Save These Earl Grey Tea, Guava, and Lemon Bars represent a sophisticated fusion of flavors that dance between floral, tropical, and citrus notes. The buttery crust infused with Earl Grey tea provides an aromatic base, while the middle layer of guava paste adds a sweet tropical richness that perfectly complements the tangy lemon-tea filling on top. The contrasting textures and complex flavor profile elevate this dessert beyond the ordinary lemon bar into something truly special.
Save The inspiration for these bars came from afternoon tea traditions, where Earl Grey is often the star, combined with tropical influences that bring something unexpected to a classic lemon bar. The marriage of British tea culture with tropical guava creates a dessert that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
- 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.
- Bake the crust
- 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, 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.
- Add the guava layer
- Carefully spread the melted guava paste evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Make 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.
- Complete the layers and bake
- 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 set
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Serve
- 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 perfect texture, make sure not to overbake these bars. The center should be just set when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. The parchment paper sling is essential for clean removal, so don't skip this step. For the most vibrant lemon flavor, zest your lemons before juicing them, and try to use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.
If guava paste is difficult to find, you can substitute with guava jelly or even another tropical fruit paste like mango or passion fruit. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. To make these bars less sweet, reduce the sugar in the filling by up to 1/4 cup. For a more intense tea flavor, steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags in the warm lemon juice for 10 minutes, then strain before incorporating into the filling mixture.
These sophisticated bars shine when served as part of an afternoon tea spread alongside delicate sandwiches and scones. They also make a beautiful dessert for brunch gatherings or garden parties. Serve chilled with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of Earl Grey tea is the perfect beverage pairing, bringing the flavors full circle, though a glass of prosecco or champagne would also complement these bars beautifully for special occasions.
Save These Earl Grey Tea, Guava, and Lemon Bars represent a beautiful marriage of tradition and innovation. The familiar comfort of buttery shortbread and tangy lemon gets transformed through the aromatic addition of Earl Grey tea and the surprising sweetness of tropical guava. The result is a dessert that feels both sophisticated and accessible—perfect for anyone who appreciates thoughtfully crafted flavors and interesting culinary combinations. Whether enjoyed with afternoon tea or served as the finale to a special meal, these bars offer a memorable taste experience that lingers long after the last crumb is gone.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do I enhance the Earl Grey flavor in the filling?
Steep two Earl Grey tea bags in the lemon juice for about 10 minutes before straining and adding to the filling mixture to intensify its tea flavor.
- → Can I substitute guava paste with something else?
Yes, guava jelly works as a good substitute, providing a similar sweetness and texture for the guava layer.
- → What is the best way to ensure the bars set properly?
After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least two hours to fully set before cutting.
- → What pan size is recommended for these bars?
A 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) pan lined with parchment paper is ideal to ensure even baking and easy removal of the bars.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or fish products.