Supremely buttery Guava Bars—guava paste layered between crumbly, lemon-zest scented dough that practically melts in your mouth. Simple to prepare with just six everyday ingredients, these bars are a crowd-pleaser and disappear fast when left out on the counter.
Guava paste brings floral-fruity notes and a concentrated sweetness that pairs beautifully with a buttery, flaky crumb. The combination is reminiscent of childhood berry crumbles—comforting, bright, and just sweet enough.
These bars are built from a rich, crumbly dough flavored with vanilla and lemon zest. A layer of guava paste or jam is sandwiched between the dough, then baked until the top turns a light golden hue. They slice cleanly when chilled and are perfect for serving with coffee or as an after-dinner treat.
Grocery List
If you have access to fresh guavas, you can make guava paste at home, but a store-bought block of guava paste or a jar of guava jam makes this recipe quick and convenient.
Step by Step
Guava Paste vs. Guava Jam
Use guava paste for firmer, more structured bars; use guava jam for a softer, more spreadable filling. Both are delicious—choosing one depends on the texture you prefer.
If you choose jam, allow the bars to cool on the counter before refrigerating overnight so they set fully and slice cleanly.
More Guava Recipes
If you love guava, try other favorites like guava pastries, guava cheese empanadas, or a guava margarita for a fruity twist on cocktails.
Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries)
Deep-Fried Queso Frito with Guava Sauce
Guava Coconut Margarita with Tequila
5 Ingredient Guava Cheese Empanadas
Buen provecho,
Buttery Guava Crumble Bars
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5 from 1 review
Author: Salima Benkhalti
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9–16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Cuban, Latin
Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Supremely buttery Guava Bars made with guava paste sandwiched between lemon-zest scented crumb layers. These come together with six simple ingredients for an easy, impressive dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package guava paste, sliced into strips (or 1 cup guava jam)
Instructions
- Prep oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
- Make the crumble dough. In a mixer or bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the vanilla and lemon zest. Add the flour all at once and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Assemble the bars. Press about three-quarters of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact layer. Arrange slices of guava paste over the base, or spread guava jam evenly. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
- Bake and cool. Bake 35–45 minutes, until the top is light golden. Let the bars cool completely. If you used jam, chill overnight for best slicing; otherwise cool and slice into 9–16 bars.
Equipment
Square baking dish
Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
Notes
If using guava jam: Spread the jam as the middle layer and expect a softer, less structured bar. For cleaner slices, chill the bars overnight before cutting.