Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on classic lemon bars! With a unique blend of tangy lemon and the subtle floral notes of lavender, these treats are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet dessert at home, these bars offer a refreshing flavor that stands out. The homemade lavender sugar adds a touch of elegance, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing taste that’s unlike any other dessert.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful bars with ease.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for parties, picnics, or just as a special treat at home.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add more zest to suit your preferences.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant lemon color and dusting of powdered sugar make these bars look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Lavender Lemon Bars, gather the essential tools that will make the process smoother. Having everything on hand ensures you can focus on creating this delicious dessert without interruptions.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A proper baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your Lavender Lemon Bars.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy mixing of ingredients without overflow.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for incorporating air into your eggs and achieving a light filling.
- Rubber spatula: This tool is perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredient goes to waste.
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)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your Lavender Lemon Bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour.
- Mix until well combined and form the dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, beat together the eggs until frothy.
- Add fresh lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour; mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Bake Again
- Pour the filling over the baked crust carefully.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your Lavender Lemon Bars to cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch. Enjoy your sweet creations!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
Lavender Lemon Bars are perfect for a delightful dessert experience. Their vibrant flavor pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance their taste and presentation.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve your Lavender Lemon Bars topped with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of color and freshness.
Chilled Whipped Cream
- A dollop of chilled whipped cream adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the tangy lemon filling.
Iced Tea or Lemonade
- Pair these bars with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to enhance the citrus flavors and provide a thirst-quenching experience.
Mint Garnish
- Adding a sprig of fresh mint on top not only looks appealing but also introduces an additional layer of flavor.
Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bars creates a creamy complement, perfect for those who enjoy contrasting textures.
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
To achieve the ideal Lavender Lemon Bars, follow these helpful tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and quality culinary lavender will ensure vibrant flavors in every bite.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before slicing; this helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish, sift powdered sugar over the bars just before serving to create a beautiful presentation.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar in the filling while keeping the lavender sugar for flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
When serving Lavender Lemon Bars, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with melons and citrus can balance out the richness of the bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie can create a savory contrast to the sweet lemon bars.
- Nutty Granola: Serve alongside a bowl of nutty granola for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
- Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet enhances the lemon flavor while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Herbed Couscous: Light herbed couscous offers a savory element that complements the dessert’s sweetness without overpowering it.
- Savory Scones: Pairing with savory scones can create an interesting flavor balance that intrigues your guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Lavender Lemon Bars can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Using fresh lavender instead of dried: Fresh lavender is much stronger and can overpower the flavor. Always opt for culinary dried lavender for a balanced taste.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the correct amounts for the best texture and flavor.
- Skipping the zest: The lemon zest adds essential oils that enhance the lemon flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for that vibrant taste!
- Overbaking the bars: Overbaking can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remember they will continue to set as they cool.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allowing your bars to cool completely before cutting is vital. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier without falling apart.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. 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 warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 10-second intervals until warmed through, usually around 30-40 seconds total.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, heating each bar for about 1-2 minutes per side until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making Lavender Lemon Bars.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice in Lavender Lemon Bars?
You can substitute lemon extract, but it won’t provide the same fresh flavor. For best results, always use fresh lemon juice.
How do I know when my Lavender Lemon Bars are done?
They should be set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. They will continue to firm up while cooling.
What can I serve with Lavender Lemon Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Are Lavender Lemon Bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Lavender Lemon Bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the level of lavender or add other flavors like vanilla or almond extract for different variations.
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars offer a delightful mix of tangy lemon and floral lavender flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic or enjoying them as a sweet treat at home, their versatility shines through. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Discover the delightful fusion of flavors in these Lavender Lemon Bars, where tangy lemon meets the delicate floral notes of lavender. Perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The homemade lavender sugar adds an elegant touch, elevating this classic dessert to new heights. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, these refreshing bars will be a hit with family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar (3 ¼ cups)
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter (1 cup), melted
- 9 oz all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 TBSP)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine granulated sugar, dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour in a mixing bowl; mix until dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish; bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy; add lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour; mix until smooth.
- Pour filling over baked crust; return to oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until set.
- Cool completely before slicing and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
