lavender brownies DSC6436

Lavender brownies

When I think of my mom, I often think of chocolate and lavender. So when I came across a few recipes for chocolate lavender brownies, naturally I had to make her a batch.

Mom loves all things chocolate, and her house always smells like fresh lavender. While she has quite the green thumb, I’m not sure that she’s ever grown it, though lavender is becoming quite a popular Texas plant—especially in the Hill Country. I also don’t know if my mom’s ever cooked with lavender. But for Christmas she gave me a tin filled with culinary lavender, and I wanted to put it to good use.

lavender brownies | Homesick Texan
A few years ago, someone shared with me a dark chocolate bar that was flavored with lavender. The combination of bittersweet chocolate and floral lavender was unexpected yet welcome, like the appearance of the first blossoms on the trees in spring.

When cooking with lavender, I do find that a little bit goes a long way, and for some it may be a bit of an acquired taste. But the herb’s piney, slightly peppery notes are a perfect match for rich, deep chocolate.

For this recipe, I took my basic brownie recipe—which is a fudgy brownie with a thin, crisp topping—and simply added a smidge of lavender. A light sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top of the brownies added even more contrast to the rich, sweet treat. While brownies are good at any time, there’s something about the lavender that makes these especially perfect for spring.

lavender brownies | Homesick Texan

Spring also means it’s time to honor our mothers, and I feel especially fortunate to have such a terrific mom. See, I haven’t always been the easiest daughter but my mom has always been patient with me. And I want to thank her for always encouraging me to be independent and to follow my dreams. She’s always been a tireless cheerleader, no matter if I’ve failed or succeeded.

So, mom—I just wanted to let you know that you’re the best and I love you! And yes, the brownies are in the mail. I hope you enjoy them and a very happy Mother’s Day!

Print
5 from 2 votes

Lavender brownies

Servings 16
Author Lisa Fain

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan.
  • In a food processor, pulse the sugar and lavender together until well combined.
  • In a saucepan, on low heat melt the chocolate and butter, while occasionally stirring. Once melted, turn off the heat and stir in the lavender sugar, salt, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Add the eggs until well combined, and then stir in the flour and walnuts, mixing until a smooth, thick batter is formed.
  • Spoon the batter into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Immediately after removing the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the top with the flaked sea salt. Allow to completely cool for at least an hour before slicing.

Notes

Culinary lavender can be found in the spice section at the grocery store, at specialty markets or at the farmers’ market.

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44 Comments

  1. Great recipe! Have made it twice since your posting and very pleased with both outcomes. The mixture of cinnamon, lavender, bittersweet (60%) chocolate,walnuts and salt is sublime. It reminds me of driving to Austin along US-290… bluebonnets and pecan trees. Thanks

  2. Erin @ The Speckled Palate says:

    Goodness! These look absolutely AMAZING! And to think that I would have never ever thought about using lavender in any kind of baking had I not read this post. Going to have to try it out soon! And what a beautiful post for Mother's Day!

  3. Next weekend is the Lavender Festival in Blanco. Definitely picking up some culinary lavender while I'm there to try out this recipe. Very excited! Thank you for sharing.

  4. Made a batch last week, they were absolutely delicious, thanks!
    I also took a shot of my efforts: