Save to Pinterest Experience a sophisticated blend of flavors with these Earl Grey Tea, Guava, and Lemon Bars. This dessert combines the aromatic, floral notes of Earl Grey with the tropical sweetness of guava and the bright zest of fresh lemons. Perfect for an elegant afternoon tea or a special celebration, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Save to Pinterest The secret to these bars lies in the layered textures. A crumbly, buttery shortbread crust provides a sturdy foundation for the melted guava paste, while the lemon filling adds a silky, tangy finish that pulls the whole dessert together.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 1. 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.
- 2. Make the 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.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Prepare Guava Layer
- While the crust bakes, combine the guava paste and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the paste melts into a thick, spreadable consistency. Remove from heat.
- 5. Apply Guava
- Carefully spread the melted guava paste evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- 6. Mix Lemon 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.
- 7. Final 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.
- 8. 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.
- 9. Slice and Serve
- Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a more pronounced tea flavor, steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags in the lemon juice for 10 minutes, then strain before adding to the filling. This ensures the citrus components are deeply infused with the bergamot aroma.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If guava paste is unavailable, you can substitute it with guava jelly for a similarly sweet tropical layer. Ensure you still warm it slightly to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Serviervorschläge
For the ultimate afternoon treat, pair these bars with a freshly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled sparkling wine for an elegant touch.
Save to Pinterest These Earl Grey, Guava, and Lemon Bars are a testament to how creative flavor pairings can transform a simple traybake into a gourmet experience. Enjoy every citrusy, floral bite!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars actually improve after chilling. You can make them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors develop and the texture becomes firmer, making them easier to cut cleanly.
- → What if I can't find guava paste?
Guava jelly or membrillo can work as substitutes, though the texture will be slightly softer. You can also use apricot preserves for a different but still delicious tropical twist.
- → How do I know when the filling is set?
The filling is done when the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. It should still have a slight wobble in the very center, similar to cheesecake, but not be liquid. Remember it continues to set as it cools.
- → Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Cut them into squares first, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving and add powdered sugar just before serving.
- → How can I enhance the Earl Grey flavor?
Steep 2 additional tea bags in the lemon juice for 10 minutes before straining. You can also grind the tea leaves from the bags into a finer powder to better distribute the flavor throughout the crust and filling.
- → Why did my crust turn out too hard?
Overbaking the crust can make it too hard. Watch closely during the 18-20 minute bake time and remove when just lightly golden around edges. Press the dough gently rather than packing it tightly into the pan.