Lemon Bars are perfect for every occasion. Trust me; one bite will have you questioning why you ever settled for ordinary lemon bars. For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lavender Lemon Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and expert bakers alike.
- The delightful flavor combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender makes for an unforgettable treat.
- Their stunning appearance adds a touch of elegance to any dessert table or picnic basket.
- Versatile enough to enjoy year-round, these bars shine at summer gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients for Lavender Lemon Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for the buttery crust; choose unbleached flour for the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust to ensure it stays flaky and delicious.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Fresh Lemons: You’ll need both the juice and zest; look for bright yellow lemons with smooth skin for maximum flavor.
- Dried Lavender Buds: Make sure you’re using culinary-grade lavender for that delightful floral aroma.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best for binding everything together in the filling.
- Baking Powder: A touch of baking powder helps give the bars their lightness.
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). While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and flour until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
While your crust is cooling down, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried lavender buds, and baking powder in another bowl until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the lemon-lavender mixture over your baked crust evenly. Pop it back in the oven and let it bake for another 20-25 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool Down
Let your Lavender Lemon Bars cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares. This step is crucial because hot bars tend to crumble when cut!
Step 6: Serve with Flair
Dust with confectioners’ sugar if you’re feeling fancy! Serve chilled or at room temperature—either way, they are sure to impress.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy these delightful treats with friends or savor them all by yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that balance tangy lemon with floral lavender, making them perfect for any occasion.
- They’re incredibly easy to make and can elevate your dessert game without breaking a sweat.
- Plus, they look stunning on any dessert table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first; it needs time to cool. While it cools, whip up the lemon filling. Pour it over the crust and bake until set for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the lavender for other herbs like thyme or mint if you’re looking for a twist. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an unexpected flavor pop.
Storing & Reheating
Store these Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For optimal taste, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lavender buds for a more intense flavor and aroma.
- Make sure your lemons are juicy; this will enhance the tartness of your bars.
- Let them cool completely before cutting to avoid messy edges.
It was my cousin’s wedding when I first tried these Lavender Lemon Bars. They were a hit! Everyone loved how refreshing and unique they were, and I felt like a culinary superstar serving them up!
FAQs :
What are Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender lemon bars are a delightful dessert that combines the bright acidity of lemon with the floral notes of culinary lavender. This unique treat offers a refreshing twist on traditional lemon bars. The crust is usually buttery and crumbly, while the filling is creamy and tangy. gooey chocolate chip bars These bars are perfect for any occasion, from picnics to elegant gatherings. The addition of lavender not only enhances the flavor but also provides a beautiful aroma, making them an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.
How do I store Lavender Lemon Bars?
To properly store lavender lemon bars, allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lavender Lemon Bars?
Yes, you can customize your lavender lemon bars by substituting some ingredients. For example, if you prefer a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. Additionally, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Always experiment carefully to find your preferred combination while maintaining the essence of this delicious dessert.
Where can I find culinary lavender?
Culinary lavender is available at specialty spice shops, health food stores, or online retailers that focus on gourmet ingredients. When purchasing lavender for cooking, ensure it is labeled as “culinary” to guarantee that it is safe for consumption. Look for dried flowers that are vibrant and fragrant. Avoid using lavender from garden centers or floral shops, as they may have been treated with pesticides or chemicals unsuitable for food use.
Conclusion for Lavender Lemon Bars :
Lavender lemon bars are a delightful fusion of bright lemon flavor and aromatic lavender that will elevate your dessert game. With a simple recipe that allows room for substitutions, anyone can create these sweet treats at home. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and flavorful whether enjoyed immediately or saved for later. Remember to source culinary-grade lavender to achieve the best results in flavor and safety. These bars make a perfect treat for any occasion!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Description
Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful fusion of tangy lemon and floral lavender, creating a refreshing dessert that will elevate any occasion. With a buttery crust and smooth filling, these bars are not just visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for tea parties or cozy evenings at home, one bite will leave you craving more. Enjoy the unique flavor combination that sets this dessert apart from traditional lemon bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 large fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and flour until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, remaining sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, lavender buds, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour the lemon-lavender filling over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (44g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
