These lovely Lavender Lemon Bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy! The creamy lemon filling has a hint of lavender, making each bite feel special and refreshing.
When I make these bars, everyone loves how the flavors dance together! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy that lovely floral taste. 🌼🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the crust a rich flavor and tender texture. If you’re short on butter, you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s in a softened state!
Granulated Sugar: The sugar in both crust and filling is essential for sweetness. You can swap it with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup for a healthier alternative. Remember to adjust the liquid if using syrup.
All-Purpose Flour: This is versatile and creates a nice structure. If needed, gluten-free flour blends work well here, but ensure to pick one that has xanthan gum for best results.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons add brightness. If you don’t have fresh, bottled lemon juice can work—but fresh is always tastier! You can try using orange or lime for a twist in flavor.
Culinary Dried Lavender: Lavender lends a unique floral flavor. If you can’t find it, consider using dried chamomile or elderflower, but they will change the flavor profile a bit. Always ensure it’s food-safe!
How Do I Ensure My Lemon Bars Set Perfectly?
Setting the filling is key for delicious lemon bars. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Always whisk the filling ingredients until smooth; this helps in achieving a creamy texture.
- Bake the filling until it’s just slightly golden around the edges and springs back when lightly touched. This is a sign it’s set properly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. They will firm up more as they cool, giving you cleaner slices.
Enjoy these tips for the perfect Lemon Bars that are both tangy and fragrant! A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch. Happy baking!
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars
The 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 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 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon culinary dried lavender, finely ground
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 40-45 minutes of baking time. So, you can enjoy these delightful bars in about 1 hour total, not counting the cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until your mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes around 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a nice, tender crust!
3. Make the Dough:
Next, add in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Mix just until it’s combined; you want a crumbly dough but don’t overmix it! Once ready, press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While the crust bakes, grab another bowl to mix your filling. Whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the finely ground lavender. Keep whisking until smooth and well combined—a few lumps are okay!
5. Add the Filling:
Once your crust is baked and still hot, pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. It’ll help set the filling better.
6. Bake the Bars:
Put the pan back into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be set and slightly golden around the edges—this means they’re done!
7. Cool and Slice:
After baking, take the bars out of the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.
8. Serve with a Dusting of Sugar:
Before serving, generously dust your delicious bars with powdered sugar to give them a lovely, sweet finish. Enjoy your refreshing Lavender Lemon Bars!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for the Crust?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, or even oat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the flour you choose.
How Long Do Lavender Lemon Bars Last?
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure to dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for the best presentation!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute—just make sure to choose a pure lemon juice without added sugars. You’ll need about the same amount as fresh juice (1/4 cup) to maintain the flavor.
Can I Freeze Lavender Lemon Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
