Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on traditional lemon bars, perfect for any occasion! Infused with homemade lavender sugar, these bars offer a light floral flavor that enhances their tangy and sweet profile. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or celebrating a special event, these bars will impress your guests with their unique taste and beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of lavender and lemon creates an exceptional taste that sets these bars apart from standard desserts.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats without hassle.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for parties, picnics, or afternoon tea, these bars fit any occasion beautifully.
- Make Ahead Option: These Lavender Lemon Bars can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient choice for busy days.
- Beautiful Presentation: Dusting with powdered sugar gives them an elegant touch, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Lavender Lemon Bars, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you need to prepare this delicious dessert.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for evenly baking your bars, ensuring they cook thoroughly.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to efficiently combine ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: A good whisk helps achieve the perfect texture when blending eggs and sugar.
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)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
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.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and dried lavender.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and lavender sugar until frothy.
- Mix in fresh lemon juice and zest until well blended.
- Gradually add flour while stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust evenly.
- Bake for an additional 40 minutes or until set in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Step 5: Serve
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch. Enjoy your delicious Lavender Lemon Bars!
How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars
These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in their serving options. Here are some creative ways to enjoy them!
With Fresh Berries
- Serve your Lavender Lemon Bars with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light and creamy balance to the tangy lemon filling.
Paired with Iced Tea
- Enjoy these bars alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea. The floral notes in the bars complement the tea perfectly, creating a delightful treat.
As a Picnic Dessert
- Cut them into smaller squares for easy transport to your next picnic. They are portable and sure to impress your friends!
With Lavender Infused Sugar
- Dust some additional lavender sugar on top before serving. It enhances the lavender flavor and adds an elegant touch.
With Lemon Zest Garnish
- Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top for an extra zesty kick. It makes for an appealing presentation as well!
How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars
To achieve the perfect Lavender Lemon Bars, follow these simple tips that will elevate your baking game.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and high-quality culinary lavender. This ensures vibrant flavors.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely in the refrigerator before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bars; they should be slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: When serving, sifting powdered sugar over the bars adds an aesthetic appeal and prevents clumping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional flavors like rosemary or mint alongside the lavender for a unique twist.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to a week!
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars
When serving Lavender Lemon Bars, consider pairing them with these delightful side dishes that complement their sweet-tangy flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits enhances the summer vibe and provides a healthful addition.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese balances out the sweetness while adding creaminess.
- Savory Scones: Pairing with savory scones (like cheddar or herb) provides a satisfying contrast and rounds out your dessert spread.
- Herbed Quinoa Salad: A herbed quinoa salad brings texture and nutrition, making it a great accompaniment for this dessert.
- Roasted Nuts: Offering roasted nuts as a snack option adds crunch and pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors.
- Lemon Sorbet: For an extra citrus kick, serve lemon sorbet on the side; it’s both refreshing and palate-cleansing!
- Iced Coffee: A glass of iced coffee complements the bars beautifully, enhancing their rich flavors while providing a caffeine boost!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Lavender Lemon Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final outcome. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
- Using Fresh Lavender: Fresh lavender can be too strong and overpowering. Opt for culinary dried lavender to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Overbaking the Bars: Overbaking will lead to dry lemon bars. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time for a perfect texture.
- Skipping the Zest: Not adding lemon zest can result in less flavor. Zest enhances the lemony taste, so be sure to include it.
- Ignoring Proper Cooling Time: Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.
- Not Using Enough Lemon Juice: Insufficient lemon juice may make your bars too sweet. Follow the recipe closely to ensure the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars
- Place bars in an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap in foil.
- They will last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 20-30 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: This is not recommended as it may alter the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lavender Lemon Bars?
Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on traditional lemon bars, featuring a light lavender flavor from homemade lavender sugar.
How do I make Lavender Sugar?
To make lavender sugar, blend granulated sugar with dried culinary lavender using a food processor until well combined.
Can I use fresh lemons for this recipe?
Yes, using fresh lemons is recommended as they provide optimal flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
How should I serve Lavender Lemon Bars?
These bars are best served chilled, dusted with powdered sugar, making them an elegant dessert option.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding herbs or different citrus zests to create unique flavors tailored to your taste.
Final Thoughts
These Lavender Lemon Bars offer a refreshing and unique dessert that combines sweetness with a hint of floral notes. They are perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings, making them your own delightful creation!
Lavender Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 16 servings 1x
Description
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in these Lavender Lemon Bars, a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert. Infused with homemade lavender sugar, these bars balance zesty lemon with delicate floral notes, creating a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a summer gathering or enjoying an afternoon tea, these bars are sure to impress with their vibrant taste and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- 22.75 oz granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP culinary dried lavender
- 8 oz unsalted butter, melted
- 19.25 oz lavender sugar
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- 9 oz all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and dried lavender. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until just combined. Press into the baking pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- Whisk together eggs and lavender sugar until frothy. Mix in lemon juice and zest, then gradually add flour until smooth.
- Pour filling over the crust and bake for an additional 40 minutes until set in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
