Lavender Lemon Bars are a beautifully balanced dessert that brings together the floral notes of culinary lavender with the bright tartness of fresh lemons. These bars are a refined twist on the classic lemon bar, perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you want to serve something both elegant and refreshing. The shortbread crust is tender and buttery with a hint of vanilla, providing a perfect base for the luscious lemon filling. What truly sets this recipe apart is the infusion of dried lavender and a touch of lavender extract, adding a unique aromatic quality without overwhelming the citrus flavor.

The filling is silky and smooth, with a vibrant lemony brightness that is mellowed and enhanced by the floral lavender. These bars strike a perfect harmony between sweet and tart, firm and creamy. Once baked and chilled, they slice beautifully into clean squares that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re a fan of floral desserts or just looking for a new take on a classic, these Lavender Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that will impress both in flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: Lavender and lemon create a floral, citrusy pairing that’s refreshingly different.
Elegant and Eye-Catching: These bars are perfect for showers, brunches, or afternoon tea.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Everyday ingredients become something special with just a hint of lavender.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars need to cool before serving, making them ideal for prepping ahead.
Customizable: Easily adjust the lavender intensity or use other citrus like lime or orange.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Unsalted butter (softened)
All-purpose flour
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

For the Filling:

Granulated sugar
Dried culinary lavender
Eggs
Fresh lemon juice
All-purpose flour
Fresh lemon zest
Vanilla extract
Lavender extract
Salt

Variations

Citrus Swaps: Substitute lemon with lime, orange, or grapefruit for a different citrus profile.
Herbal Infusion: Add a small amount of rosemary or thyme to the crust for added herbal depth.
Shortbread Twist: Use almond or oat flour for a nuttier crust.
Extra Lavender: Add more lavender extract or garnish the top with dried lavender buds for a stronger floral finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.

Step 3

Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 4

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. Grind the dried lavender together with the sugar using a food processor or mortar and pestle to release the oils.

Step 5

In a large bowl, whisk together the lavender sugar, eggs, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract, lavender extract, and salt until fully combined.

Step 6

Pour the filling over the warm crust and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm in the center.

Step 7

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Step 8

Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use culinary lavender specifically—other types may be too strong or not food-safe.
Grinding the lavender with sugar helps release its flavor and evenly distributes it.
Zest the lemons before juicing for ease and to retain the essential oils.
Bake the crust fully before adding the filling to ensure a firm base.
Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, neat bars.

How to Serve

Serve Lavender Lemon Bars chilled with a light dusting of powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with tea or sparkling drinks and are perfect for brunch tables, picnics, or plated desserts for special occasions. Garnish with a few edible flowers or a twist of lemon zest for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Freeze sliced bars in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. What kind of lavender should I use?

Only use culinary-grade dried lavender, which is safe and specifically grown for consumption.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for flavor and zesting, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

3. How do I prevent the filling from cracking?

Don’t overbake and allow the bars to cool gradually. Cracks are mostly aesthetic and won’t affect taste.

4. Can I make these bars without lavender?

Yes, omit the lavender and extract for classic lemon bars.

5. Is the lavender flavor strong?

It’s subtle and balanced with lemon. You can adjust to taste by increasing or reducing the amount.

6. Can I use lavender essential oil instead of extract?

No, essential oils are highly concentrated and not always food-safe. Use only culinary lavender extract.

7. Why grind the lavender with sugar?

It helps distribute the lavender flavor evenly and releases essential oils for better aroma.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to replace the all-purpose flour in both crust and filling.

9. How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for best results.

10. Are these bars overly sweet?

They are sweet but balanced by lemon’s tartness and lavender’s floral notes.

Conclusion

Lavender Lemon Bars offer a delightful twist on a timeless dessert, combining the tart brightness of lemons with the soothing floral essence of lavender. With a buttery crust and a silky, fragrant filling, these bars are ideal for any occasion where you want to impress with both flavor and presentation. Simple to prepare and easy to store, they’ll quickly become a standout in your dessert rotation.