Lavender Honey Lemon Bars are a delightful, aromatic twist on the classic lemon bar. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a hint of floral notes from the lavender. It's a refreshing treat perfect for springtime gatherings or a cozy afternoon indulgence.
The base of our bars starts with all-purpose flour, which gives the crust its structure. Unsalted butter adds richness, while powdered sugar lends a subtle sweetness without making the crust overly sweet. The filling is brought to life with eggs for binding and texture, and granulated sugar to sweeten it up. Lemon juice and lemon zest inject a bright, tart flavor that’s essential for any lemon bar. Dried culinary lavender introduces a floral element that pairs beautifully with the honey, which also adds a layer of sweetness. Baking powder helps the filling rise ever so slightly, and a touch of salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar gives a lovely finish to these bars.
Serve these bars slightly chilled for a refreshing treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of chamomile tea, enhancing the floral notes of the lavender. For a more decadent experience, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. This ensures nothing sticks and makes serving a breeze later on.
Next, in a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for a tender crust. Gradually add your flour into the mix until you have a crumbly dough. It might look a bit dry, but that's exactly what you want.
Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven to bake for about 15 minutes. You want it to be firm and just beginning to turn golden.
While the crust is doing its thing, let's whip up the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried lavender, honey, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined; this mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
Once your crust is ready, pour the lemon-lavender mixture over the hot crust. Carefully return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it's done when the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
Allow the bars to cool completely before giving them a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Slice into bars and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
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