Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar! The infusion of homemade lavender sugar brings a unique flavor that balances perfectly with the tangy lemon. Perfect for summer picnics, tea parties, or any gathering, these bars will impress your guests with their refreshing taste and stunning presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The addition of lavender sugar adds an aromatic twist that elevates traditional lemon bars.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert without complicated steps.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a light dessert after dinner or serve at brunch for a sweet treat.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow color and powdered sugar topping make these bars visually appealing for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their balanced sweetness and refreshing flavor are sure to be a hit among family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on making your Lavender Lemon Bars, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly baking your bars, ensuring they cook through properly.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized while preparing different components of the recipe.
- Whisk: Ideal for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing eggs and sugar together.
Ingredients
These Lavender Lemon Bars feature a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
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 Lavender Lemon Bars bake evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour.
- Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, fresh lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the baked crust.
Step 4: Bake Again
- Bake for an additional 40 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow your Lavender Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy this refreshing dessert that showcases both sweet and tangy flavors in every bite!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars can be paired with a variety of accompaniments.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries – Serve sliced strawberries alongside for a fresh contrast to the tartness of the bars.
- Blueberries – A handful of blueberries adds a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
With Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream enhances the sweetness and creaminess, making each bite luxurious.
- Flavored Whipped Cream – Consider adding a hint of vanilla or lavender extract to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
With Iced Tea or Lemonade
- Iced Herbal Tea – A refreshing glass of iced herbal tea pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the lavender.
- Classic Lemonade – The tartness of lemonade complements the tangy lemon bars perfectly, creating a refreshing balance.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Cheese Selection – Include cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone for a savory touch that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Treats – Add some dark chocolate pieces for those who enjoy contrasting flavors with their desserts.
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
Perfecting Lavender Lemon Bars is easier than you think! Follow these essential tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lemons and quality lavender will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Chill before serving – Allowing the bars to cool completely in the fridge before cutting helps them set properly.
- Sift powdered sugar – For a beautiful presentation, sift powdered sugar over the top just before serving.
- Adjust sweetness – Depending on your taste, you can modify the amount of lavender sugar in both crust and filling.
- Experiment with zest – Adding more lemon zest can intensify the citrus flavor if desired.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
Pairing side dishes with Lavender Lemon Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers freshness and contrasts nicely with rich bars.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides texture and complements the lemony goodness.
- Cheese Plate – A mix of soft cheeses like brie or camembert pairs well with sweet desserts, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Lemon Sorbet – A scoop of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate between bites of sweet bars.
- Pistachio Crumble – Crushed pistachios sprinkled on top adds crunch and nuttiness that works well with lemon flavors.
- Lavender-Infused Tea – Serve hot or iced lavender tea for a cohesive flavor theme across your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lavender Lemon Bars, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in your final product. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar – Lavender sugar enhances the flavor. Always use homemade or store-bought lavender sugar for the best results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science. Use proper measuring tools to ensure you have the right amounts for perfect texture and taste.
- Skipping the zest – The zest adds essential lemon flavor. Don’t skip it; always include fresh lemon zest in your bars.
- Overbaking the bars – Overbaking can lead to dry lemon bars. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and remove them once they are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Not letting them cool properly – Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean edges and better texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Lavender Lemon Bars will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for optimal freshness.
- Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until just warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat on low power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lavender Lemon Bars special?
Lavender Lemon Bars stand out due to their unique blend of tangy lemon and floral lavender flavors, creating a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh culinary lavender! Just be sure to use about half the amount since fresh herbs are often more potent than dried ones.
How do I make lavender sugar at home?
To make lavender sugar, blend granulated sugar with culinary dried lavender in a food processor until fragrant. Let it sit for a few hours to infuse flavor.
What desserts pair well with Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender Lemon Bars pair beautifully with fruit tarts or creamy desserts like panna cotta, adding a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars offer a delightful twist on classic lemon bars, combining sweet and floral flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. They are versatile enough for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet. Feel free to customize by adding other flavors like vanilla or incorporating different citrus zests for a unique twist!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Lavender Lemon Bars are a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, combining the tangy brightness of lemons with the delightful floral notes of lavender sugar. These bars are perfect for summer picnics, tea parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique and beautiful treat. The vibrant yellow color and light dusting of powdered sugar enhance their presentation, making them as lovely to look at as they are delicious to eat. Easy to prepare and versatile in serving options, these Lavender Lemon Bars will surely become a favorite dessert in your repertoire.
Ingredients
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar (3 ¼ cups)
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter (1 cup), melted
- 19.25 oz lavender sugar (2 ¾ cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 TBSP)
- 9 oz all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, mix granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour in a large bowl until combined. Press into an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- For the filling, whisk together eggs, fresh lemon juice, lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 40 minutes or until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
