Have you ever experienced a flavor explosion so intense it practically teleports you to a sun-drenched Provençal field? Prepare yourself, because this Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe is about to do just that. These bars are a symphony of sunshine and serenity, a delightful dance of tart and sweet.
Imagine biting into a perfectly baked bar: the crisp, buttery shortbread crust giving way to a vibrant lemon curd, infused with the delicate floral notes of lavender. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to spontaneously burst into a joyful rendition of “La Vie en Rose.”
These Lavender Lemon Bars boast an irresistible flavor profile, a stunning visual appeal, and are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion. They are also incredibly versatile – serve them warm or cold, as an after-dinner treat or a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
These Lavender Lemon Bars are incredibly easy to make.
The flavor profile is a delightful balance of tart and sweet with subtle floral notes.
They look absolutely stunning, perfect for any gathering.
These bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit many preferences.
Ingredients for Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Lavender Curd
While the crust is cooling, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in the dried lavender during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat and strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lavender bits (unless you love a bit of texture!).
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust is completely cool, pour the lemon lavender curd evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the curd to set completely.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful explosion of lemon and lavender! A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a divine addition if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Seriously, dig in. These Lavender Lemon Bars are incredibly rewarding, both to make and to eat. The combination of the buttery shortbread, tangy lemon curd and subtle lavender is an exquisite balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a celebratory treat after a long day.
Step 6: Share (Maybe)
While we totally understand the urge to hoard these delectable treats all to yourself, consider sharing a few (or maybe just one) with friends or family. It’s a great way to spread the joy, and you might even earn some brownie points. But mostly, just enjoy your amazing culinary achievement.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make the crust first, ensuring it’s evenly pressed into the pan. Bake the crust partially before adding the lemon lavender filling; this prevents a soggy bottom. Then bake until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap the lemon zest for lime or orange. Add a pinch of cardamom or even some finely chopped pistachios for extra flair. A drizzle of honey after baking adds sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Lavender Lemon Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven for a warm, gooey treat.
Prepare the lemon curd carefully, making sure it thickens properly. Don’t overbake the crust or the filling, or they will become dry. Use fresh lavender for the best aroma and flavor.
My aunt once told me her secret: using good quality lemons makes all the difference in this recipe. The brightness truly shines through!
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)
My first attempt at Lavender Lemon Bars was a disaster. The crust crumbled, the filling was runny. But after learning this recipe, they were a hit at my family’s picnic.
Conclusion for Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe
These Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful fusion of sweet and floral, offering a unique twist on a classic treat. The fragrant lavender perfectly complements the tartness of the lemon, creating a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to achieve. The recipe is adaptable to personal preferences. With minimal effort, you will have a crowd-pleasing dessert, perfect for any occasion, or just a well-deserved afternoon treat! So, ditch the store-bought sweets and embark on this baking adventure! You won’t regret it.
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Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe
Delicious lavender lemon bars recipe recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later.
- Step 2: Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Step 3: Make the lemon lavender filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, lemon juice, eggs, ground lavender, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the lemon lavender filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Step 6: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover lavender lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a warm, gooey treat, gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- These bars are delightful served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.
- To prevent the crust from becoming too brown, lightly cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil during the final 5-7 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make these Lavender Lemon Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Lavender Lemon Bars are even better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully, and the crust gets a bit more tender. Make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be the star of your next gathering – or your quiet afternoon tea, let’s be honest. You deserve a treat!
What can I substitute for lavender?
While lavender truly elevates these Lavender Lemon Bars, you can experiment with other floral notes. A teaspoon of rosewater or orange blossom water would add a delightful twist. However, bear in mind that these alternatives won’t quite replicate the unique aromatic profile of lavender. Sticking to the recipe for this specific Lavender Lemon Bars recipe is the best route to optimal flavor.
Are these Lavender Lemon Bars gluten-free?
Not as written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make these Lavender Lemon Bars gluten-free by substituting your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly. Experiment with different gluten-free flour blends to achieve your desired texture for this Lavender Lemon Bars recipe.
How do I get the perfect balance of lavender and lemon in my Lavender Lemon Bars recipe?
Finding that sweet spot between lavender and lemon is key! Start by using the recommended amount of dried lavender. If you prefer a more pronounced lavender flavor, you can add a bit more – but be careful not to overpower the lemon. Taste as you go, and adjust to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way with lavender. The beauty of this Lavender Lemon Bars recipe is its adaptability!
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