Pin Indulge in a tropical twist on a classic treat with these Homemade Guava Jam Bars. Featuring a buttery, crumbly cookie base and a sweet, vibrant guava jam filling, these bars are topped with a golden streusel that offers the perfect crunch in every bite.
Pin Whether you are serving them as a dessert or a midday snack, these bars are sure to impress. Their golden-brown appearance and sweet aroma make them an inviting addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Base and Streusel:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup (320 g) guava jam or guava paste, softened
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat 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: Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: Cut in Butter
- Add cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 4: Form Dough
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined and a crumbly dough forms.
- Step 5: Layer the Base
- Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Step 6: Add Filling
- Gently spread the guava jam over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 7: Add Streusel
- Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the jam layer to create a streusel topping.
- Step 8: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Step 9: Cool and Cut
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your butter is very cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. This helps create the signature crumbly texture of the streusel. Cooling the bars completely before slicing is essential for achieving clean cuts. You can use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan once cooled.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a different fruit profile, you can substitute guava jam with apricot, raspberry, or mango jam. For extra crunch, try mixing 1/2 cup of chopped toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the streusel topping before baking.
Serviervorschläge
These bars are delicious at room temperature, but for a truly decadent dessert experience, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. They are also excellent when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Pin These Guava Jam Bars offer a unique way to enjoy tropical flavors in a familiar cookie format. Each serving contains approximately 230 calories, providing a sweet and satisfying end to any meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other fruit jams instead of guava?
Yes, you can substitute guava jam with apricot, raspberry, mango, or your favorite fruit preserves. Each variation will create a unique flavor profile while maintaining the same delicious buttery texture.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the streusel topping turns lightly golden brown, typically after 35-40 minutes at 350°F. The edges should be set, and the jam layer will be bubbling slightly.
- → Should I refrigerate these bars?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crumbly dough and refrigerate it wrapped tightly for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- → What's the best way to cut clean bars?
Cool completely in the pan before removing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra precision, chill the cooled bars for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
- → Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Absolutely! Mix ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts into the remaining dough before creating the streusel layer. This adds wonderful crunch and complements the tropical guava flavor.