lemon thyme bars

A Farmers Market inspired dessert!

With fresh lemons in hand, and a bouquet of  fragrant thyme, I decided to bake this simple treat . . .

lemon thyme bars

  

Although simple to prepare, it is quite sophisticated in flavors.  

With a texture similar to shortbread, this dessert is rich with the deep evergreen flavors of thyme and the vibrancy of lemon . . . . A unique flavor combination that will surely WOW your pallette.

 

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing dish

Flour, for dusting dish

Bars

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Glaze

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 

Butter and flour an 8 by 8-inch glass baking dish

For the bars

In a small bowl combine flour, thyme, and salt. Set aside. 

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together 1 stick of butter and powdered sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. 

Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. 

Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. 

Using damp fingers, press the dough into the prepared pan. 

Bake for 30 minutes until golden. 

Cool for 30 minutes.

For the glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk the lemon juice and powdered sugar together until smooth. 

Spoon the glaze over the cooled crust. 

Allow the glaze to harden, at room temperature, for at least 1 hour.

Using a metal spatula, remove the crust from the pan. 

Cut into 1 1/2-inch square bars and arrange on a serving platter or store airtight in a plastic container at room temperature.

I recommend serving lemon thyme bars 
with a glass of ice water & a slice of lemon ~

or a warm, mild-flavored herbal tea. 

Bon Appetit!