Save Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these Guava Jam Bars. This medium-difficulty dessert offers a delightful fusion of Western crumble bars and vibrant tropical flavors, making it a standout vegetarian treat. With a golden crust and a sticky, sweet center, these bars are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.
Save These bars are more than just a snack; they are a buttery, tropical-inspired experience. Layered with softened guava paste or jam and topped with a coconut-infused crumble, they bring a sunny flair to any dessert table or afternoon coffee break.
Ingredients
- Crust and Crumble
- 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
- Filling
- 1 cup (320 g) guava jam or guava paste, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1
- 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
- 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
- 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
- In a small bowl, stir together guava jam and lime juice until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Step 5
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the jam layer.
- Step 6
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbling at the edges.
- Step 7
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even deeper flavor profile, lightly toast the shredded coconut and the chopped macadamia nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the crumble mixture. This enhances the nutty aroma and adds extra crunch.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If guava jam is unavailable in your local store, you can easily substitute it with apricot or raspberry jam for a different but equally delicious fruit bar. The buttery oat base works beautifully with almost any high-quality fruit preserve.
Serviervorschläge
To turn these bars into a decadent plated dessert, serve them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the toasted coconut and sticky guava filling.
Save Each of these 16 bars contains approximately 195 calories, 10g of total fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. Whether enjoyed as a midday treat or a festive dessert, these bars are a delicious way to bring the tropics home.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different jam if guava isn't available?
Absolutely. Apricot, raspberry, or pineapple preserves work beautifully as alternatives. Choose something with similar sweetness and fruit-forward flavor to maintain the tropical profile.
- → Should I toast the coconut and macadamias before adding them?
Toasting isn't required but highly recommended. Lightly toasting the coconut and macadamias at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before incorporating them into the crumble enhances their natural nuttiness and adds deeper flavor to the finished bars.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the crumble topping is golden brown and you see the jam bubbling slightly at the edges. The center should feel set, not jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
- → Why is cooling completely essential before cutting?
The jam layer needs time to set as it cools. Cutting while warm causes the filling to ooze and the crumble to crumble apart. Letting them cool completely—ideally 2-3 hours or refrigerated—ensures clean, neat squares.
- → Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture remains remarkably similar, though the bars may be slightly more delicate.
- → What's the best way to store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. These also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.