Welcome to a delightful fusion of citrus and floral flavors with these Lemon Lavender Bliss Bars! Perfect for spring picnics or an elegant tea party, these bars offer a refreshing twist on the classic lemon square.
All-purpose flour forms the base of both the crust and the filling, providing structure and ensuring the bars hold together nicely. Granulated sugar sweetens the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of the lemon. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust. Eggs act as a binding agent in the filling, giving it a custard-like texture. Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, tangy flavor, while grated lemon zest enhances the citrus aroma. Dried culinary lavender introduces a subtle floral note that pairs wonderfully with the lemon. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness on top.
These bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea, which complements the lavender perfectly.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8x8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup of softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will be your crust. Press it evenly into your prepared dish and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
While the crust is baking, you can prepare the filling. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps. Now stir in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of dried lavender. Make sure everything is well combined.
Pour this fragrant lemon-lavender mixture over your partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is set and the edges have a slight golden hue. Allow the bars to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, which makes slicing them much easier and cleaner. Cut into squares and prepare for a taste of pure bliss!
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