Earl Grey Guava Lemon Bars (Printable View)

Buttery Earl Grey crust with sweet guava and tangy lemon layers create an elegant dessert perfect for tea time.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 Earl Grey tea bag, contents only

→ Guava Layer

06 - 1 cup guava paste, cut into small cubes
07 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Lemon-Earl Grey Filling

08 - 4 large eggs
09 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
12 - 1 Earl Grey tea bag, contents only
13 - 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
14 - Zest of 1 lemon
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Finishing

16 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, salt, and Earl Grey tea bag contents. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
03 - Press dough evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
04 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine guava paste and water. Stir until paste melts into a thick, spreadable consistency. Remove from heat.
05 - Carefully spread melted guava paste evenly over hot crust immediately after removing from oven.
06 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, Earl Grey tea bag contents, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated.
07 - Pour filling over guava layer and return pan to oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until center is just set and no longer jiggles when shaken gently.
08 - Remove from oven and cool completely in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
09 - Once chilled, lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Unique Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of floral tea, tropical fruit, and citrus zing.
  • Elegant Presentation: The vibrant yellow filling and white powdered sugar dusting make for a stunning platter.
  • Sophisticated Fusion: A creative twist on a classic dessert that will impress any guest.
02 -
  • Enhance the Tea: Steep extra tea bags in the lemon juice for 10 minutes for a more pronounced bergamot flavor.
  • Clean Slices: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut to keep the lemon layer looking sharp.
  • Set Time: Do not skip the 2-hour refrigeration; it is vital for the bars to firm up enough to hold their shape.
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