Lavender Lemon Bars

These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar recipe. Combining the zesty brightness of lemons with the subtle floral notes of lavender, these bars are perfect for summer picnics, garden parties, or simply as a refreshing treat at home. The unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation make them a standout dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender creates a refreshing dessert that’s unlike any other.
• Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful bars without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or just a sweet afternoon snack.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow color topped with powdered sugar makes for an eye-catching dessert.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them plain or dressed up with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Lavender Lemon Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools that will simplify the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking the lemon bars and achieving that ideal texture.
• Electric mixer: It saves time when blending ingredients together smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors in your Lavender Lemon Bars.

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)
• 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 bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and form a dough.
3. Press this dough into the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy.
2. Add in fresh lemon juice, remaining lavender sugar, lemon zest, and all-purpose flour.
3. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Filling with Crust

Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over it carefully.

Step 6: Bake Again

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until set in the center.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let your Lavender Lemon Bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Enjoy this scrumptious dessert that perfectly blends lush flavors with simplicity!

How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars

Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve the bars with a side of mixed fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of freshness that complements the tangy lemon flavor.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the lemon bars. Consider using lightly sweetened or vanilla-flavored whipped cream for extra flavor.

Chilled with Iced Tea

• Pair your Lavender Lemon Bars with a glass of iced tea. The refreshing drink will complement the sweet and tangy notes of the bars, especially during warm days.

Garnished with Lemon Zest

• For an extra zing, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the bars before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing visual touch.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Enjoy these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm bar, creating a delicious contrast.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over each bar offers an additional layer of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the lavender flavor.

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How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars

To ensure your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and high-quality culinary lavender will enhance the flavors significantly. Always opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice for the best taste.

• Chill Before Cutting: Allowing your bars to cool completely and chilling them in the refrigerator for at least two hours makes it easier to cut clean squares without crumbling.

• Sift Powdered Sugar: When dusting powdered sugar on top, sift it first to avoid clumps. This gives your bars a beautiful, even finish.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, feel free to increase the amount of lavender sugar used in either the crust or filling according to your taste.

• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on baking time; when done, the center should be set but still slightly jiggly. Overbaking can lead to dry bars.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other flavors like berries or spices into your mixture! Experimentation keeps things exciting and personalizes your dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars

Pairing side dishes with Lavender Lemon Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some recommendations:

1. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate and complements the citrus flavors perfectly.

2. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with rich desserts.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweet and tangy bars.

4. Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse offers a decadent contrast that many will enjoy.

5. Minty Cucumber Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing crunch that pairs well with sweet dishes.

6. Herbed Crostini: Lightly toasted crostinis topped with fresh herbs bring savory notes alongside your sweet treat.

7. Honeyed Yogurt: Creamy yogurt drizzled with honey creates a smooth pairing that’s both healthy and delightful.

8. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts offer texture and contrasting flavors that enhance any dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lavender Lemon Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using regular sugar instead of lavender sugar: Regular granulated sugar won’t impart the delightful floral flavor that lavender sugar does. Always use homemade or store-bought lavender sugar for the best taste.
• Overbaking the bars: Baking too long can lead to dry lemon bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
• Not zesting enough lemons: The zest adds a vibrant flavor. Make sure to zest two lemons thoroughly for a fragrant and tangy filling.
• Skipping the cooling time: Letting the bars cool completely is essential. They need time to set properly, which helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Neglecting to sift powdered sugar: For a beautiful presentation, sift powdered sugar over the top just before serving. This step enhances their visual appeal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat bars individually on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, watching closely not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Lavender Lemon Bars?

Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert combining tangy lemon flavor with floral notes from lavender sugar, creating a unique and refreshing treat.

Can I use fresh lavender in my Lavender Lemon Bars?

Yes, you can use fresh culinary lavender! However, remember that dried lavender has a more concentrated flavor; adjust the amount accordingly if substituting.

How can I customize my Lavender Lemon Bars?

Feel free to add herbs like thyme or mint for added flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange for variation.

Are Lavender Lemon Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Lavender Lemon Bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These Lavender Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with various flavors or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and soothing lavender!