Rich, buttery pastry layered with luscious guava paste. Perfect balance of sweet fruit and tender cake. Ideal for dessert, snacks, or festive treats.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs, at room temperature
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - ⅓ cup whole milk
→ Filling
09 - 12 ounces guava paste, sliced into thin strips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
06 - Spread half the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
07 - Arrange guava paste strips in a single, even layer over the dough base.
08 - Gently spread remaining dough over guava layer using a spatula or damp fingers to cover completely.
09 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the pastry comes out clean.
10 - Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 bars.
