Guava Cake Bars (Printable View)

Buttery pastry squares filled with sweet guava paste, offering tender cake texture and tropical fruit flavor in every bite.

# 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 oz guava paste, sliced into thin strips

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving 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 granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the 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 top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the pastry comes out clean.
10 - Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment paper and cut into 16 bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect Texture: A buttery, tender dough that sandwiches a thick fruit filling.
  • Simple Preparation: Uses standard pantry staples like flour, butter, and eggs.
  • Authentic Flavor: Features guava paste for a unique, tropical sweetness.
02 -
  • Don't Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to ensure the bars remain tender and cake-like.
  • Room Temperature: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother, more cohesive batter.
  • Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Return