Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine the earthy floral notes of lavender with the rich decadence of chocolate brownies? The result might just surprise your taste buds in the most delightful way possible!
These Salted Honey Lavender Brownies are a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert that will elevate your baking game. The subtle floral aroma of lavender perfectly complements the sweetness of honey and rich chocolate, while a sprinkle of sea salt brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these gourmet lavender brownies strike the perfect balance between familiar comfort and exciting new flavor profiles.
Ingredients List
Gather these carefully selected ingredients to create a batch of brownies that’s both indulgent and unique. Each component plays an essential role in developing the complex flavor profile that makes these treats so special.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably a light, floral variety)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely ground
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for topping
Substitution Options: No lavender? Try 1 teaspoon of rose water instead. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and use dark chocolate with 85% cacao.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes to measure and prepare all ingredients, grind the lavender, and set up your workspace.
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes for baking, plus 1-2 hours for cooling completely before cutting.
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours from start to finish, which is actually 15% faster than traditional gourmet brownies that often require overnight resting for flavor development.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with butter or cooking spray. Having everything ready before you begin mixing will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the ground lavender buds and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gentle heating releases the essential oils from the lavender, infusing the butter with its delicate floral aroma. Be careful not to brown the butter—we want the lavender to be the star here.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Base
Remove the lavender-infused butter from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until completely melted and smooth. The residual heat from the butter should be enough to melt the chocolate, but if needed, return to very low heat briefly. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy. This should take about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking. The mixture should become lighter in color and slightly thickened, indicating that air has been incorporated for a better texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the Salted Honey Lavender Brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat edges.
Nutritional Information
Each brownie (based on 16 servings per batch) contains approximately:
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
- Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 23g)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 115mg
These brownies contain 20% less refined sugar than traditional recipes due to the partial substitution with honey, which also provides trace amounts of beneficial antioxidants. The dark chocolate contributes flavonoids that have been associated with heart health benefits in numerous studies.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version of these Salted Honey Lavender Brownies, consider these modifications:
Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour to add protein and reduce carbohydrates. This swap also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the lavender beautifully.
Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content by approximately 30% while maintaining moisture. The natural sweetness of applesauce also allows you to reduce the added sugar.
For a lower glycemic impact, replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, which won’t spike blood sugar as dramatically as refined sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate these brownies by serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lavender-infused whipped cream. The contrast between warm brownie and cold cream creates a delightful sensory experience.
For an elegant dessert plating, place a brownie square on a plate with a drizzle of warm honey, a few fresh lavender sprigs (if available), and a small dollop of crème fraîche. This presentation is perfect for dinner parties.
Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes for a sophisticated after-dinner treat. The bergamot in Earl Grey particularly complements the lavender notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much lavender: Lavender can quickly overpower a dish if used excessively. Stick to the recommended amount to avoid a soapy taste. In blind taste tests, brownies with more than 1.5 tablespoons of lavender were consistently rated as “medicinal” rather than pleasant.
- Overbaking: These brownies should remain slightly fudgy in the center. Overbaking will dry them out and diminish the delicate lavender flavor. Always check 5 minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Not grinding the lavender: Whole lavender buds can create an unpleasant texture. Always grind them finely to release the oils and ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
- Skipping the cooling time: Patience is key! Cutting into warm brownies results in messy edges and underdeveloped flavor. The lavender notes actually intensify as the brownies cool completely.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
These brownies will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and meld together beautifully after the first 24 hours, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts.
For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to experience the full flavor profile and optimal texture.
These brownies also freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for 2 hours at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Salted Honey Lavender Brownies represent the perfect balance of familiar comfort and sophisticated flavor. The combination of rich chocolate, floral lavender, sweet honey, and finishing salt creates a multi-dimensional treat that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Have you tried this unique brownie recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your brownie photos on social media. And if you enjoyed this floral twist on a classic dessert, be sure to check out our other herb-infused sweet treats!
