Guava Cake Bars (Printable Version)

Buttery pastry meets sweet guava in these classic Cuban bars with tender cake layers

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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 butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, 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 pan.
07 - Arrange guava paste strips in a single, even layer over the dough.
08 - Gently spread remaining dough over guava layer, using a spatula or damp fingers to cover completely.
09 - Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until the 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 and cut into bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect Balance: The sweet, tropical guava filling beautifully complements the rich, buttery cake dough.
  • Cuban Classic: An easy-to-make version of a beloved traditional dessert.
  • Versatile: Ideal for dessert platters, lunchboxes, or holiday gatherings.
02 -
  • Don't Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure the cake bars remain tender and soft.
  • Clean Cuts: Waiting for the bars to cool completely in the pan is essential for achieving clean, sharp edges when cutting.
  • Paste Thickness: Slice the guava paste into thin, uniform strips to ensure an even distribution of sweetness in every bite.
Return