Recipe: Zesty Lavender Lemon Bars with a Tangy Twist

Zesty citrus meets delicate lavender in these mouthwatering lavender lemon bars that dance with bright, unexpected flavors.

The subtle floral notes weave through each tender bite, creating a sophisticated dessert that surprises and delights.

Sweet meets tart in a crisp shortbread crust that cradles the silky lemon filling.

Lavender’s gentle essence adds an elegant twist to the classic lemon bar, transforming a simple treat into a gourmet experience.

These bars offer a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts, promising a delicate balance of sunshine and serenity.

You’ll fall in love with every delicate, fragrant bite that whispers of summer gardens and culinary creativity.

Let these lavender lemon bars become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 12

Lavender Lemon Bar Ingredients to Brighten Your Baking

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation for a crisp, buttery base that holds the filling perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delicate golden color when baked.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, crumbly shortbread texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the crust.

• Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a smooth, silky custard-like consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the tangy lemon and provides structural support to the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling and gives it a delicate structure.
• Dried Lavender: Brings a subtle, aromatic floral note that complements the bright lemon flavors.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds natural essential oils for depth.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a sharp, tangy base that defines the classic lemon bar taste.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, snow-like dusting that adds visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness.
• Dried Lavender (Optional): Offers a beautiful garnish and reinforces the floral notes of the dessert.

Tools That Help You Bake Lavender Lemon Bars

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, sugar, and creating a smooth lemon-lavender filling.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Key for baking and setting the shortbread crust and filling.
• Parchment Paper: Helps line the pan and makes removing bars easier.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to create fresh lemon zest.
• Spatula: Helps spread dough evenly and scrape mixture from bowls.
• Knife: Used for slicing bars into serving portions.

How to Make Soft and Zesty Lavender Lemon Bars

• Craft the Buttery Base

Blend soft butter with sugar until creamy and light. Gently fold in flour and create a smooth dough. Press this delicate mixture into a lined baking pan, creating an even canvas for your delightful bars.

• Bake the Foundation

Slide the pan into a warm oven and let the base transform into a golden treasure. Watch carefully as it develops a delicate, sun-kissed color, then remove and let it rest.

• Whip Up the Zesty Lavender Blend

Crack fresh eggs into a bowl and marry them with sugar. Sprinkle in flour, crushed lavender, bright lemon zest, and tangy juice. Whisk everything into a silky, fragrant mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Layer and Bake

Pour the vibrant lavender-lemon mixture over the warm crust. Return to the oven and let magic happen as the filling sets into a beautiful, soft landscape.

• Chill and Unveil

Allow the bars to cool completely, then tuck them into the refrigerator. Let them rest and develop depth of flavor for about an hour.

• Serve with Flair

Dust with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar. Slice into elegant squares and surprise your taste buds with a burst of floral and citrus harmony.

Flavor Combinations That Pair With Lavender Lemon Bars

• Adjust the amount of ground lavender to suit your taste preferences, starting with less and adding more for a stronger floral note.
• Prepare these bars a day in advance and store in the refrigerator for deeper flavor development and easier slicing.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Replace eggs with aquafaba or commercial egg replacer, and use dairy-free butter alternatives to create a plant-based version of these delightful bars.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or bergamot to create unique variations that complement the lavender's subtle flavor profile.

Serve Lavender Lemon Bars at Garden Parties

• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these delicate bars on a tiered serving platter alongside chamomile tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Garden Party Delight: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh lavender sprigs and lemon wedges for a stunning outdoor gathering presentation.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a dessert board with these bars, fresh berries, and light whipped cream to elevate your weekend brunch spread.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package individually wrapped bars in clear cellophane with a lavender ribbon for a charming homemade gift that feels personal and thoughtful.

Store Lavender Lemon Bars for Best Results

• Keep these lavender lemon bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They maintain their delightful texture and flavor when chilled properly.
• Prepare the bars a day before serving to enhance the lavender and lemon flavors. The resting time allows ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a more intense taste experience.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Cut bars into uniform squares before storing to prevent crumbling. Use parchment paper between layers when stacking to keep the delicate shortbread crust intact and prevent sticking.

Tangy Lavender Lemon Bars

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Silky lavender lemon bars blend Mediterranean sunshine with delicate floral notes, creating a sophisticated dessert that whispers summer elegance. Sweet-tart precision and fragrant lavender promise pure sensory delight for passionate bakers searching for extraordinary kitchen magic.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp dried culinary lavender, finely ground
• ¼ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Extra dried lavender (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Thoroughly cream butter and sugar until airy, then fold in flour and salt to form a cohesive dough. Gently press the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan, ensuring an even, compact layer.
2. Initial Baking: Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake the shortbread base until it transforms into a delicate golden hue, approximately 18-20 minutes. Remove and let rest momentarily.
3. Filling Fusion: Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, ground lavender, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a silky, harmonious mixture. Pour this fragrant concoction over the warm crust, creating a smooth, even layer.
4. Final Transformation: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the filling to set with a subtle firmness at its center. The surface should appear just slightly jiggly when gently nudged.
5. Cooling and Finishing: Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan. Refrigerate for at least one hour to achieve an optimal texture and cleanly sliceable consistency. Before serving, dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar and optionally garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect shortbread crust texture, creating a crumbly and tender base that holds together beautifully.
• Use dried culinary lavender sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate lemon flavor; a little goes a long way in creating a balanced, aromatic profile.
• Allow the shortbread crust to cool slightly before adding the filling, which helps maintain a crisp crust and prevents absorption of excess moisture.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use coconut sugar or alternative sweeteners for low-glycemic options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg