Save to Pins There's something magical about the marriage of Earl Grey tea, tropical guava, and bright lemon in these elegant dessert bars. The delicate bergamot notes of the Earl Grey tea infuse every layer, creating a sophisticated treat that elevates the humble lemon bar to new heights. As you take your first bite, you'll experience the buttery shortbread crust, followed by the sweet tropical layer of guava, and finally the tangy, tea-infused lemon custard on top.
Save to Pins These bars originated from my desire to create something that would transport guests to a grand afternoon tea service, but with a tropical twist. The guava paste adds an unexpected sweetness that complements the traditional lemon bars, while the Earl Grey infusion brings a distinct sophistication. Whether served on a tiered tray alongside other petit fours or packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift, these bars never fail to impress.
- For the Crust: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, 1 Earl Grey tea bag (contents only)
- For the Guava Layer: 1 cup (300 g) guava paste, cut into small cubes, 2 tbsp water
- For the Lemon-Earl Grey Filling: 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 Earl Grey tea bag (contents only), 2/3 cup (160 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons), zest of 1 lemon, pinch of salt
- For Finishing: Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Prepare the oven and pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the tea-infused crust
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, salt, and the contents of 1 Earl Grey tea bag. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the guava layer
- While the crust bakes, prepare the guava layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the guava paste and water. Stir until the paste melts into a thick, spreadable consistency. Remove from heat. Carefully spread the melted guava paste evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Create the lemon-Earl Grey filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, contents of 1 Earl Grey tea bag, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until fully incorporated. Pour the filling over the guava layer and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles when shaken gently.
- Cool and serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
For the best texture, make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. The crust should be crumbly but hold together when pressed into the pan. When working with guava paste, wetting your spatula slightly can make spreading the sticky paste much easier. For the perfect clean-cut bars, chill them thoroughly and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) between cuts.
For a stronger tea flavor, steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags in the lemon juice for 10 minutes, then strain before adding to the filling. If guava paste is difficult to find, you can substitute with guava jelly or even a good quality apricot preserve for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and filling.
These sophisticated bars are perfect alongside a properly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea, of course! For a special occasion, serve with a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco. The bars can be garnished with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or a small edible flower for an elegant presentation. They pair beautifully with fresh berries on the side or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a more substantial dessert.
Save to Pins These Earl Grey Tea, Guava, and Lemon Bars represent the perfect balance of sweet, tart, floral, and tropical flavors. The careful layering technique ensures each component shines while creating a harmonious whole. Whether you're an experienced baker looking to impress or simply wanting to elevate your dessert game, these sophisticated bars will become a treasured recipe in your collection. Their elegant appearance belies how relatively simple they are to prepare, making them perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgences.
Questions & Answers
- → How do Earl Grey tea leaves affect the flavor?
The tea leaves infuse the crust and filling with delicate floral and citrus notes, adding complexity and depth to the bars.
- → Can guava paste be substituted?
Yes, guava jelly can be used as an alternative, though it may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the layer.
- → What is the best way to ensure a smooth lemon filling?
Whisk eggs and sugar thoroughly before adding dry ingredients and lemon juice to achieve a silky, well-incorporated filling.
- → How long should the bars chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours helps set the layers firmly, allowing for clean slices and a balanced texture.
- → Is it necessary to use parchment paper in the pan?
Parchment paper creates an overhang that makes lifting the bars easier and prevents sticking during baking.