Looking for a delicious dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with a tropical twist? These Guava & Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect treat to impress your guests or indulge in a sweet snack. With a graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a guava layer that adds a beautiful tropical sweetness, this dessert is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just because, these bars offer the perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
What is Guava & Cream Cheese Bars?
Guava & Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful variation of classic cheesecake bars, incorporating the tropical flavors of guava. The base is made with a graham cracker crust, which is a traditional choice for cheesecake-like desserts. The cream cheese filling is smooth, rich, and creamy, while the guava layer on top gives the bars a beautiful marbled effect, with a sweet and slightly tangy taste.
These bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. The addition of guava elevates the dessert, offering a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the creamy richness of the cheesecake layer. If you love fruity desserts, you’ll fall in love with these Guava & Cream Cheese Bars.
The Origin of Guava & Cream Cheese Bars
While cheesecake bars are widely known and loved, the twist of incorporating guava into the dessert offers a unique twist. Guava, a tropical fruit native to Central and South America, has a distinct flavor that can be sweet or slightly tart depending on ripeness. It has a history of being used in both savory and sweet dishes, including jams, desserts, and beverages.
The concept of combining cream cheese with fruit is a popular one in many cultures, and guava is often used to add an exotic flair to desserts. The Guava & Cream Cheese Bars are inspired by the tropical fruits commonly found in regions such as the Caribbean and Latin America, where guava is a beloved fruit.
Ingredients for Guava & Cream Cheese Bars
To make Guava & Cream Cheese Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients. These simple ingredients come together to create a luscious and refreshing dessert that your guests will rave about.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or Maria cookies, finely crushed)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime (optional, but adds a lovely tang that complements the guava)
For the Guava Layer:
- 1 cup guava paste (cut into small cubes) or guava jam
- 2–3 tbsp water (only if using guava paste, to help soften it)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes sandy and holds together.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the next layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lime zest (if using). Mix until the ingredients are fully combined, and the cream cheese filling is smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Guava Layer
- If using guava paste: Cut the paste into small cubes and place them in a small saucepan. Add 2–3 tablespoons of water and heat over low heat, stirring until the guava paste becomes smooth and spreadable.
- If using guava jam: Simply skip the heating step as it is already spreadable and ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the cream cheese filling over it, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of softened guava paste or jam over the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the guava into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center of the bars is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Refrigerate and Serve
- Once the bars have cooled, refrigerate them for at least 3 hours to allow them to set completely.
- After chilling, cut the bars into squares and garnish with powdered sugar or an extra dusting of lime zest, if desired.
These Guava & Cream Cheese Bars are rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a tropical guava sweetness. The marbled effect not only looks stunning but also gives every bite a delightful combination of flavors.
Variations of Guava & Cream Cheese Bars
While the original recipe for Guava & Cream Cheese Bars is already delicious, you can make variations based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
1. Add Coconut
Coconut pairs beautifully with guava. Try adding some shredded coconut to the crust for added texture and flavor. You could also sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the bars after baking for extra crunch.
2. Guava and Mango Combo
For a more tropical twist, consider combining guava with mango. You can create a mango layer along with the guava, or swirl some mango puree into the cream cheese filling to make it a double-fruit sensation.
3. Use a Nut Crust
For a gluten-free option or just a change in texture, replace the graham cracker crumbs with ground almonds or walnuts. This variation will add a subtle nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling and guava layer.
4. Add Spices
For a warm, cozy twist, add some ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese layer. This adds a bit of spice and warmth to the tropical fruit flavors, perfect for the fall or winter months.
FAQs About Guava & Cream Cheese Bars
1. Can I use fresh guava instead of guava paste?
Yes, you can use fresh guava, but it will need to be pureed and cooked down with some sugar to get the right consistency for the topping.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds.
3. How long do the bars last in the fridge?
The bars will last for about 4–5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Can I freeze Guava & Cream Cheese Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container before freezing.
5. Can I use guava jam instead of guava paste?
Yes, guava jam works perfectly for this recipe, and you don’t need to heat it.
6. How can I make the cream cheese layer lighter?
If you want to make the cream cheese layer lighter, you can substitute some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, less dense texture.
7. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply bake and chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Conclusion
These Guava & Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect combination of creamy and fruity, with the rich texture of cream cheese and the tropical sweetness of guava. The graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch, making every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just want a treat for yourself, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
By following the easy step-by-step instructions, you can create this tropical delight in your kitchen and share it with your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Try making Guava & Cream Cheese Bars today and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise!
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Guava & Cream Cheese Bars: A Tropical Twist on Classic Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Guava & Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful variation of classic cheesecake bars, incorporating the tropical flavors of guava. The base is made with a graham cracker crust, which is a traditional choice for cheesecake-like desserts. The cream cheese filling is smooth, rich, and creamy, while the guava layer on top gives the bars a beautiful marbled effect, with a sweet and slightly tangy taste.
Ingredients
Crust
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or Maria cookies, finely crushed)
2 tbsp sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lime (optional, but lovely with guava)
Guava Layer
1 cup guava paste (cut into small cubes) OR guava jam
2–3 tbsp water (only if using guava paste, to help soften it)
Instructions
Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until sandy.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and lime zest.
Prepare the Guava Layer
If using guava paste: Place cubes in a small saucepan with water. Heat over low, stirring until smooth and spreadable.
If using guava jam: Skip heating — it’s already spreadable.
Assemble & Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust.
Drop spoonfuls of softened guava paste/jam over the top.
Use a knife or skewer to swirl the guava into the cream cheese mixture for a marbled effect.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is just set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
These tropical-inspired bars strike the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. They’re delicious served chilled, and you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for an extra touch. Perfect for parties, afternoon tea, or as a unique twist on a classic dessert bar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Tropical Cheesecake Bars, Guava Cream Cheese Bars, Guava Dessert Bars, Cream Cheese Guava Bars
