How to Make Lavender Lemon Bars – Easy Recipe

I have to say, I’m absolutely in love with lavender lemon bars. There’s something magical about how the calming floral notes of lavender blend with the bright, tangy flavour of lemon. Every time I make these, they remind me of a warm spring afternoon, enjoying a sweet treat with friends or family. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something unique and delicious, these bars are a fantastic choice. Let me walk you through how I make them—and trust me, it’s easier than you might think!

Why You’ll Love These Lavender Lemon Bars

These aren’t just your typical lemon bars. They’ve got that little extra flair that makes them truly special. Here’s why I’m sure you’ll enjoy them just as much as I do:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The floral sweetness of lavender and the zesty kick of lemon create such an ideal combination. It’s light, spicy, and perfectly sweetened for a refreshing treat.

Unique and Beautiful: Honestly, these bars are as pretty as they are tasty. The pastel yellow filling with a hint of purple from the lavender makes them a real showpiece.

Surprisingly Simple: Despite sounding fancy, they’re super easy to make. No need to be a pro in the kitchen—anyone can make these with ease!

Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a tea party, a potluck, or just a cosy afternoon at home, these lavender lemon bars fit right in.

Ingredients Needed for Lavender Lemon Bars

Before we get started, let’s make sure everything is ready. High-quality ingredients make all the difference.

1. Culinary Lavender: Make sure you’re using culinary-grade lavender. Trust me; you don’t want to use just any lavender—it needs to be safe to eat and have a delicate flavour.
2. Fresh Lemons: There’s nothing quite like the vibrant flavour of freshly squeezed lemons! You’ll need both the juice and the zest for that vibrant citrus punch.
3. Vegan Shortbread Crust: This crust is buttery and crumbly and so easy to make. You only need three simple ingredients: flour, vegan butter, and powdered sugar! That’s it—easy and hassle-free.
4. Sugar: I use granulated sugar to sweeten the lemon filling.
5. Aquafaba is my go-to egg substitute. It’s the liquid from canned chickpeas, and it’s fantastic at giving the filling that rich, smooth, custard-like texture.
6. Vegan Butter: Melted vegan butter gives the crust its rich, buttery flavour.
7. Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken and stabilize both the crust and the filling.

Powdered sugar does double duty here—it sweetens the shortbread crust and adds a light dusting to the finished bars for the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lavender Lemon Bars

Let’s dive into the process. I promise it’s straightforward, and the result is totally worth it!

Prepare the Vegan Shortbread Crust

• Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and melted vegan butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press into the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom. Don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly—it will come together when baked.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.

Infuse the Lavender

• To infuse the lavender, gently warm the lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat as the crust bakes. Stir in the culinary lavender and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes to infuse its delightful flavour. This step really enhances the flavour.
• Once the lemon juice is fully infused, strain out the lavender. This ensures that your bars have all the flavour without any gritty bits.

Make the Lemon Filling

• Whisk the aquafaba and sugar: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the aquafaba and granulated sugar until they’re thoroughly blended.
• Add the lemon and lavender: Slowly pour in the lavender-infused lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest, stirring continuously to combine.
• Mix in the flour: Slowly add the flour while whisking, making sure the mixture turns smooth with no lumps.

Bake and Cool

• Pour the filling over the crust: After the crust has cooled a bit, carefully spread the lemon filling over it.
• Bake : Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and feels slightly firm when touched.
• Cool, ultimately: This part requires a bit of patience. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing. Trust me, they’ll slice much better once fully chilled.

Tips for the Best Lavender Lemon Bars

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips that make all the difference:

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give these bars their bright, fresh flavour. Bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
2. Don’t Overdo the Lavender: Less is more when it comes to lavender. You want a hint of floral flavour, not something that tastes like soap.
3. Be Patient with Cooling: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars chill makes them easier to slice and gives the filling time to set correctly.
4. Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper makes it so much easier to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them neatly.

Storing and Serving Lavender Lemon Bars

Here’s how I store and serve these beauties:

1. Storage tip: Place the bars in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, though they might get eaten much sooner!
2. Freezing: Planning to make a batch in advance? No problem! These bars freeze really well. Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
3. Serving Ideas: They’re perfect on their own, but I sometimes like to serve them with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
4. Garnish Options: A light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of lavender, or a twist of lemon zest makes them look extra fancy.

FAQ Section About Lavender Lemon Bars

Can I use dried lavender for baking?

Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s labeled as culinary lavender so it’s safe to eat. Regular lavender may be too strong and not intended for consumption.

How do I prevent my lavender lemon bars from being too floral?

It’s all about balance. Use only the recommended amount of lavender, and strain it after steeping to avoid overpowering the lemon flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. I’ve personally tried it, and it works perfectly.

How long do lavender lemon bars last?

They’ll remain fresh in the fridge for as long as 5 days. For longer storage, simply freeze them.

Can I freeze lavender lemon bars?

Yes! Wrap each bar individually and store them in a freezer-safe container. You can store them in the freezer for as long as two months.

Conclusion For Lavender Lemon Bars

Honestly, these lavender lemon bars are one of my favorite treats to make. They’re simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about serving a dessert that’s a little out of the ordinary. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to follow and delivers big on taste, this is it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you make any tweaks, I’m always up for trying new variations. Happy baking!