These Lavender Lemon Bars are a bright and zesty treat! With a deliciously sweet and tangy lemon filling and a hint of fragrant lavender, they’re perfect for springtime.
Who knew flowers could taste so good? 😂 I love enjoying these bars with a cup of tea. They’re easy to make and a lovely way to impress guests or treat yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted butter: This is essential for a tender crust. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter, making sure to adjust the measurements if needed.
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar works best to achieve the right sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar, but it may alter the color slightly.
Culinary dried lavender: This gives a unique flavor. If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can use a small amount of lavender extract instead, but be cautious since it’s more concentrated.
Fresh lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor. If unavailable, bottled lemon juice can work, but it’s often less vibrant. Always prefer fresh when you can!
How Do I Make a Perfectly Crumbly Crust?
The crust sets the stage for your lemon bars, so pay attention to making it just right! Start by creaming butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix the flour and salt into the butter mixture slowly until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep it tender.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan. Using a glass or measuring cup helps smooth it out nicely.
- Bake until lightly golden, as this helps create a firm base that contrasts with the soft filling.
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 to 2 tsp culinary dried lavender buds, finely ground (adjust to taste)
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Additional dried lavender buds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60 minutes to bake and cool. Be sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture. So, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes actively working and then let them chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Leave some extra paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later with ease!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. The dough will feel crumbly but should hold together when you press it.
3. Press the Dough:
Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to smooth it out nicely. This will be your delicious crust!
4. Bake the Crust:
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden around the edges. Once done, take it out and set it aside to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Lemon Lavender Filling:
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and flour in a large bowl until smooth. This will create a lovely base for your filling.
6. Mix in the Flavors:
Now stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and finely ground dried lavender buds. Mix everything until well combined. The lavender will add a beautiful aroma!
7. Bake the Filling:
Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust and carefully return the baking pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. When it’s done, it should feel firm but still have a little jiggle in the center.
8. Cool and Chill:
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This might take a little while, so be patient! Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
9. Serve:
Finally, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar and sprinkle some dried lavender buds for a lovely presentation. Cut into squares and enjoy your bright, citrusy, floral lemon bars chilled or at room temperature!
Enjoy the deliciously refreshing taste of these Lavender Lemon Bars!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option. However, be aware that it may change the color and flavor of your bars a bit.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can be used, but it’s typically less vibrant. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of bottled juice for this recipe.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the bars up to 2 days in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator and dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the best presentation.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
