Description
These Lavender Lemon Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a fragrant lemon and lavender filling for a delightful, aromatic dessert. The floral notes of dried and lavender extracts perfectly complement the tangy lemon, making these bars a unique and refreshing treat that can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
- 4 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon lavender extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the crust and filling.
- Prepare the Crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the softened butter, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 20 minutes or until it is slightly set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Infuse the Sugar: While the crust bakes, mix the sugar with dried culinary lavender. For best flavor, this lavender sugar mixture can be prepared a few days in advance to enhance the floral aroma.
- Prepare the Filling: In the electric mixer bowl, beat the eggs and freshly squeezed lemon juice together until combined. Gradually add the lavender sugar mixture, flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract, lavender extract, and salt. Beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated and form a smooth filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon-lavender filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and set but the interior is still soft and curd-like.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar. Let the bars cool completely to set fully before slicing into squares. For best taste and texture, store the bars in the refrigerator and serve chilled, though they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Notes
- For a stronger lavender flavor, allow the dried lavender to infuse into the sugar for several days before using.
- Storing lemon bars in the fridge enhances their texture and flavor, making them pleasantly cold and firm.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Make sure not to overbake the filling; it should still be slightly soft and curd-like when done.
- These bars can be dusted with additional powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation.
- This recipe is easy to double if you need a larger batch for gatherings or parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American