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
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or Maria cookies, finely crushed)
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2 tbsp sugar
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
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16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lime (optional, but lovely with guava)
Guava Layer
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1 cup guava paste (cut into small cubes) OR guava jam
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2–3 tbsp water (only if using guava paste, to help soften it)
Instructions
Make the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until sandy.
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Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
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In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and lime zest.
Prepare the Guava Layer
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If using guava paste: Place cubes in a small saucepan with water. Heat over low, stirring until smooth and spreadable.
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If using guava jam: Skip heating — it’s already spreadable.
Assemble & Bake
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Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust.
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Drop spoonfuls of softened guava paste/jam over the top.
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Use a knife or skewer to swirl the guava into the cream cheese mixture for a marbled effect.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is just set.
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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