Lavender Lemon Bars

Introduction

Lavender Lemon Bars are the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant lemon flavor and the calming, floral notes of lavender. These bars offer a refreshing twist on the classic lemon bar, with a zesty, tangy lemon filling that’s complemented by the subtle, soothing fragrance of lavender. The buttery shortbread crust adds a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture that ties everything together beautifully.

I first tried making these Lavender Lemon Bars for a spring garden party, and they were an instant hit. The combination of lemon and lavender was so unexpected, yet it was the perfect pairing. Each bite felt like a little escape, with the bright citrus balancing the gentle floral notes, making them an elegant and unique treat. The bars were as visually appealing as they were delicious, and they quickly became the centerpiece of the dessert table.

What I love about Lavender Lemon Bars is how they elevate any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, celebrating the arrival of spring, or simply craving a light yet indulgent treat, these bars are sure to impress. The balance of sweet, tangy, and floral flavors makes them incredibly refreshing, and the buttery shortbread crust ensures they’re as comforting as they are sophisticated. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a personal indulgence, Lavender Lemon Bars are a dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Perfect for:

• Spring and summer gatherings
• Afternoon tea parties
• Garden parties or picnics
• Mother’s Day or special celebrations
• Lemon and floral flavor lovers

Why You’ll Love This Lavender Lemon Bars

Here’s why Lavender Lemon Bars will quickly become one of your favorite desserts:

• Refreshing Lemon Flavor: The tartness of fresh lemon juice balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the lavender, creating a refreshing, flavorful dessert.
• Delicate Floral Notes: The subtle lavender infuses the bars with a calming, fragrant aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile and gives them a unique twist.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Sour: The combination of the lemon filling with the sweet shortbread crust creates a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors in every bite.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow lemon filling, dusted with a hint of powdered sugar and lavender buds, makes these bars an elegant addition to any table.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated: With just a few simple ingredients, these bars come together easily but offer an incredibly sophisticated flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (plus chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful Lavender Lemon Bars:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped culinary lavender
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Additional dried lavender buds for decoration (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: These two elements bring a bright, zesty flavor to the filling, making the bars refreshing and tangy.
• Culinary Lavender: Use culinary-grade lavender, which is safe to consume and imparts a subtle floral flavor to the bars. Make sure to finely chop the lavender to prevent any large pieces.
• Unsalted Butter: The butter helps create a tender, buttery shortbread crust that provides the perfect foundation for the lemon filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lavender Lemon Bars:

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough comes together. It should be crumbly but slightly sticky.
3. Press the Crust into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it covers the entire surface. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

4. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and finely chopped lavender, and whisk until smooth.
5. Add the Flour and Baking Powder: Stir in the flour and baking powder to thicken the filling. Mix well to combine.
6. Pour the Filling Over the Crust: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread it evenly. Be careful not to disturb the crust layer.

Bake the Bars:

7. Bake the Lemon Bars: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Bars: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to fully set.

Serve the Bars:

9. Cut and Garnish: Once chilled, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar and garnish with a few dried lavender buds if desired. Cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars

Here are some ways to serve your Lavender Lemon Bars:

• At a Garden Party: Serve these elegant bars on a platter at a spring or summer garden party to impress your guests.
• With a Cup of Tea: Pair with a cup of Earl Grey, green tea, or a floral herbal tea to enhance the lavender flavor.
• As a Light Dessert: These bars are perfect as a light, refreshing dessert after a rich meal.
• On a Dessert Platter: Include Lavender Lemon Bars alongside other treats such as shortbread, macarons, or fruit tarts for a beautiful dessert spread.
• For Special Occasions: Serve at brunches, bridal showers, or Mother’s Day for a sophisticated, unique treat.

Additional Tips for Lavender Lemon Bars

Here are some tips to ensure your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out perfectly:

• Use Culinary Lavender: Only use culinary lavender, which is grown for consumption, to ensure the safety and proper flavor. Regular lavender may contain chemicals or pesticides.
• Chill the Bars for Better Set: Chilling the bars helps the lemon filling set completely, making them easier to cut and serve.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will yield the best flavor, so avoid using bottled lemon juice.
• Finely Chop Lavender: Finely chop the lavender buds before adding them to the filling to avoid large, chewy pieces that might distract from the smooth texture.
• Adjust the Lavender Amount: If you prefer a milder lavender flavor, reduce the amount of lavender slightly. It’s better to start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Recipe Variations for Lavender Lemon Bars

Here are 10 variations you can try for Lavender Lemon Bars:

• Lemon-Lavender Curd Bars: Replace the lemon filling with a lemon-lavender curd for a richer, more custard-like filling.
• Honey Lavender Lemon Bars: Sweeten the filling with honey instead of granulated sugar for a naturally sweet flavor.
• Lavender Blueberry Bars: Add fresh blueberries to the filling or as a topping for a fruity twist.
• Ginger Lavender Lemon Bars: Add ground ginger to the shortbread crust for a warm, spicy contrast to the lavender lemon flavor.
• Lemon Thyme Bars: Substitute the lavender with fresh thyme for an herby twist on this dessert.
• Raspberry Lavender Lemon Bars: Add a layer of raspberry preserves between the crust and lemon filling for a tangy addition.
• Matcha Lavender Lemon Bars: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to the lemon filling for a vibrant color and earthy flavor.
• Lemon Earl Grey Lavender Bars: Infuse the filling with Earl Grey tea for a citrusy and floral combination.
• Lemon Coconut Bars: Add shredded coconut to the shortbread crust for a tropical twist.
• Lemon Rose Lavender Bars: Replace lavender with dried rose petals for a fragrant, floral alternative.

Freezing and Storage for Lavender Lemon Bars

• Freezing: Lavender Lemon Bars can be frozen before cutting. Simply freeze them in the pan, then cut them into squares once they’re fully frozen. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store leftover Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Special Equipment for Lavender Lemon Bars

Here are some special equipment items you may need:

• Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use a 9×9-inch pan if preferred.
• Zester or Grater: A microplane zester is great for zesting the lemons without getting any bitter pith.
• Whisk: A good whisk is necessary for mixing the filling ingredients evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Parchment paper helps ensure that the bars can be easily removed from the pan and sliced neatly.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: A fine mesh strainer is useful for dusting powdered sugar on top without clumps.

FAQ Section for Lavender Lemon Bars

1. Can I use dried lavender flowers from my garden?
   Yes, as long as they are free of pesticides and chemicals, dried lavender from your garden can be used in this recipe.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
3. How can I adjust the sweetness?
   If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the filling by 1-2 tablespoons, as the lemon flavor should shine through.
4. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
   While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use a small amount of lemon extract if fresh lemons aren’t available.
5. How long do these bars last?
   Lavender Lemon Bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

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Conclusion

Lavender Lemon Bar are the perfect balance of tart and floral, offering a refreshing twist on the classic lemon bar. The bright, zesty lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle, aromatic lavender, creating a dessert that’s both unique and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a sweet afternoon snack or impress guests at a gathering, these bars add a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to any occasion.

With just a few simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, these lavender lemon bars come together quickly while offering a special and refined flavor. Their delicate lavender infusion makes them an unexpected and delightful treat, sure to spark conversation and leave everyone wanting more.

I can’t wait to see how your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations! Feel free to leave a comment or share your experience with this recipe. Enjoy every bite of this beautiful dessert!