Lavender Lemon Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Shortbread Crust
01 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
02 -
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
03 -
¼ cup powdered sugar
04 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 -
¼ teaspoon salt
→ Lemon Filling
06 -
2 large eggs
07 -
1 cup granulated sugar
08 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 -
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
10 -
1 tablespoon finely chopped culinary lavender
11 -
1 teaspoon lemon zest
12 -
¼ teaspoon baking powder
→ Garnish
13 -
Powdered sugar for dusting
14 -
Additional dried lavender buds for decoration (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough comes together. It should be crumbly but slightly sticky.
03 -
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it covers the entire surface. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and finely chopped lavender, and whisk until smooth.
05 -
Stir in the flour and baking powder to thicken the filling. Mix well to combine.
06 -
Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread it evenly. Be careful not to disturb the crust layer.
07 -
Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 -
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to fully set.
09 -
Once chilled, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar and garnish with a few dried lavender buds if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
# Notes:
01 -
These lemon bars combine the bright citrus flavor with delicate floral notes from culinary lavender.