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Delicious Lavender Lemon Cream Bars with a citrusy and floral flavor profile

Lavender Lemon Cream Bars

Bright lemon tang tempered by a calming lavender infusion, with a silky custard-like filling and a buttery shortbread base.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Use unbleached flour for best results.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, diced Use high-fat butter for best flavor.
Lavender Lemon Filling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp culinary lavender buds Use food-grade culinary lavender.
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons) Fresh preferred for best flavor.
  • Zest of 2 lemons lemon zest Zest before juicing.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Garnish (Optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh lavender sprigs and/or thin lemon slices

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
Baking the Crust
  1. Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
Preparing the Filling
  1. In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, lavender buds, and water. Warm gently to dissolve sugar, steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
  2. Whisk eggs with the cooled lavender syrup, then incorporate lemon juice and zest. Sift in powdered sugar and flour, whisking until smooth.
Baking the Bars
  1. Pour the filling over the warm crust and bake for 20–25 minutes until set with a slight jiggle.
Cooling and Finishing
  1. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish as desired before serving.

Notes

Ensure the butter is kept cold for a tender crust. Use fresh lemons for best flavor, and avoid overbaking the filling.