Pin It Experience a true taste of the Caribbean with these Guava Cake Bars. Featuring a rich, buttery pastry layered with luscious guava paste, these classic Cuban bars offer a perfect balance of sweet fruit and tender cake texture. They are an ideal choice for a sophisticated dessert, a midday snack, or a festive treat for any occasion.
Pin It These bars are beloved for their simplicity and striking appearance. The vibrant pink guava paste creates a beautiful contrast against the golden pastry, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
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
- Step 1
- 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.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3
- 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.
- Step 4
- 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.
- Step 5
- Spread half the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 6
- Arrange the guava paste strips in a single, even layer over the dough.
- Step 7
- Gently spread the remaining dough over the guava layer, using a spatula or damp fingers to cover completely.
- Step 8
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the pastry (not the guava) comes out clean.
- Step 9
- Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. When testing for doneness, be careful to insert the toothpick into the pastry section only, as the guava paste will remain sticky even when the cake is fully baked.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a tropical twist, add a hint of grated lime zest to the dough mixture. If you prefer a richer, creamier flavor profile, you can substitute part of the guava paste with thin slices of cream cheese to create a "guayaba y queso" style bar.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bars at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor of the guava. They pair wonderfully with a strong cup of Cuban coffee or a cold glass of milk. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Pin It With their golden-brown crust and sweet, exotic filling, these Guava Cake Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Enjoy the simple joy of this classic Cuban treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these guava cake bars authentic Cuban?
The combination of guava paste with buttery pastry dough is a classic Cuban dessert tradition. The sweet-tropical fruit paired with vanilla-scented cake reflects the island's love for balancing rich flavors with bright fruit notes.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembly. Let it soften slightly at room temperature for easier spreading when you're ready to layer and bake.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the pastry portion (avoiding the guava center) comes out clean. This typically takes 38-42 minutes at 350°F.
- → What's the best way to slice guava paste?
Use a sharp knife to cut the guava paste into thin strips or slices. If the paste is too firm, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly for easier cutting. Aim for even layers to ensure consistent sweetness.
- → How should I store leftover guava cake bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. The bars also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.