This sweet treat looks and tastes like spring. Bright citrus, like spring sunshine warming the earth and  encouraging flowers to come forth, lifts the floral flavor of lavender into something altogether delightful to the eye and the palate.

Lavender Lemon Bars

 

For the crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons lightly ground Organic Culinary Lavender Buds (see note below)
  
• 4 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  

   

Step 1 — Preheat oven to 350°

Step 2 — In a bowl beat the butter, flour, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl a few times. Once combined the texture will be crumbly. Press it evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until set and lightly golden.
 

Step 3 — While the crust is baking, whisk together the sugar and ground lavender buds.

 

Step 4 — Beat the eggs and lemon juice. Add the lavender sugar, flour, lemon zest and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add the salt and beat until combined.

Step 5 — Spread the filling over the crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is slightly cracked and set. The inside filling will still be somewhat soft and curd-like.

 

Step 6 —  Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with dried or fresh lavender flowers.

These bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature for a springtime brunch. For afternoon "tea", pair a bar (or two!) with a cup of our Organic Lavender Black Ceylon Tea.

Note: Lightly grinding the lavender buds will bring the flavor out more readily. Using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle works well. If neither of these are at hand, place the lavender between two sheets of parchment paper and lightly grind it with a rolling pin.