Pin it These Guava Jam Bars are a buttery, tropical-inspired dessert that brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen. Layers of sweet guava jam are topped with a golden, crunchy crumble featuring toasted coconut, macadamia nuts, and oats for a perfect balance of textures.
Pin it The secret to these bars lies in the macadamia nuts, which provide a rich, buttery crunch that perfectly complements the thick, aromatic guava filling. A splash of lime juice helps balance the sweetness, making every bite refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (65 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup (60 g) roasted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (320 g) guava jam or guava paste, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: Mix Crumble
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms moist crumbles. Add coconut and chopped macadamia nuts, mixing to combine.
- Step 3: Press Crust
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Step 4: Layer Filling
- In a small bowl, stir together guava jam and lime juice until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Step 5: Add Topping
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the jam layer.
- Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbling at the edges.
- Step 7: Cool and Cut
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure to let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the pan. This allows the jam to set and ensures the crust doesn't crumble when you cut it into individual bars.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you cannot find guava jam, you can easily substitute it with apricot or raspberry jam for a similarly sweet and tart result. You can also use guava paste; just be sure to soften it with a little warm water or lime juice until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Serviervorschläge
These bars are delicious on their own, but for a truly decadent touch, serve them with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pin it Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a unique dessert for a gathering, these Guava Jam Bars offer a beautiful fusion of buttery shortbread and vibrant tropical fruit.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different jam flavor?
Yes, apricot or raspberry jam works beautifully as substitutes if guava is unavailable in your area.
- → Should I toast the coconut and macadamias first?
Lightly toasting the coconut and macadamias before adding them enhances their natural flavors and creates a more aromatic crumble topping.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for extended freshness.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely—these bars actually improve in flavor after resting overnight. The textures meld together beautifully for a more cohesive bite.
- → What's the purpose of lime juice in the filling?
Fresh lime juice brightens the guava jam's sweetness, adds a tropical tang, and helps balance the rich buttery elements.
- → Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.