Easy Homemade Tropical Guava Bars Recipe

Transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise with these irresistible Guava Bars. A buttery shortbread base layered with sweet guava paste and topped with a lightly crunchy oat crumble creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. These bars are an ideal treat for those craving a taste of the tropics or looking to add a unique twist to their dessert repertoire.

Inspired by the beloved pastelitos found in Latin American bakeries, these Guava Bars capture the essence of that delightful pastry in a convenient, shareable form. The tangy sweetness of guava paste mingles beautifully with the rich, buttery crust, while the oat topping adds a pleasant crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, need a special treat for a potluck, or simply want to brighten up your day with a tropical-inspired snack, these Guava Bars are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, travel well, and offer a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from typical dessert bars.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 16 tablespoons (1 cup) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (about 10 ounces) all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

• 16 ounces guava paste, sliced to 1/4 inch thick slices
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup (about 5 ounces) all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grab a 9- by 13-inch baking pan and grease it generously with butter.
2. Start with the crust. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand-held mixer), cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for your crust.
3. Add the salt and flour to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. It might look a bit crumbly, but that’s okay! Press this dough evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to create a uniform layer.
4. Now for the star of the show – the guava paste! Carefully arrange the slices of guava paste over the crust, covering it completely. This layer will melt slightly during baking, creating a luscious, fruity center.
5. Time for the topping. In a food processor, combine the oats, diced butter, salt, and brown sugar. Pulse about 10 times to mix everything together.
6. Add the flour to the oat mixture and pulse again until it resembles wet sand. This crumbly topping will provide a delightful contrast to the smooth guava layer.
7. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the guava layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect crunch in every bite.
8. Bake your creation in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma of buttery, fruity goodness will fill your kitchen!
9. Once done, resist the temptation to dig in immediately! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the layers to set properly, making it easier to cut and serve.
10. Once cooled, cut into bars. You can make 24 smaller bars for a crowd, or 12 larger ones for those with a heartier sweet tooth.

Recipe Notes

Guava paste is the key ingredient in this recipe, imparting a unique, tropical flavor. You can usually find it in the Latin American section of well-stocked supermarkets or in specialty stores. If you’re having trouble locating it locally, many online retailers carry this product.

These bars store well at room temperature for a couple of days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Try using other fruit pastes like quince or fig for a different twist. You could also add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.

Nutritional Facts