Earl Grey Guava Lemon Bars

Last spring my neighbor brought back guava paste from a family trip to Miami, and I spent weeks wondering what to do with it beyond the obvious cheese pairing. One rainy afternoon, with a pot of Earl Grey steeping on the counter, everything clicked. The bergamot citrus notes in the tea felt like a natural bridge to the tropical sweetness of guava, and suddenly I was pulling flour and butter from the pantry. These bars became that happy accident you keep making on purpose.

I brought these to a book club meeting when the discussion turned to something heavy and somber. Within minutes of cutting into them, the mood shifted completely. Someone asked about the bright pink layer, then another person noticed the subtle tea fragrance, and suddenly everyone was leaning in, sharing stories about their grandmothers kitchens and childhood desserts. Food does that sometimes.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams properly into the sugar, creating that tender shortbread base
• Earl Grey tea bags: The contents provide both flavor in the crust and filling without needing to steep anything separately
• Guava paste: Cut into small cubes before heating so it melts evenly into a spreadable layer
• Lemon juice and zest: Use fresh lemons and zest them before juicing for the brightest flavor
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk more smoothly into the filling

Instructions

Preheat and prep your pan:

Set your oven to 350F and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment, letting the paper hang over the sides like handles.

Make the tea infused crust:

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in flour, salt, and the contents of one Earl Grey bag until crumbly dough forms.

Bake the foundation:

Press the dough evenly into your pan and bake 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

Melt the guava layer:

Combine guava paste cubes with water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until completely smooth and spreadable.

Layer the guava:

Spread the melted guava immediately over the hot crust while both are still warm.

Whisk the filling:

Beat eggs and sugar until smooth, then add flour, baking powder, the second Earl Grey bag contents, lemon juice, zest, and salt.

Add the top layer:

Pour the lemon mixture over the guava and bake 15 to 18 minutes until just set in the center.

Patience is essential:

Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting into clean squares.

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My aunt asked for the recipe after trying them at a holiday gathering, and when I explained the three layer process she looked surprised. She admitted she assumed they were from a bakery, and I think that is exactly what makes these special. They look complicated but the truth is much simpler.

Getting the Layers Right

The trick to clean layers is working quickly when the crust comes out of the oven. Spread the guava immediately while the bottom is still hot, then pour your filling right after. This helps the layers bond instead of separating into distinct strata.

Making Ahead

These bars actually improve after a day in the refrigerator. The flavors have time to mingle and the texture becomes more firm and sliceable. I often make them the evening before serving and keep them chilled until the moment guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions

A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds the perfect finish and balances the tartness. The sugar will start to dissolve if you add it too early, so wait until the last possible moment.

• Serve with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea
• These pair beautifully with sparkling wine or prosecco
• Keep them refrigerated until serving time

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Something about these bars feels fancy without trying too hard, which is exactly the kind of dessert I want in my life.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make Earl Grey guava lemon bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars actually improve when made ahead. Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The extended chilling time helps the layers set completely and allows the Earl Grey flavor to meld beautifully with the guava and lemon. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest appearance.

→ How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the center appears set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be lightly golden, though the center may still look slightly soft. Remember that the filling will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking which can lead to a rubbery texture.

→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Absolutely. Regular Eureka or Lisbon lemons work perfectly fine and provide a classic bright tartness that balances the sweet guava and floral Earl Grey notes. Meyer lemons would offer a slightly sweeter, more subtle citrus flavor, but either variety produces delicious results.

→ What's the best way to get clean cuts when serving?

For clean, professional-looking squares, ensure the bars are thoroughly chilled—preferably overnight. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, or dip the knife in hot water and dry it before each slice. The powdered sugar can be reapplied after cutting if needed.

→ Can I freeze these Earl Grey guava lemon bars?

Yes, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Cut them into squares, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh powdered sugar before serving.

→ Is guava paste the same as guava jelly or jam?

Guava paste is much thicker and denser than guava jelly or jam. It's a concentrated paste made from cooked guava pulp and sugar, typically sold in blocks or cans. The thick consistency is crucial here—it creates a distinct layer rather than blending into the lemon filling. If unavailable, guava membrillo or very thick guava preserves can work as substitutes.