Guava Dessert Bars with Crumble Topping

My supremely buttery guava bars are made with guava paste sandwiched between layers of crumbly, lemon zest infused dough that melts in your mouth. With a crumble topping (no oats), these are incredibly easy to make with 6 simple ingredients.

I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t love these guava bars. They’re one of my favorite dessert recipes that require no explanation or convincing.

Typically when I leave a plate of these out on the counter, they end up disappearing within minutes.

Guava paste has all the fruity, floral notes of fresh guavas, paired with a sweetness and richness from the added sugar. Just like berry jam, it’s hard not to love.

This guava bar recipe without oats features guava paste sandwiched between layers of a truly spectacular dough (inspired by berry crumbles I ate growing up). We’re adding a dash of vanilla and lemon zest to compliment the fruitiness. And from there it’s as easy as layering everything together, baking and slicing!

Grocery List

Step by Step

Why Guava Paste?

I’ve tested this recipe several times using both guava paste and guava jam and there’s a clear winner.

Guava paste provides a thicker, more structured result that doesn’t sets up beautifully once the bars cool. The paste is easy to work with when baking and provides that fruity, chewy texture we want in a dessert bar.

If you’re lucky enough to have a bountiful guava tree (and lots of patience), you can make the guava paste yourself. Otherwise grabbing a block from the store makes this guava dessert recipe super easy!

More Guava Recipes

If you’re a guava lover, you have to try my homemade guava and cheese empanadas. Also check out:

Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries)

Deep-Fried Queso Frito with Guava Sauce

Guava Coconut Margarita with Tequila

Easy Guava BBQ Sauce (30 Minutes)

Buen provecho,

Guava Dessert Bars with Crumble Topping

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews

• 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

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Description

My supremely buttery guava bars are made with guava paste sandwiched between layers of crumbly, lemon zest infused dough that melts in your mouth. With a crumble topping (no oats), these are incredibly easy to make with 6 simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup 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 of guava paste, sliced into strips

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Instructions

1. Prep oven and baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350*F and line a square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the crumble mixture. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest together in a stand mixer (or bowl with a spatula or hand mixer). Add flour all at once and continue to beat until flour is incorporated and a crumbly dough forms.
3. Form the bars. Take 3/4 of the dough and press into the base of the baking dish until compact layer forms. Arrange the slices of guava paste over top before crumbling the remaining dough over top.
4. Bake, cool and slice. Bake 35-45 minutes or until the top turns light golden in color. Cool the bars before slicing and enjoying!

Notes

If using guava jam: Spread the jam in a layer over the crumb mixture before continuing as directed in instructions. Note that the jam will produce a less structured, softer bar. I recommend letting them set in the fridge overnight before slicing.