Guava Bars Recipe

There’s something truly magical about mixing tropical flavors with classic comforts, and these guava oat bars are my go-to treat when I need a vibrant escape from the everyday. Let’s dive into a sweet adventure that’s both nostalgic and exciting!

Creating these delightful guava bars, which perfectly balance sweetness and texture, is something I love to do. The buttery crust, made with all-purpose flour and a hint of salt, pairs beautifully with the smooth guava paste filling.

The topping, made with rolled oats and brown sugar, adds a satisfying crunch that enhances every bite.

Guava Bars Recipe Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness; key for a tender crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability; source of carbohydrates.
• Guava Paste: Sweet and tangy flavor; rich in vitamin C.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens; balances tart flavors.
• Rolled Oats: Adds texture; source of fiber and nutrients.

Guava Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (21 ounces) guava paste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make this Guava Bars Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan for baking. Grease the pan so that whatever you pour into it will come out with zero stickiness.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream the mixture until it is light and fluffy.

3. In small amounts, add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.

4. Evenly press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

5. Cut the guava paste into thin strips and lay them evenly and flatly over the crust in the pan.

6. In another bowl, mix the leftover dough with rolled oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Blend until it reaches a crumbly consistency.

7. Break up the oat mixture over the guava paste layer, making sure it is distributed evenly all across that layer.

8. Sofly press the oat topping to help it stick.

9. In the preheated oven, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

10. Let the guava bars cool fully in the pan, then slice and serve. Cut into squares for easy serving. You may also serve these in bar form, as they are quite hand-holdable, and it is similarly conducive to easy serving if one were to bring them to a gathering.

Guava Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking pan
3. Pastry brush or paper towel (for greasing the pan)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Electric mixer or whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
10. Knife (for cutting guava paste)
11. Cutting board
12. Oven mitts
13. Cooling rack
14. Knife (for cutting bars)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?You can definitely use salted butter; however, you might want to consider decreasing the amount of added salt in the recipe so that it doesn’t throw the flavor balance out of whack.
• Q: Can I substitute fresh guava for guava paste?A: Guava paste offers a distinctive sweetness and texture. If you were to use fresh guava, it could change the flavor and consistency of the bars.
• Q: Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?A: This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free oats.
• Q: What can I substitute for brown sugar?A. Coconut sugar can be used instead, or one can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses to yield an equal amount of this sugar.
• Q: How should I store the guava bars?A: Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for three days, or pop them in the fridge for a week.
• Q: Can I add nuts to the recipe?A: Yes, adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can contribute a delightful crunch to the bars.

Guava Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Butter, unsalted: For a non-dairy option, substitute it with equal parts coconut oil or margarine.
All-purpose flour: For a heartier texture, replace with the same amount of whole wheat flour; to make the bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Granulated sugar: For a less refined option, use an equal amount of coconut sugar or raw sugar.
Guava paste: Replace with equal amounts of any other fruit paste or preserves, such as apricot or pineapple, and the flavor profile will change, but not in a detrimental way.
Rolled oats: Use instant oats or, for gluten-free options, ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra layer of flavor, toast the rolled oats lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before mixing them into the topping. This will enhance the nutty flavor of the oats.

2. To ensure the guava paste spreads evenly, slightly warm it in the microwave or over a double boiler until it’s soft and pliable before cutting it into strips. This will make it easier to layer.

3. For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or topping. These spices complement the sweetness of the guava paste nicely.

4. If you prefer a more cohesive and less crumbly topping, try mixing in a tablespoon or two of melted butter into the oat mixture. This can help bind it together more effectively.

5. After the bars have cooled for about 10 minutes, use a sharp knife to gently score them. This will make cutting them easier later when they are fully cooled, reducing the chances of crumbling.