Guava Cake Bars

Rich, buttery pastry layered with luscious guava paste, these classic Cuban Guava Cake Bars offer a perfect balance of sweet fruit and tender cake. Ideal for dessert, snacks, or a festive treat, this recipe brings a touch of tropical flair to your kitchen.

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This medium-difficulty dessert yields 16 bars and takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, 7g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Please note that this recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.

Ingredients

• Dough
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk
• Filling
• 12 oz (340 g) guava paste, sliced into thin strips

Instructions

1. Oven and Pan Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Layer the Base

Spread half the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

6. Arrange Guava

Arrange the guava paste strips in a single, even layer over the dough.

7. Top with Remaining Dough

Gently spread the remaining dough over the guava layer, using a spatula or damp fingers to cover completely.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the pastry (not the guava) comes out clean.

9. Cool and Slice

Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use an electric mixer to ensure the butter and sugar are properly aerated. When spreading the top layer of dough, using slightly damp fingers can help prevent sticking. Most importantly, do not skip the cooling phase; letting the bars cool completely in the pan ensures clean edges when slicing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a tropical twist, add a hint of grated lime zest to the dough before baking. If you prefer a richer, more savory-sweet flavor, substitute part of the guava paste with thin slices of cream cheese for a classic Cuban 'guava and cheese' profile.

Serviervorschläge

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their texture. They pair beautifully with a cup of Cuban coffee or espresso as an afternoon snack or a post-dinner treat.

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Whether shared with friends or enjoyed with your morning coffee, these golden-baked Guava Cake Bars are a delightful way to experience the vibrant flavors of Cuban baking.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these bars Cuban?

The combination of guava paste with buttery pastry is a classic Cuban dessert tradition. Guava is a tropical fruit staple in Caribbean cuisine, and pairing it with tender cake layers creates the beloved pastelito de guayaba flavor profile that's central to Cuban baking heritage.

→ Can I use fresh guava instead of paste?

Guava paste is recommended for its concentrated sweetness and thick, spreadable texture that holds its shape during baking. Fresh guava would be too watery and wouldn't provide the same rich fruit layer. The paste delivers that authentic sweet-tart flavor Cuban bars are known for.

→ How do I know when the bars are done?

The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the dough portions (avoiding the guava center) should come out clean. The edges may start to pull slightly from the pan. This typically takes 38-42 minutes at 350°F.

→ Why is my dough difficult to spread over the guava?

The dough can be sticky, which is why damp fingers or a spatula work best. Pressing gently and evenly helps distribute the dough without displacing the guava layer. If needed, chill the dough briefly for easier handling.

→ Can I add cream cheese to the filling?

Absolutely. Many bakers layer thin strips of cream cheese alongside the guava paste for a creamy, tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness. This variation creates an even richer flavor profile reminiscent of Cuban bakery-style pastries.

→ How should I store these bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The buttery pastry stays tender, and the flavors continue to develop. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though bringing them to room temperature before serving enhances the texture.