These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on traditional lemon bars! With a unique touch of homemade lavender sugar, these bars offer a light floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon filling. Perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to elegant gatherings, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Profile: The addition of lavender sugar adds a refreshing twist to the classic lemon bar flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer party or an afternoon tea, these bars fit right in.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these impressive treats.
Visually Stunning: Their beautiful yellow color and powdered sugar topping make them a feast for the eyes.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature; they are delicious either way.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Lavender Lemon Bars successfully, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your baking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Rubber spatula
Zester or grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking and perfect edges for your bars.
Zester or grater: Necessary for extracting flavorful lemon zest that brightens your dessert.

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 that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and culinary dried lavender.
Add melted butter and mix until well combined.
Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and flour until the mixture is crumbly.
Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs in a large bowl.
Gradually add fresh lemon juice and lavender sugar while continuing to whisk.
Mix in lemon zest and flour until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Bake Again

Pour the filling over the baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your Lavender Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars

Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these bars can elevate any occasion.

For Afternoon Tea

Serve with freshly brewed tea for a relaxing afternoon break.
Pair with light sandwiches or scones to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.

As a Dessert Platter

Include Lavender Lemon Bars on a dessert platter alongside fruits and other sweets.
Garnish with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

With Fresh Berries

Serve alongside mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
Consider infusing the cream with lavender for enhanced flavor.

At Summer Picnics

Pack Lavender Lemon Bars in your picnic basket as a refreshing treat.
They are easy to transport and perfect for outdoor enjoyment.

How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars

To achieve the best Lavender Lemon Bars, keep these tips in mind. Following them will help you create soft, flavorful bars every time.

Use fresh lemons – Fresh lemon juice and zest provide more vibrant flavor than bottled alternatives.
Sift your flour – Sifting helps remove lumps and creates a lighter texture in the crust and filling.
Cool completely – Allow bars to cool completely before cutting; this helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
Adjust lavender sugar – Depending on your taste preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of lavender sugar used.
Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dry bars. They should be slightly jiggly in the center when done.
Let them chill – Chilling the bars in the fridge after baking enhances their flavor and makes them refreshing to eat.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars

When serving Lavender Lemon Bars, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes. These options will enhance your dessert experience without overpowering it.

Minted Fruit Salad – A light salad featuring seasonal fruits tossed with fresh mint for added freshness.
Cucumber Sandwiches – Light sandwiches made with cream cheese and cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
Lemon Sorbet – This icy treat echoes the lemon flavor of the bars while adding a cool touch.
Herbed Cheese Spread – A spread made from soft cheese mixed with herbs pairs well when served on crackers alongside the bars.
Chilled Green Salad – A crisp salad dressed lightly allows for a fresh palate cleanser between bites of dessert.
Iced Tea with Mint – A refreshing drink that complements the flavors of lavender and lemon beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lavender Lemon Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the lavender sugar: Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar can lead to a lack of the unique flavor that defines these bars. Make sure to prepare lavender sugar ahead of time for the best results.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can cause the bars to become dense and tough. Blend just until combined for a light and airy texture.
Ignoring lemon zest: Without lemon zest, you miss out on essential oils that enhance the lemon flavor. Always add fresh zest for a more vibrant taste.
Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Not letting them cool completely: Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy presentation. Allow your Lavender Lemon Bars to cool fully before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then warm bars for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds for a quick snack.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Lavender Lemon Bars, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries answered!

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh lavender in place of dried but be sure to increase the quantity slightly as fresh herbs are less concentrated.

What is lavender sugar?

Lavender sugar is granulated sugar infused with dried lavender flowers, adding a unique floral flavor that complements desserts beautifully.

How do I know when my Lavender Lemon Bars are done?

The bars should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my Lavender Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding different citrus zests or even using different herbs for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Lavender Lemon Bars offer a delightful blend of tangy lemon and floral notes, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether served at summer gatherings or enjoyed as a cozy treat at home, their versatility allows for various customization options. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the refreshing taste of spring!

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Lavender Lemon Bars

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Lavender Lemon Bars, a refreshing twist on the traditional lemon dessert. With the aromatic infusion of homemade lavender sugar, these bars bring a light floral flavor that perfectly complements the zesty lemon filling. Ideal for summer picnics, elegant gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat at home, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Their stunning yellow hue and delicate powdered sugar topping make them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Easy to prepare, even novice bakers can impress their guests with this unique dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
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)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and culinary dried lavender. Add melted butter and mix until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and flour until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan evenly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs in a large bowl. Gradually add fresh lemon juice and lavender sugar while continuing to whisk. Mix in lemon zest and flour until smooth.
Pour the filling over the baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until set.
Once baked, allow your Lavender Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American