Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, featuring a unique infusion of lavender sugar that provides a subtle floral note. Perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing dessert, these bars are both tangy and sweet. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic lavender makes them stand out, ensuring they’ll be a hit with your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: The blend of lavender and lemon creates an extraordinary taste experience that is both refreshing and memorable.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up these bars without any fuss, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them at picnics, brunches, or as a light dessert after dinner; these bars fit seamlessly into any occasion.
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with powdered sugar and cut into neat squares, these bars look as good as they taste, making them ideal for serving guests.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors appeals to many palates, ensuring that everyone will want to have another piece.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Lavender Lemon Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Zester
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan gives the bars their classic shape and size.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy blending of ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing eggs smoothly into the batter.
Ingredients
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a sweet twist on traditional lemon bars! Homemade lavender sugar is used in the crust and filling to add a light lavender flavor. They’re tangy, sweet, and refreshing!
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 that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour.
- Stir until well mixed; the mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking pan to form an even layer.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs until frothy.
- Add fresh lemon juice, remaining lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour; mix until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the baked crust in the pan.
Step 5: Bake Again
- Return to oven for an additional 30-40 minutes or until set in the middle. The filling should not jiggle when shaken gently.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Enjoy these delicious Lavender Lemon Bars at your next gathering!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can enjoy them. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a sweet treat after dinner, these bars can be served in various delightful ways.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve your lavender lemon bars alongside a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of each bar adds creaminess that complements the tangy lemon filling beautifully.
Enjoy with Iced Tea
- Pairing these bars with a refreshing glass of iced tea enhances their summery vibe, making for a perfect afternoon snack.
Garnish with Lemon Zest
- Top each bar with additional lemon zest for an extra zing and an appealing presentation.
Serve with Herbal Tea
- Complement the floral notes of the bars by serving them with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint.
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
To ensure your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and quality dried lavender to enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely and chill in the refrigerator before serving. This helps achieve clean cuts and improves texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time. The center should be set but slightly jiggly when you take them out; they will firm up as they cool.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish and added sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different herbs or citrus zests to your recipe for unique twists on this classic dessert.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
When serving Lavender Lemon Bars, complementing side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly. - Coconut Macaroons
These chewy treats pair well with the tanginess of lemon bars, offering textural contrast. - Cheese Platter
A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese provides a creamy counterpart to the tartness of the bars. - Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
The richness of chocolate pairs delightfully with lemon’s brightness, creating a decadent combination. - Shortbread Cookies
Simple shortbread cookies offer a buttery flavor that complements the floral notes without overpowering them. - Lemon Sorbet
For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve lemon sorbet alongside your lavender lemon bars to keep things zesty. - Honey Yogurt Dip
A light honey yogurt dip makes for a creamy addition that contrasts nicely with the bars’ texture. - Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon add warmth and sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with lemon flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Lavender Lemon Bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for.
- Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar – Lavender sugar adds a unique flavor that enhances the bars. Use homemade or store-bought lavender sugar for the best results.
- Overbaking the bars – Overbaking can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Skipping the lemon zest – Lemon zest adds a fresh flavor and aroma to your bars. Don’t skip this step for optimal taste.
- Not letting them cool completely before cutting – Cutting too soon can result in messy bars. Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
- They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat bars for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Warm each bar on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until just heated.
- Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, flipping gently until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lavender Lemon Bars special?
Lavender Lemon Bars stand out due to their unique combination of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender. This twist on a classic dessert offers refreshing flavors that delight the senses.
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender! However, you’ll need more fresh lavender than dried since it’s less concentrated in flavor.
How do I know when my Lavender Lemon Bars are done?
The bars are done when they’re set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I customize my Lavender Lemon Bars?
Absolutely! You can add other flavors like blueberries or swap out some lemon juice for lime juice for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars offer a delightful blend of tangy sweetness and floral notes, making them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows for various customization options, so feel free to experiment with different flavors. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of bliss!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Lavender Lemon Bars, a refreshing twist on the traditional lemon bar. Infused with homemade lavender sugar, these bars offer a unique blend of tangy lemon and subtle floral notes that will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, these bars are not only easy to make but also beautifully presented dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and zest in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 19.25 oz lavender sugar
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 9 oz all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, mix granulated sugar, dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- For the filling, whisk eggs until frothy; add lemon juice, remaining lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour. Mix until smooth and pour over the baked crust.
- Bake again for 30-40 minutes until set in the center.
- Cool completely before slicing and dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
