Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of a bright, sunny day spent in a blooming garden, where the air is perfumed with the intoxicating scent of lavender and the refreshing zest of ripe lemons. That’s exactly what our Lemon Lavender Bliss Bars offer. Crafted with the intention to delight and surprise, this recipe is a testament to the beauty of combining floral notes with citrus to create a dessert that’s both sophisticated and utterly delicious.
Lavender, with its elegant and floral aroma, has been revered for centuries not just for its calming properties but also for its ability to elevate culinary creations. When paired with the sharp, invigorating taste of lemon, it creates a harmonious balance that is both invigorating and soothing. These bars are perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet yet refined, a treat that whispers rather than shouts.
The idea to combine lemon and lavender came from a quaint countryside bakery in Provence, where such flavors are staples in the local cuisine. Inspired by their traditional use of herbs and citrus, I sought to create a dessert that encapsulates the charm and sophistication of French baking while remaining simple enough for anyone to make at home.
This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey through taste and aroma. Each bite brings forward the brightness of lemon, immediately followed by the subtle, floral notes of lavender, creating a delightful contrast that dances on the palate. It’s a celebration of spring and summer flavors, perfect for picnics, garden parties, or as a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Crafting the Lemon Lavender Bliss Bars was an adventure in itself. Experimenting with the quantity of lavender was crucial; too little and its presence would be lost amid the zestiness of the lemon, too much and it would overpower the delicate balance of flavors. After several trials, the perfect ratio was found, ensuring each bar is a testament to the beauty of these ingredients.
The texture of these bars is another aspect where they shine. The base is buttery and crumbly, providing a sturdy foundation for the lusciously smooth lemon-lavender topping. It’s a delightful contrast that makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
Incorporating lavender into your baking may seem daunting at first, but it’s a journey worth embarking on. Its floral notes have the power to transform a simple dessert into something extraordinary, something memorable. And when combined with lemon, it brings out a freshness that’s hard to beat.
This recipe is also a celebration of the senses. From the moment you begin zesting the lemons, your kitchen will be filled with their vibrant aroma. As the bars bake, the soothing scent of lavender will start to emerge, creating an ambiance of warmth and comfort. It’s a baking experience that’s as rewarding as it is delicious.
The Lemon Lavender Bliss Bars are more than just a treat; they’re a statement. They speak to the joy of experimenting with flavors, the beauty of blending the traditional with the modern, and the delight of creating something that brings a moment of bliss into your day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone looking to try something new, this recipe promises to inspire and satisfy.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Lemon Lavender Bliss Bars
Description
Ingredients
For the Base
For the Lemon Lavender Filling
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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Prepare the Base
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
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Make the lemon lavender filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, ground lavender, and baking powder. Whisk until well combined.
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Pour the filling over the baked base and return to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden at the edges.
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Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
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Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 squares.
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and garnish with lemon zest and lavender flowers if desired.
Serving Size 1
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 3g6%
- Calcium 15 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0.2 IU
- Unsaturated Fat 4g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest from organic lemons.
Grinding the lavender flowers into a fine powder ensures a smooth texture and distributes the floral notes evenly.
Chill the bars before cutting to get clean, sharp edges.
