These Lavender Lemon Bars are a refreshing twist on a classic treat! They feature a tangy lemon filling with a hint of floral lavender for a unique taste.
Honestly, who knew lemon bars could get even better? The lavender adds such a lovely aroma—it’s like a garden party in your mouth! 🌸🍋
I love serving these bars chilled, and they make perfect snacks for warm days. Just cut them up, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, and enjoy a little sunshine in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for a balanced flavor in the crust. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute that’s available at many stores.
Lavender Buds: You’ll want to use culinary-grade dried lavender for flavor. If you can’t find it, try chamomile or elderflower for a different, yet floral, twist.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons give the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but it can lack the fresh tang. Lemon zest enhances aroma, so try to use fresh when you can.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in various recipe stages. For a lower calorie option, you can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol in the filling, but keep in mind the sweetness level might alter slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust for Your Lemon Bars?
The crust is vital for the structure of your lemon bars. Start with softened butter for easy mixing, and don’t overmix; just combine until you see flour disappear. This keeps the crust tender.
- Preheat your oven for an even bake—350°F is ideal.
- Press the dough gently but firmly into the pan to avoid crumbling later.
- Bake until it’s lightly golden. This step ensures your crust is not soggy before adding the 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 teaspoon salt
For the Lavender Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons lavender syrup (strained, from above)
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lavender lemon bars recipe will take about 25 minutes of active prep time, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking, and then allow at least 1 hour for cooling before serving. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes until you can enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lavender Syrup:
In a small saucepan, mix together the water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Heat over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. After about 15 minutes, remove it from heat and let it steep. Once it’s cool, strain the syrup to remove the lavender buds and set it aside.
2. Make the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. Next, gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Press this dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake the crust for about 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. While that bakes, you can prepare your filling!
3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, and 1/4 cup of flour until everything is smooth and well combined. Then add the fresh lemon juice, zest, and 2 tablespoons of the cooled lavender syrup. Stir until it’s all mixed well!
4. Bake the Bars:
Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the lemon filling over the top of it. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be just right!
5. Cool and Dust:
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This might take about an hour. Once it’s completely cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar to add a sweet touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to cut the beautiful bars into squares and serve! For an extra special touch, you can garnish each square with fresh lemon slices or a sprig of lavender. Enjoy your fragrant and tangy Lavender Lemon Bars with friends and family!
Can I Use Fresh Lavender Instead of Dried?
It’s best to use dried culinary lavender for this recipe, as it has a more concentrated flavor. If you use fresh lavender, you’ll need to use about three times as much, but be sure it’s also edible grade!
How Do I Store Leftover Lavender Lemon Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Substitute the Eggs in the Lemon Filling?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg) if you’re looking for a vegan option. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Fresh Lemons for Juice?
If you’re short on fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute, but try to use only 100% pure lemon juice to maintain flavor. Adjust the quantity as needed based on the tartness you desire!
