You’re in for a treat when you discover the versatility of guavas. This tropical fruit’s flavor profile is a unique blend of pear and strawberry, with undertones of grapefruit or mango depending on the ripeness and size.
Despite being a staple in Latin American cuisine, guavas are underutilized in the US. It’s a shame, really, because they pair exceptionally well with a wide range of ingredients – from sweet treats like cheesecakes and smoothies to savory dishes like BBQ sauce.
In this collection, we’ve gathered 20 mouth-watering guava recipes that will inspire you to get creative with this underrated gem.
Vegan Paleo Strawberry Guava Smoothie
Rather than sticking with familiar flavors, now’s the perfect opportunity to shake things up. Guava’s subtle hints of pear beautifully complement strawberry, taking a straightforward smoothie to new heights. This recipe elevates the classic by introducing frozen mango chunks, which not only add natural sweetness but also serve as a thickening agent, resulting in a rich and creamy texture that’s free from icy dilution.
Guava Paste
When faced with the challenge of sourcing guava paste, we recommend taking matters into your own hands and crafting your own at home. With just a few basic ingredients – water, lemon juice, guavas, and sugar – you can whip up a batch in approximately an hour. This DIY concoction is incredibly versatile and has a remarkable shelf life. Even if you’re not surrounded by tropical climates, you may still find yourself with a limited supply of fresh guavas to work with.
In this case, be sure to pick out the best options available – the juicy red or pink varieties are ideal for creating paste. Once you’ve got your homemade guava paste in hand, feel free to experiment with adding it to a wide range of dishes.
Guava Margarita
Experience the perfect blend of tropical flavors with this refreshing guava margarita recipe! Combine tequila, fresh lime juice, coconut water, and guava nectar with just a hint of agave for a unique taste sensation. To fully appreciate the complex flavors, be sure to serve it over plenty of ice in a salted-coconut-lime rimmed glass. Whether you’re making one serving or whipping up a pitcher for your next gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Pineapple Guava Sweet Bread
The pink fruit, often referred to as classic, diverges significantly from its pineapple-guava counterpart. Its creamy white flesh is akin to that of a banana, making it an ideal choice for sweet breads due to its familiar flavor profile. This variety offers a refreshing departure from the usual cakes and quick breads, as the banana flavor is tempered by tropical undertones.
To further enhance the taste, simply add chopped pineapple to the mixture, then use the juice to create a quick powdered sugar glaze.
Guava Sherbet
Both sherbet and sorbet often rely on dairy as a key ingredient, sharing similarities as frozen desserts made with fruit. However, to unlock the full flavor potential of these sweet treats, guava syrup is an essential component. This concentrated liquid not only enhances the taste but also provides a vital role in thickening the mixture, courtesy of its rich guava purée.
The versatility of this recipe lies in its ability to accommodate a range of fruits, including mango, strawberry, pineapple, and banana, allowing you to experiment with diverse flavors and create an array of handmade frozen desserts.
Hawaiian Guava Cake
Immerse yourself in the sweetness of traditional Hawaiian cuisine with this scrumptious guava cake recipe. A masterpiece of flavors, it boasts a rich guava flavor profile, topped with a tangy whipped cream cheese, and finished with a velvety guava gel icing. The versatility of using either guava nectar or juice adds an extra layer of complexity to this delectable dessert.
By incorporating strawberry cake mix, the guava flavor is expertly elevated, although a classic white or yellow cake mix would also yield impressive results. As the pink hue of the finished cake tantalizes, the fruity flavors within will undoubtedly delight everyone who takes a bite.
Corn Cake With Guava Frosting
At first glance, this delectable cake recipe may seem unassuming, with its cornmeal-infused batter and subtle maize flavor. However, one taste reveals the true magic at play. This sweet treat is perfect for those who adore the warm, comforting flavors of cornbread and honey. The combination of a light, fluffy texture and a hint of cornmeal creates a delightful contrast that will leave you wanting more.
The natural-hued frosting, which we’ve perfected over multiple batches, adds an extra layer of charm to this already-enticing dessert. With its unique flavor profile and rustic charm, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Natural Hawaiian Pog
Inspired by its three primary ingredients – orange, passion fruit, and guava – this Hawaiian-inspired beverage is a game-changer. Gone are the days of bland, sugary OJ after experiencing the unique flavors and aromas of this tropical delight! The commercial versions may be loaded with sugar and artificial coloring, but the good news is that making your own is incredibly easy and nutritious.
Fresh fruit is the ideal ingredient for an authentic taste, although using natural juices from a reliable source can still yield impressive results – think Bahama Mama-level deliciousness!
Peanut Butter And Guava Muffins
Indulge in the delightful fusion of peanut butter and guava as these scrumptious muffins tantalize your taste buds! At their core, they boast a rich, nutty, and earthy peanut butter base. A sweet and buttery streusel topping adds a flaky texture and an explosion of guava flavor. The result is a truly remarkable culinary experience – the muffins are not only incredibly moist but also exude that coveted bakery-style charm that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Shortbread Almond Cookies With Guava
Instead of the traditional Linzer cookie fare, why not shake things up with a tropical twist? Simply swap out the usual raspberry jam for guava jam, and get ready to elevate your holiday baking game. Guava jam is easily found at most local grocery stores, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own at home. This year, ditch the ordinary and add a new level of excitement to your traditional jam-filled cookies.
Guava BBQ Chicken Thighs
What sets this barbecue sauce recipe apart is its unconventional use of cocoa powder as a key ingredient. While it may seem unusual at first glance, rest assured that the rich, deep flavor imparted by the chocolate will not overpower or dominate the other flavors in the sauce. In fact, the subtle nuances of the cocoa will actually enhance and balance out the spices you add, taking your barbecue game to the next level.
Guava Empanadas
Empanadas, those delightful little hand pies, typically consist of flaky dough wrapped around a sweet or savory filling. In this particular recipe, we’re taking a creative approach by combining cream cheese and guava paste within the dough to create the filling. The sweetness of the guava paste negates the need for added sugar in the cream cheese, allowing us to focus on the harmonious blend of flavors.
Of course, if you’d like to take it up a notch, you could subtly combine the two fillings to achieve a creamy, cheesecake-like consistency. However, this level of complexity is entirely optional.
Guava Chutney
If you’re an Indian food enthusiast with a sweet tooth and a penchant for bold flavors, you’ll love this recipe. By combining savory elements like coriander and garlic with the sweetness of fruit, we’ve created a perfect harmony of taste. And the best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate. While we recommend using larger pieces of fruit for a chunky texture, feel free to dice it finer if you prefer a smoother consistency.
This recipe makes an excellent dipping sauce, and its versatility is sure to impress.
Mini-Lime And Guava Cheesecakes
When it comes to impressing guests at social gatherings, a cheesecake is often the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The harmonious blend of silky guava sauce and tangy lime sauce in this particular recipe adds a delightful twist to the classic dessert. Not only does its visually appealing presentation make for great Instagram-worthy moments, but the guava also brings an exciting new flavor dimension that’s sure to win over even the most discerning palates.
What’s more, preparing these bite-sized treats takes a mere 30 minutes and requires no baking whatsoever, making it an incredibly convenient option for stress-free entertaining.
Guava BBQ Sauce
Our ideal barbecue sauce has a trifecta of characteristics: a tangy sourness, a bold and spicy kick, and an indulgent sweetness that’s simply devilish. When combined with the luscious flavors of guava, this harmonious union is nothing short of sublime. By following our recipe to the letter, you’ll be rewarded with a sumptuously rich sauce that’s bursting with flavor. For those who prefer their BBQ sauce with a bit more fluidity, simply add a tablespoon of water and adjust to taste.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to ignite your taste buds, add a teaspoon or two of chili paste to imbue your sauce with an extra layer of heat.
No Bake Mexican Guava Charlotte Cake
Imagine a dessert that harmoniously combines the tanginess of Key Lime pie with the richness of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a Mexican-inspired package. The creamy filling, infused with the zest of lime and the sweetness of condensed milk, is nestled atop a crumbly cookie base. But it’s the crowning glory – a layer of sweet, sticky guava that truly sets this dessert apart. As the cookies soak in the creamy mixture, they reach a sublime melt-in-your-mouth texture.
To add a satisfying crunch, sprinkle some crushed cookie pieces on top before serving.
Guava Bars
Transforming the classic buttery shortbread into a flavorful masterpiece is effortlessly achieved by adapting it to your preferred flavor profile. When incorporating jams, they often soak into the crumb or thin out during cooking, resulting in a slightly dry cookie. In contrast, the guava paste melts and spreads evenly, thickening into a luscious tropical filling that provides a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Meanwhile, the addition of oats brings a delightful nutty undertone to each bite, beautifully complementing the sweet guava filling.
Conclusion
Guava is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavor of your dishes in a significant way. Its unique fruity taste complements other fruits and even pairs well with nutty flavors, making it an excellent addition to both sweet and savory recipes. With its adaptability, guava has become a staple in many cuisines around the world.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.