Lavender Lemon Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lavender Lemon Bars are the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and floral, making them an ideal treat for spring or summer gatherings. The buttery crust is golden and crisp, while the filling is smooth and creamy. The lavender sugar adds a sophisticated touch that elevates these bars beyond the usual lemon dessert. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning with a dusting of powdered sugar and optional lavender buds on top.

Ingredients

For the Lavender Sugar:

• 22.75 oz granulated sugar (3 ¼ cups)

• 2 tbsp culinary dried lavender

For the Crust:

• 8 oz unsalted butter (1 cup), melted and slightly cooled

• 3.5 oz lavender sugar (½ cup)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ 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 ¾ cups)

• Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tbsp)

• 2.25 oz all-purpose flour (½ cup)

• Powdered sugar, for serving

Directions

To Make the Lavender Sugar:

1. Place the dried lavender in the bowl of a food processor and blend it for 10-15 seconds to chop it into small pieces.

2. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the processor and blend well for 15-20 seconds, until the lavender is finely ground and mixed into the sugar.

3. Add the remaining sugar and pulse briefly until it’s well-mixed.

To Make the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil so that it extends up the sides, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lavender sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.

3. Add the flour and stir with a spatula until fully combined with no streaks of flour.

4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top.

To Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lavender sugar, and lemon zest.

2. Sift the flour on top of the egg mixture and whisk it in until fully combined.

3. When the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over the hot crust.

4. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the center barely jiggles when tapped.

5. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. For clean cuts, refrigerate the bars until completely cold.

6. To cut, remove the bars from the pan using the foil as handles. Use a sharp chef’s knife, wiping it off between cuts for clean slices.

To Serve:

1. Sprinkle the top of the bars with powdered sugar before serving, and garnish with a few lavender buds if desired.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Tips and Notes

• Lavender: Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender, which is safe for consumption. Avoid using lavender meant for decor or fragrance.

• Crust: The crust recipe is inspired by Alice Medrich’s Pure Dessert, known for its perfect texture and buttery flavor.

• Measuring Tips: We recommend using a kitchen scale for more accurate measurements, especially for baking. If you prefer to use volume measurements, follow the provided cup equivalents, but remember that 8 oz does not always equal 1 cup when it comes to weight.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender from my garden?

Yes, as long as it’s culinary-grade lavender and free of pesticides or chemicals. Make sure to chop it finely before using.

What can I use if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

You can use a smaller pan, like an 8×8, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time. The filling will be thicker, so it may require a bit more time in the oven.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them great for meal prep or make-ahead desserts.

How do I get the cleanest cuts?

Allow the bars to cool completely, and then refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Use a sharp knife, wiping it off after each cut for clean, even pieces.

Conclusion

Lavender Lemon Bars are a fragrant, tangy, and sweet treat that brings a unique twist to the classic lemon bar. Infused with homemade lavender sugar, they offer a delicate floral note that complements the bright lemon flavor beautifully. These bars are perfect for spring or summer gatherings, offering a light and refreshing dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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