Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe for Zesty Sweet Joy

Creamy lavender lemon bars bring a delightful burst of sunshine to your dessert table.

Sweet floral notes dance with zesty citrus in this unexpected treat.

Bakery-style elegance meets homemade charm through a simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Delicate lavender whispers subtle sophistication against bright lemon’s tangy backdrop.

Guests will marvel at these elegant bars that look professionally crafted.

Soft, buttery shortbread serves as the perfect foundation for this unique flavor combination.

You can master this impressive dessert that promises to surprise and delight everyone at your gathering.

Try These Swaps in Your Lavender Lemon Bars

• Gluten-Free Lavender Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate lavender and lemon flavors.
• Vegan Lavender Lemon Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or flax eggs, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative that keeps the zesty essence.
• Low-Sugar Lavender Lemon Bars: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reducing overall calories while preserving the bright lemon and floral lavender notes.
• Dairy-Free Lavender Lemon Bars: Swap butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy this refreshing dessert.

Answers About Baking Lavender Lemon Bars

• What is ground lavender, and where can I find it?

Ground lavender is dried lavender flowers finely ground into a powder. You can find it in specialty spice stores, gourmet food shops, online retailers like Amazon, or grind whole dried lavender buds in a spice grinder at home.

• Can I use fresh lavender instead of ground lavender?

No, fresh lavender has a different moisture content and intensity. Ground lavender is preferred for baking as it distributes evenly and provides a consistent flavor without adding excess moisture to the recipe.

• How do I know when the lemon-lavender filling is properly baked?

The filling is done when it looks set and slightly firm in the center, with minimal jiggling when you gently shake the pan. It should not appear liquid or extremely wet when you touch it lightly.

• Why do I need to chill the bars for an hour after baking?

Chilling helps the bars set completely, enhances the texture, and makes cutting clean, precise squares easier. The cooling process allows the filling to firm up and develop a more cohesive, smooth consistency.

Lavender Lemon Bars That Taste Like a Garden Dream

• Effortless preparation makes these lavender lemon bars accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Combining tangy lemon with delicate lavender creates a unique, sophisticated taste profile that surprises and delights the palate.
• Perfect for elegant afternoon tea, summer gatherings, or as a sophisticated sweet treat that impresses guests without complicated techniques.
• Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for busy hosts who want a stress-free dessert option.

Everything You Need for Floral Citrus Bars

• Butter: Rich base for the classic shortbread crust, adds delicious flavor and tender texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp crust.
• Flour: Structural foundation for the crust, creating a classic shortbread consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the lemon-lavender custard, creating smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a silky consistency.
• Flour: Thickens the filling and provides structure.
• Ground Lavender: Adds delicate floral notes and subtle aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy flavor that complements the lavender.

• Powdered Sugar: Classic topping for a beautiful, elegant presentation.
• Dried Lavender: Optional garnish for extra visual appeal and fragrance.

Instructions for the Dreamiest Lavender Lemon Bars

Step 1: Create Buttery Base

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Fold in flour and salt, forming a soft dough. Press mixture evenly into parchment-lined baking pan. Bake until edges turn golden and center looks set.

Step 2: Whisk Vibrant Filling

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Flour
• Ground lavender
• Fresh lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk until mixture becomes smooth and silky. Ensure no lumps remain for a perfect texture.

Step 3: Layer And Bake

Pour lavender-lemon mixture over warm crust. Spread evenly using a spatula. Return pan to oven and bake until filling sets and becomes slightly firm in center.

Step 4: Chill And Transform

Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to refrigerator and let chill for minimum one hour. Chilling helps bars develop rich, intense flavors.

Step 5: Decorate And Serve

Dust bars with powdered sugar. Sprinkle dried lavender flowers for elegant presentation. Slice into rectangular pieces. Serve chilled and enjoy delightful balance of tangy and floral notes.

Tips for Balance Between Bold and Soft Flavors

• Elevate Crust Texture: Chill the butter before mixing for a crumblier, more delicate shortbread base that melts in your mouth.
• Lavender Intensity Control: Adjust ground lavender amount to suit personal taste, starting with less to avoid overpowering the lemon's brightness.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for crisp, professional-looking bars.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Storage Savvy: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

Storage Tips to Keep Lemon Bars Zesty

• Store leftover lavender lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
• Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300F to restore their delightful texture and refresh flavors.

Beverages That Match Lavender Lemon Bars Beautifully

• Perfect Lavender Lemon Bar Pairings
• Select a delicate Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright citrus notes that complement the lemon's tanginess and enhance the lavender's subtle floral essence.
• Brew a chamomile or Earl Grey tea to mirror the lavender's gentle aromatics and provide a soothing counterpoint to the dessert's bright, zesty flavors.
• Enjoy a light, dry sparkling wine or prosecco that cuts through the bar's richness while echoing its elegant, refined character with refreshing effervescence.
• Create a lavender gin fizz or vodka-based cocktail that amplifies the dessert's botanical undertones and offers a sophisticated adult pairing experience.

Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lavender lemon bars blend Mediterranean sunshine with delicate floral notes in a sublime dessert. Silky custard nestled on buttery shortbread creates a sophisticated treat that transports you to a fragrant Provençal garden.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

Garnish Ingredients:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Extra dried lavender (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare the baking workspace by positioning the oven rack at center position and heating to 350F (175C). Carefully line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
2. Create a delicate shortbread foundation by gently combining butter and sugar until achieving a light, whipped consistency. Gradually incorporate flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the shortbread mixture into the prepared pan, using fingertips to distribute evenly and create a smooth, uniform layer. Bake until edges transform into a pale golden hue, approximately 18-20 minutes.
4. While the crust rests, craft the vibrant lemon-lavender filling by whisking eggs until they become uniformly blended. Integrate sugar, flour, ground lavender, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, stirring until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
5. Carefully pour the aromatic filling over the warm shortbread base, ensuring complete and even coverage. Return to the oven and bake until the center sets with a gentle firmness, roughly 20-25 minutes.
6. Allow the lavender lemon bars to cool completely within the pan at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of one hour to enhance structural integrity and flavor melding.
7. Prior to serving, dust the surface with a delicate veil of powdered sugar. Optional: Sprinkle dried lavender as an elegant garnish. Slice into precise squares and serve chilled.

Notes

• Swap ground lavender with dried lavender flowers for a more intense floral essence and visual appeal.
• Ensure butter is room temperature for smoother shortbread crust and easier mixing.
• For gluten-free version, replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour in both crust and filling stages.
• Reduce sugar by 25% if preferring less sweetness, which works well with the bright lemon and delicate lavender flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg