Pin These Earl Grey Tea, Guava, and Lemon Bars are an elegant dessert featuring the floral notes of Earl Grey tea, the tropical sweetness of guava, and the brightness of fresh lemon. A sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.
Pin With a preparation time of 25 minutes and a baking time of 35 minutes, these bars offer a rewarding baking project that yields 16 flavorful squares. The fusion of ingredients creates a multi-dimensional flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
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
- Step 1
- 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.
- Step 2
- Prepare 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.
- Step 3
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 4
- 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.
- Step 5
- Carefully spread the melted guava paste evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Step 6
- Prepare 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.
- Step 7
- 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.
- Step 8
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Step 9
- 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 the best results, ensure the bars have cooled completely before refrigerating. This two-hour chilling period is crucial for setting the layers and achieving clean slices when cutting into 16 squares.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute guava jelly for guava paste if desired. If you want a more pronounced tea flavor, steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags in the lemon juice for 10 minutes, then strain before adding it to the filling mixture.
Serviervorschläge
Pair these elegant bars with a freshly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled sparkling wine. They are best served cold with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before they hit the table.
Pin Enjoy the sophisticated blend of citrus, tea, and tropical fruit in every bite of these stunning Earl Grey, Guava, and Lemon Bars.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars actually improve when made ahead. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The powdered sugar is best dusted just before serving to prevent absorption.
- → What's the best way to achieve clean cuts?
For perfect squares, chill the bars thoroughly—at least 2 hours but preferably overnight. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, and trim the edges first for a professional presentation. The parchment overhang makes lifting the entire slab out effortless.
- → Can I substitute the guava paste?
Guava jelly or membrillo paste work well as alternatives. If using jelly, reduce the water to 1 tablespoon since it's more fluid. The guava layer provides essential tropical sweetness and a beautiful coral contrast against the pale lemon filling.
- → How can I intensify the Earl Grey flavor?
Steep two tea bags in warm lemon juice for 10 minutes, then strain before whisking into the filling. Alternatively, use Earl Grey-infused butter by melting butter with tea leaves, straining, and chilling before making the crust. The bergamot notes are what make these bars distinctive.
- → What type of pan works best?
A 9x13-inch metal baking pan conducts heat evenly and produces the best crust texture. Glass pans work but may require slightly longer baking time. The parchment overhang is crucial—don't skip this step as it makes removal and cutting much easier.
- → Why did my filling turn out grainy?
Grainy texture usually means the sugar didn't fully dissolve or the eggs were overcooked. Whisk the sugar and eggs thoroughly until the mixture feels smooth between your fingers. Also, avoid overbaking—the center should be just set, still with a slight wobble.