Guava Crumble Bars
Sweet guava paste melts into a jammy layer between a buttery oat crust and crumble topping. One 8-inch square pan cuts into 8 bars, about 2 per person. Scale the people count in the app to 2, 4, 6, or 8 — ingredients adjust from this base of 4 servings.
Open interactive cooker (change people count)
Food safety
Rinse the lime under running water before cutting. Hot guava filling can burn — let the bars cool before cutting or serving to children. Store covered once cool.
Allergens: wheat, milk
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- small saucepan
- spatula
- knife
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 8 ounces guava paste, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang. Rinse the lime under running water before cutting and juicing.
2. Stir the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until clumpy crumbs form.
3. Press two-thirds of the crumbs firmly into the pan. Bake 10 minutes until just set.
4. Meanwhile, warm the guava paste, water, and lime juice in a small saucepan over low heat 4 to 5 minutes, stirring and mashing, until smooth and spreadable.
5. Spread the guava over the warm crust, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Scatter the remaining crumbs on top and press lightly.
6. Bake 25 minutes more until the top is golden brown and the guava bubbles at the edges.
7. Cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour, so the filling sets (cooling time is included in the cook time). Lift out and cut into 8 bars.
Skill taught
Making one crumb mixture that works as both a pressed crust and a crumble topping.
Affordable substitution
Use guava jam or any thick fruit jam (about 3/4 cup) in place of guava paste and skip the melting step.
Optional variation
Dot small cubes of cream cheese over the guava before adding the topping (then refrigerate the bars).
Leftovers & storage
Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate at 40°F or below up to 1 week. If you add cream cheese, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).