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