Lemon Earl Grey Bars

If you love the cozy ritual of a good cup of tea and you’re always on the hunt for creative ways to bring global flavors into your kitchen, these Earl Grey Lemon Bars are calling your name.

This recipe takes the classic lemon bar—already a beloved favorite—and gives it an elegant, unexpected upgrade with the subtle floral notes of Earl Grey tea. The result? A dessert that’s bright and zesty with just enough depth to make each bite feel like a treat worth savoring.

They’re easy enough to whip up on a weekday and special enough to serve at brunch, a shower, or just when you want to enjoy something a little different during your afternoon tea break.

Why you’ll love these Earl Grey lemon bars

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – No fancy tools required—just pantry basics and a favorite tea bag.
• Sweet Meets Sophisticated – A blend of citrus and floral that’s balanced, not overpowering.
• Kid-Tested, Grown-Up Approved – Approachable enough for little tastebuds but refined enough for grown-up palates.
• A Fun Twist on a Classic – Familiar but elevated, which is our favorite kind of recipe.

If you’re as obsessed with Earl Grey as we are, there are plenty of other creative ways to enjoy it beyond your teacup. Try baking a batch of chocolate chip Earl Grey cookies—soft and chewy with subtle floral notes that deepen over time. Or whip up a batch of Earl Grey cupcakes with lemon buttercream, where the tea and citrus flavors shine together beautifully. For something on the lighter side, my Earl Grey granola with strawberries is a cozy, aromatic breakfast option, and if you’re craving something seasonal, don’t miss the pumpkin maple gingerbread cake with Earl Grey whipped frosting—it’s the ultimate fall dessert with a twist. Each one is a fun and flavorful way to explore baking with tea!

The magic here is in the infusion. We steep Earl Grey tea (I recommend using a smooth, creamy variety like Earl Grey Cream) and blend it directly into the lemon filling. It’s subtle—like a whisper of bergamot and black tea in the background—but it adds complexity that lifts the whole dessert.

This is a great way to show kids how a single flavor twist can transform a recipe, and it’s a fun one for them to help make. They can zest lemons, help press the crust into the pan, and dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

How to make lemon bars with Earl Grey

Below is a brief overview of how to make this recipe. For the full set of directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.

Step One: Make the Crust

Start by mixing up a simple shortbread crust with flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of ground Earl Grey tea. Press it into a parchment-lined baking pan and bake until lightly golden. The crust is buttery, sturdy, and lightly infused with tea flavor—perfect for holding the lemon filling.

Step Two: Make the Filling

While the crust bakes, you’ll steep the remaining Earl Grey tea in warm lemon juice to bring out its floral, citrusy notes. Then whisk the steeped tea with eggs, lemon zest, sugar, and a bit of flour and baking powder to create a smooth, pourable filling.

Step Three: Bake & Cool

Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust and bake until just set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then lift them out with the parchment paper. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar, slice into squares, and enjoy your tea-infused treat!

Kid-Friendly kitchen moments

Here’s how little chefs can help with this recipe:

• Zest and Juice Lemons – With a kid-safe zester or juicer.
• Press the Crust – Perfect for little hands to help press it evenly into the pan.
• Steep the Tea – Talk about how steeping works and how tea flavors transfer into food.
• Sprinkle Powdered Sugar – A little dusting makes them feel fancy and festive!

Conversation starters for curious eaters

These bars offer a great opportunity to explore flavor, texture, and culture at the table. Use these conversation starters with your little eaters to help them think about the experience these bars bring.

• “How does the tea make these lemon bars taste different from regular ones?”
• “What do you notice about the smell before and after baking?”
• “What kind of dessert would you make with your favorite drink?”
• “What other herbs or teas do you think would taste good in a dessert?”