I can hardly contain my excitement about sharing one of my all-time favorite treats with you — Lavender Lemon Bars! Picture this: every bite is a sun-kissed burst of citrus paired with the surprising, delicate flavor of lavender. Every time I make these bars, it brings back fond memories of lazy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden, the air infused with the sweet smell of blooming lavender and ripe lemons. It’s the perfect recipe to brighten up any day!
What makes these bars special is not just their mouthwatering flavor, but also how simple and quick they are to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself on a quiet evening at home, these Lavender Lemon Bars will surely impress. So, let’s dive into the details and create this delightful dessert together!
What’s in Lavender Lemon Bars?
– Flour: The base of your crust, all-purpose flour gives the bars structure and helps hold them together beautifully.
– Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the crust that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. I prefer using high-quality powdered sugar for that perfect finish.
– Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy mixing, butter gives richness to the crust, contributing to its lovely flavor.
– Large Eggs: These guys help bind the lemon layer, creating a smooth custard-like texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy crust.
– Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
– Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about two lemons) is what makes these bars zing and pop.
– Dried Culinary Lavender: This aromatic herb adds a floral note that elevates the dessert to another level. High-quality culinary lavender makes all the difference, so if you can find it at a specialty store, it’s worth it!
– Baking Powder: Just a little to help the lemon filling rise and set beautifully.
– A Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavors overall.
– Extra Powdered Sugar: For that final touch — a light dusting on top makes these bars not only taste divine but look pretty too!
Is Lavender Lemon Bars Good for You?
So, let’s talk health benefits! While these bars are indeed a treat, they can still bring a little sunshine to your dessert options.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient isn’t just for flavor — it’s packed with vitamin C, which is fantastic for your immune system. It also assists in digestion, thanks to its acidity which mimics the juices in your stomach.
Lavender: Not just a pretty flower, lavender can have calming properties that help relieve stress and tension. How nice is it to satisfy your sweet tooth while giving yourself a little emotional boost?
However, like all sweet treats, moderation is key. With sugar and butter as the main components, it’s best to enjoy these beauties occasionally. Just don’t be surprised if you find it hard to stop at one!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup of flour
– 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– Extra powdered sugar for dusting
*Serves: About 9 bars*
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan — I usually use an 8×8-inch for the perfect thickness.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until it has a crumbly texture. Don’t worry about it being too perfect; those little buttery nuggets are lovely!
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking pan. This will be your delectable crust. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. While your crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, dried lavender, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. The smell of lemon and lavender is truly heavenly — it reminds me of spring!
5. Once your crust is ready, pour that luscious lemon mixture evenly over it.
6. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until the filling is set (you can do a toothpick test — it should come out clean).
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before dusting them with powdered sugar. Now comes the hardest part: cutting them into perfect squares.
Tips for the Perfect Bars!
Feel free to get creative! You can try substituting a portion of the granulated sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile, or even infuse the butter with lavender beforehand for an extra punch of flavor. These bars are also delicious when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream — decadent, right?
I can’t wait for you to try these Lavender Lemon Bars! They are a joy to make and an even greater joy to taste. If you do give them a try, please let me know how it goes. Happy baking, my friend!
