These Lavender Lemon Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion! With a unique blend of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender, these bars will delight your taste buds. Ideal for summer picnics, tea parties, or as a refreshing treat after dinner, they stand out with their gorgeous presentation and delightful flavor. The use of homemade lavender sugar in both the crust and filling elevates this classic dessert to something truly special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of lemon and lavender creates a refreshing twist on traditional lemon bars.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Dessert: Serve them at parties, brunches, or simply enjoy them during a quiet afternoon with tea.
Beautiful Presentation: The lovely color and dusting of powdered sugar make these bars an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored, making them a convenient choice for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything on hand will help you focus on creating delicious Lavender Lemon Bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Baking parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking your bars while allowing ample space for cutting.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps you mix ingredients separately without hassle.
Whisk: A whisk ensures smooth mixing of ingredients, especially when combining eggs and sugar.

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 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; the mixture should resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until fluffy.
Add fresh lemon juice, remaining lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour; mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Layers

Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust evenly.

Step 6: Bake Again

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

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance!

Enjoy your delightful Lavender Lemon Bars!

How to Serve Lavender Lemon Bars

Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in several creative ways. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these bars will impress your guests and elevate your dessert table.

With Fresh Berries

Serve the bars alongside a mix of fresh berries for a colorful and refreshing contrast to the tangy lemon flavor.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal, making each bar look irresistible.

Pair with Whipped Cream

Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that complements the tangy lemon filling.

Accompany with Herbal Tea

Serve these bars with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, to enhance the floral notes of the lavender.

Add a Lemon Zest Garnish

Garnish each bar with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an added citrus kick and vibrant color.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

For a decadent treat, serve Lavender Lemon Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.

How to Perfect Lavender Lemon Bars

To ensure your Lavender Lemon Bars turn out beautifully every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice for optimal taste.
Chill before serving: Letting your bars cool completely before slicing makes them easier to cut and improves the texture.
Mind your baking time: Keep an eye on them as they bake; overcooking can lead to dry bars. They should have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
Experiment with lavender: Adjust the amount of culinary dried lavender based on your preference for floral notes. Start small to find your ideal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Lemon Bars

When serving Lavender Lemon Bars, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:

Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing dessert adds a cool touch that pairs beautifully with the tanginess of the bars.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad balances sweetness and adds a crunchy texture to your dessert spread.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone for a rich contrast to the zesty bars.
Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits brightens up any plate and offers additional freshness.
Herbed Quinoa Salad: This savory dish provides protein and complements the sweet flavors without overwhelming them.
Roasted Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts offers crunch and contrasts nicely with the softness of the bars.
Mint Tea: Serve warm mint tea as an aromatic beverage that enhances the flavors in both dessert and side dishes.
Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt serves as a perfect dip or topping, adding richness without overshadowing the lemon flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lavender Lemon Bars, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you want to avoid:

Using the wrong type of lavender – Not all lavender is safe for culinary use. Always choose culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure safety and flavor.
Skipping the zest – The zest adds a bright lemon flavor that complements the bars. Don’t skip it; use fresh lemons for the best taste.
Overbaking the bars – Baking too long can result in dry bars. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven when they are slightly jiggly in the center.
Not cooling completely – Cutting into warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for perfect squares.
Ignoring measurement accuracy – Baking is a science. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lavender Lemon Bars

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
These bars can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Lavender Lemon Bars

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave – Use medium power and heat in 10-second intervals until cozy.
Stovetop – Place a bar in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lavender Lemon Bars:

What are Lavender Lemon Bars?

Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on traditional lemon bars that include culinary lavender, adding a unique floral flavor.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

While fresh lavender can be used, it’s important to use it sparingly as it has a stronger flavor. Dried culinary lavender is typically recommended.

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

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

Can I customize my Lavender Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different citrus flavors or add toppings like whipped cream or berries for variety.

Final Thoughts

These Lavender Lemon Bars offer a refreshing twist on dessert that is both tangy and sweet. Their unique flavor makes them perfect for summer gatherings or afternoon treats. Feel free to customize these bars with other flavors or toppings to suit your taste!

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Lavender Lemon Bars

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Lavender Lemon Bars, where the tangy brightness of fresh lemons meets the aromatic floral notes of culinary lavender. These bars are perfect for any occasion, adding a unique twist to a classic dessert. Ideal for summer picnics, tea parties, or as a refreshing treat after dinner, they are sure to impress with their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. With an easy-to-follow recipe that incorporates homemade lavender sugar into both the crust and filling, you’ll find these bars irresistible!

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 large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, culinary dried lavender, melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour until well mixed. Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
In another bowl, whisk eggs until fluffy. Add fresh lemon juice, remaining lavender sugar, lemon zest, and flour; mix until smooth.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust evenly.
Bake again for 40 minutes or until set in the center.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and dust with powdered sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American