Easy Homemade Guava Bars Recipe (2024)

Fresh, homemade guava jam layered between a shortbread crust and a crumble topping. These guava bars are pieces of tropical goodness just waiting to be devoured. It’s quick and easy and will fill all your sweet tooth needs.

Sweet with a little tang and a whole lotta crumble.

Classic shortbread crust serves as a delicious base to hold all that yummy homemade guava jam and a crumbly, crunchy oat topping. Seriously one of my favorite bars. And it’s all homemade.

I’ll let you in on a secret. . .it’s really not that hard. Shh. No one will know with all the amazing flavors bursting out.

Guava bar ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ½ brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 16 ounces guava jam
• 1 cup old fashion oats
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all purpose flour

First let’s talk about the crust. Shortbread crusts are really simple to make and take very little ingredients.

If you love shortbread so much, check out these yummy shortbread cookies.

Next let’s talk guava. I mean what’s more tropical than guava?

Guava is plentiful, especially in Upcountry Maui. So much so that a common nickname for people from Upcountry is guavas. Go figure.

And of course the guava jam. This recipe uses homemade jam. Trust me it’s really easy. There’s just something about homemade that makes baked goods so much better.

You can check out this recipe for homemade guava jam here.

If you just don’t feel like making homemade jam, not to worry you can always use the store bought brands. I like this one (https://www.hawaiiansunproducts.com/preserves).

And lastly the amazing crisp topping.

Be sure to get old fashion oats. Old fashion oats are flat and flaky and make the perfect choice for crisp toppings.

If you want to read more about different types of oats check out this article.

Can you make this ahead of time?

Sure can. Making this a day before your event would work great.

How to reheat guava bars?

Cover pan with foil and bake at 350F for 10-15minutes or until heated through. You can also heat with a microwave to your desired temperature.

How to store guava bars?

Guava bars can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze guava bars?

Yes. Cover pan with plastic wrap and then foil and place in the freezer. This will keep for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, place in the refrigerator to defrost for a day prior to reheating.

How to make guava bars?

Preheat oven to 350F.

For the crust: In a large bowl add 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use a dough cutter to mix the ingredients until a wet sand consistency.

Pour crust layer into a prepared 9×13 pan. Gently push down and spread evenly in pan.

Next add a layer of guava jam. Carefully spread jam trying not to mix in with the crust layer. Set this aside.

For the topping: In another bowl add oats, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined. Add flour and mix again until well combined.

Pour this mixture over the guava layer and spread evenly in pan.

Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Cool completely before cutting and ENJOY!

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