A simple, buttery shortbread dough, canned guava paste, and a single bowl are all you need to make this easy Tropical Guava Bar Recipe.
With a can of guava paste in your pantry, you can whip up this "always a hit" dessert
Why you'll want to make these
- These bars are universally loved and a fun spin on a classic dessert bar recipe.
- Easy desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding and this two ingredient cheesecake are a busy cook's best friend!
- Canned guava paste makes these bars a snap to make from pantry and fridge staples.
Ingredients
- Guava Paste - canned guava paste is a fabulous ingredient to have on hand. You can find it in well-stocked markets and in hispanic markets.
What can you use guava paste for?
found in the cuisines of the Caribbean, South America, and the Yucatan. Guava paste is used in many different ways - in Brazil, it's spread on toast, in Colombia it's often paired with cheese for a snack or as an empanada filling throughout South America.
What does guava paste taste like?
It's sweet with an almost floral aroma and tastes like a cross between a strawberry and a pear.
How to make them
- Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with foil, folding the ends over the sides. Spray the bottom of the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat until incorporated. Add the salt and flour and beat until the dough comes together.
- Press half of the dough onto the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it until the base is even.
- Slice the guava paste ¼ inch thick. Arrange the guava slices on top, covering the dough.
- For the topping: Add the oats, coconut, flour and sugar to the remaining shortbread dough. Mix to combine.
- Sprinkle dough evenly over the guava slices.
- Bake the bars until the top is golden, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool.
- Remove bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Tips
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let the bars come to room temperature before serving.
- Baking: To easily line the pan with foil, flip the pan over and press the foil on the top and sides of the pan. Remove the foil and flip the pan over, placing the foil into the pan and smooth to fit.
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📖Recipe
Easy Guava Bars
A simple shortbread dough, canned guava paste, and a single bowl are all you need to make this easy Tropical Guava Bar Recipe.
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Servings: 9
Calories: 91kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- one 21 oz. tin Guava paste I used Goya brand
- ⅓ cup old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat until incorporated.
- Add the salt and flour and beat until the dough comes together.
- Press half of the dough onto the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it until the base is even.
- Slice the guava paste ¼ inch thick. Arrange the guava slices on top, covering the dough.
For the Streusel topping:
- Add the oats, coconut, 2 Tbsp. flour and brown sugar to the remaining shortbread dough.
- Mix to combine.
- Sprinkle dough evenly over the guava slices.
- Bake the bars until the top is golden, about 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Nutrition
Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 13mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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Lindsay says
I'm so intrigued by this, as I've never tried guava paste before. I tried some actual guavas for the first time a while back, and was unimpressed (too many seeds) so the paste seems like a good alternative!
Nancy says
The paste is really good - sort of cross between a strawberry and a pear. Goes really well with a cheese platter too - and much cheaper than membrillo in my neck of the woods!!! Hope all is well with you!!!!
rashmi from yumkid.com says
These look delicious! I cannot wait to try them. I love guava stuff!
Nancy says
Me too!!! Sooo good in empanadas or as part of a cheese plate!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!
Lori R. says
These have my mouth watering! I am such a guava paste fan, but I haven't had it in forever. These bars are a must-make! P.S. I love that knife in the last photo!
Nancy says
Me too Lori! We make these in my cultural foods class - students love them! I was pretty happy when I found that knife - like a needle in a haystack!!!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
How funny - I adore fresh guava, which I can only find once in a while, but I've never bought the paste!!
Nancy says
The paste is great! If you ever use membrillo paste try the guava - sooo good with manchego!!!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Oooooh, these look amazing, Nancy, guava is my fave tropical fruit, but I've only had it in juice form (someone else had to deal with the seeds!). I'll have to try guava paste - thanks for sharing :))
Alison Lewis says
these look amazing! love your site
Nancy says
Awww... thanks so much Alison!
Barb says
My husband brings bricks of Ghana paste back every year from Mexico. Never knew what to do with it. Definitely going to try this!!
Nancy says
These bars are always a hit and soooo easy to make! I always keep a can in the pantry so I can always whip up a batch!