Rosey Lemon Oatmeal Crumb Bars with Rose Honey

The rich, delicate scent of rose so flawlessly mellows the tartness of lemon without dulling the vibrant flavor. It's a pairing that was meant to be, one that makes for a lemon bar to die for. These dreamy lemon bars are a delight, perfect for late spring or summer, when long, hot days call for a refreshing sweet treat.

from your herbal pantry

Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey

Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey and a splash of rose water is what's doing the real good flavor work in the filling of these lemon bars. Rose, hawthorn berry, and rosehips stirred into raw Appalachian honey. It's floral and gently tart, with a soft fruitiness that rounds out into something warmer than rose alone.

In this lemon bar recipe, that floral warmth is everything. The rose mellows the sharp edge of the lemon without dulling it, while the tart notes of rosehip echo the citrus instead of competing with it.

Beyond flavor, rose, hawthorn berry, and rosehips are a trio long favored for matters of the heart, both the emotional and the physical kind. Rose is prized for its comforting, mood-lifting qualities, hawthorn is a beloved cardiovascular tonic, and rosehips bring a boost of vitamin C along for the ride.

How To Make
Lemon Oatmeal Crumb Bars with Rose Honey

Sweetened with Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey, dairy-free, and gluten-free, these lemon bars are a bright, no fuss healthy treat with a floral hush of rose running underneath. Make these lemon oatmeal crumb bars the day before so they have time to chill, then bring them to your garden picnics, backyard barbeques, and casual dinner parties. Don't forget to sprinkle with your favorite dried edible flower blend for a little extra charm on the way out the door.

Makes 9 bars.

Ingredients

For the crust and topping: 

• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 3/4 cup finely shredded coconut (or more almond meal)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• zest of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
  
• 2 tablespoons Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey
• 2 teaspoons rose water
• 3 tablespoons tapioca flour

Optional garnish:

• Summer Nights Florafetti Edible Flowers

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
2. To make the crust, add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
   
3. Pull aside 1 cup of the crust mixture for the topping and press into an even layer into the prepared 8x8 pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Stir continuously until the mixture is thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the lemon filling into the pan and spread evenly across the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crust even over the filling. Then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the crumble turns a light golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. (Note that the lemon filling will be very runny and won't look set right out of the oven, but will thicken beautifully as it cools.)
7. If using, garnish with edible flowers. Then, chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving. It's most easily sliced when it's right out of the fridge. 

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DISCLAIMER: The information given in this article is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before consuming certain herbs & medicinal foods, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking any prescription medications.