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Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello

By 88 Comments

Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello are a flavorful twist on a classic treat. Lemons are fresh and bright and add a bit of sunshine to whatever you make with them. I recommend you try these for a winning dessert!

When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello!

This time of year, life in the desert is amazing for so many reasons. Mainly because the fabulous weather means we get to play outdoors a lot, people are generally happy (nod to the lovely weather), and because all around town, people are sharing citrus! It’s citrus season in Phoenix, and our lemon tree is teeming with fruit. 

Nothing beats a bowl of beautiful and fragrant lemons.

This time of year, people bring extra citrus to work and leave it the break room for others to enjoy. We share it with our neighbors, and we donate it to food banks. We bake with lemons, cook with lemons, and make drinks using lemon juice.

Try a batch of my Mini Sugar Cookie Cups with Lemon Curd for dessert that will definitely brighten your day!

You could also make a super-simple, super-flavorful salad dressing like the one in this recipe for Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Blueberries & Lemon Vinaigrette. So much better than store-bought dressing! 

Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello make a fabulous dessert!

My most recent turn with this fresh fruit was Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello. I put a slight twist on this classic goodie by including lavender-scented limoncello into the mix.

If you haven’t had limoncello, try it! It’s an Italian liqueur made from the peel of lemons (where the fragrant oils are) soaked in alcohol like vodka.

We haven’t made our own limoncello in a few years, but it’s really easy to do (watch for a recipe coming soon). The lemon peel and alcohol sit together in a glass jar anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Then it’s strained and simple syrup is mixed in. It’s really refreshing.

No matter how you slice them, Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello are fabulous!

Now let’s get back to these lovely lemon squares. The base or crust is similar to shortbread, and the lemon topping is thick and citrusy and tinged with lavender. These turned out fabulous! For the crust, I followed a recipe from the Cooking section of The New York Times.

For the filling, I used an old family recipe that I dug out from one of my giant binders filled with clips of recipes from newspapers, and others handwritten on now-stained index cards. The combination of the two was amazing.

Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello are a citrusy treat!

If you’re going crazy for lemons like I am right now try these Blueberry & Lemon-Thyme Scones, too. They’re not too sweet, but great for dessert. 

The hardest part about making these Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello? The wait for them to bake and cool before you can enjoy them. Get your bake on and try them soon!

Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello are bright and tasty treats. You'll love thees Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello for a special dessert.

Nutrition

Calories

297 cal

Fat

29 g

Carbs

6 g

Protein

4 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Yields 9

Lemon Squares with Lavender & Limoncello

This classic treat gets a flavorful twist from added lavender & limoncello. The recipe for the crust was one I found from The New York Times.

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Ingredients

    For the crust
  • 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 10 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • Parchment paper
  • Nonstick cooking spray
    • For the lemon mixture
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons dried lavender, plus extra as garnish
  • 1/4 cup limoncello
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 5-6 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • Confectioners’ sugar as garnish

Instructions

    For the crust
  1. Preheat the oven o 325 degrees F. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with the parchment paper so it overhangs slightly over the edges. Lightly spray it with the nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Add the flour, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
  3. Add the butter and lemon zest to the mixture. Use a pastry blender (or two forks), to mix the butter into the dry mixture until crumbly.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, and pat it down firmly with your hands.
  5. Bake until lightly golden, 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
    6. For the filling
  6. Add the limoncello and lavender to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture just barely to a boil, then turn off the heat and add a lid. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.
  7. Strain the lavender from the liquid and discard. Set aside the liquid.
  8. Increase the oven’s temperature to 350 degrees F.
  9. Add the sugar and baking powder to a bowl, and mix to combine. Add the eggs, lemon juice and zest, and the limoncello. Mix well.
  10. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden and slightly firm.
  11. Cool on a wire rack. If you’d like, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for a bit to cool completely.
  12. Use the overhanging parchment paper to remove from the pan. Cut into squares and sprinkle the tops with confectioners’ sugar.
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https://www.azgrabaplate.com/lemon-squares-with-lavender-limoncello/

 

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Comments

  1. Catherine says

    Dear Patricia, these bars sounds lovely! I love lemon bars...the addition of lavender and limoncello is perfect. Saving this for later. xo, Catherine
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Thanks, Katerina! Well, I "get mine" in the summer when I can't go outside for anything b/c the temps are, like, 115 degrees! I'm totally enjoying it right now :)
      Reply

  3. Dana says

    Okay, this is strange. Last night while I was perusing the Web for "desserts made with lavender" (I have some and have no idea what to do with it), lemon and lavender bars totally came up and I was so excited about the idea. And here we go, MORE lavender lemon bars! It's obviously a sign and I clearly need to make these :P
    Reply

  4. Lora @savoringitaly says

    Lemon squares are the perfect way to remind me of spring! They are so bright and cheery and yours look delightful! Limoncello homemade is the way to go!! My mother-in-law makes hers in Italy and even makes the orange version (sooooo good!!)
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Hi Lora! I've made "orangecello" before, but my heart is with the limoncello! How wonderful that your mother-in-law makes her own. I definitely need to do it this season - it's been a few years! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

  6. Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says

    These sound incredible! Love lemon flavored anything and I'm sure the limoncello and lavender just takes this to the next level! Currently traveling around Colombia and sadly cannot find any lemons here! Only lime : ((
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Thank you, Vicky! Well....maybe you could whip up something tasty with lime? Lime mousse?? Safe & fun travels!
      Reply

  11. Sara says

    It's citrus season here in California too, I've got dozens of lemons on my trees. Love the addition of lavender here, the bars look amazing!
    Reply

  14. Lindsey @ Butter & Type says

    I''m head over heels in love with this recipe. These look so lovely--thanks for sharing!
    Reply

  16. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says

    First I have to say I am so jealous you have a lemon tree!!! I cook with lemons all the time...having a tree would save me a small fortune! But I don't think we have the climate for it in Connecticut. :( Your lemon squares look wonderful! I've never actually cooked with limoncello so I am intrigued!
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Hi Michelle - I know - I am so lucky. I never knew how much happy dancing that tree could cause :) I hope you give these a try some day!
      Reply

    • Patricia says

      Hi Rachel - I actually infused the liquid with the whole lavender buds, then strained them out. I sprinkled a few on top for a pretty garnish. Thanks!
      Reply

  25. Teri says

    OMG! That looks crazy yummy! I just saw your post to Rachel. I had the same question. So creatively divine! I wish you were my BFF that lived right next door (and not in a creepy way). LOL Just so I could eat at your house all the time. LOLOLOL Hope I made you chuckle and not frightened.
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Thanks, Teri! Haha! Yes, that made me laugh -- my neighbors are quite fond of me and my leftovers!
      Reply

  31. Hil says

    This is the perfect time of year for lemon squares, and I love the twist you've put on them. Saving this recipe for our next grocery day. My little one will love adding the confectioner's sugar at the time.
    Reply

  33. Beth says

    Even though we have a foot of snow right now, or maybe because we have so much snow, I've been craving lemon bars. I've never had much luck making them, even though I'm normally a pretty good baker. I am very intrigued by limoncello, I'll be watching for that recipe. Once I have that, I'm going to give these lemon bars a try.
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Sorry to hear you're snowed in, Beth! It can be a cozy time, with time well spent on baking! I hope you give these a go to brighten your day! Thanks!
      Reply

  41. Aleah says

    I recently pinned this recipe and I am so excited to try it. I grebyo eating lemon squares and feel like the kick of the lavender will make them that much more amazing.
    Reply

  45. Parul says

    Wow! These look so pretty and delicious! So perfect for springtime. I'm going to give these a try! Cheers! Parul - https://girlinchief.com
    Reply

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