Ingredients
– For the Shortbread Layer:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– For the Lemon Curd Topping:
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Zest of 2 lemons
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
– 1 tablespoon culinary lavender (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your tantalizing Lavender Shortbread Lemon Bars:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Shortbread Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, dried lavender, and salt.
4. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
5. Press the Dough: Transfer the shortbread dough into the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly into an even layer across the bottom.
6. Bake the Shortbread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool slightly.
7. Prepare Lemon Curd: While the shortbread is cooling, prepare the lemon curd. In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cubed butter.
8. Cook the Mixture: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and can coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
9. Pour Over Shortbread: Once thickened, remove the lemon curd from heat and pour it over the pre-baked shortbread crust, spreading it evenly.
10. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the lemon curd is set.
11. Cool Completely: Allow the pan to cool at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes, then refrigerate for another hour to set fully.
12. Cut and Garnish: Once chilled, slice into squares. Optionally, you can sprinkle a few edible lavender flowers on top for added elegance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g