Guava. Citrus. Sunshine. This article brings to life a dessert inspired by Jake Jameson’s plant-powered kitchen—Citrus Guava Bars. Lightly tart, beautifully fragrant, and surprisingly easy to make, these vibrant treats are more than just dessert. They’re the story of heritage, improvisation, and the joy of discovery in plant-based living. We’ll walk through Jake’s inspiration for the recipe, provide a detailed ingredients list and instructions, explore substitutions and variations, and answer your top FAQs like storage, reheating techniques, and dietary swaps. You’ll also find internal links to delicious recipes for whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Let’s get zesting.
Flavor with a Story: How Citrus Guava Bars Came to Be
A Backyard Twist on Tradition
The idea for these Citrus Guava Bars came to me one late summer afternoon, just after visiting my local farmer’s market in northeast Portland. I’d scored fragrant guavas and organic Meyer lemons. Suddenly, I was transported back to my childhood in northern California, where guavas weren’t common—but lemons sure were. Every Sunday, my mom would whip up some rustic fruit-sweetened baked goods. Citrus Guava Bars take that nostalgic template to a new level with tropical flair and clean ingredients.
Guava paste wasn’t a staple growing up, but it became a revelation in my plant-based experiments. The concept clicked inside my kitchen—with warm Oregon sun pouring through the windows and jazz playing low in the background. I wanted something bright, bakeable, and picnic-worthy. These bars are my vibrant answer to standard fruit bars, and they’ve earned a loyal fanbase among my Portland supper club community.
Why These Citrus Guava Bars Stand Out
Unlike traditional lemon bars or sugary sheet pan snacks, my Citrus Guava Bars layer brightness with depth. A citrus-enhanced shortbread base is topped with a smooth, tangy guava curd—made completely egg-free and dairy-free. They’re familiar yet unexpected, sweet without cloying you, and textured in a way that comforts rather than crumbles. These bars find balance at the intersection of tropical and tart, casual and refined. They’re the kind of treat you can bring to potlucks, bake sales, or personal tea afternoons.
They also embody the kind of plant-based simplicity I strive for—whole ingredients, no weird flavors, and a little creative fun. And unlike their dairy-filled counterparts, these beauties play nicely with your gut and the planet. They’re my ode to warm weather, sweet crops, and making unprocessed magic—right at home.
And if you love treats with a kick of freshness, check out my recipe for lemon chia seed cookies.
Making Delicious Citrus Guava Bars from Scratch
Ingredients List (with Substitutes & Flavor Tips)
Creating the perfect Citrus Guava Bars starts with simple pantry favorites and a few tropical stars.
| Ingredient | Suggested Substitutes / Notes |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted | Sub sunflower or avocado oil for mild flavor |
| 1/4 cup maple syrup | Agave or date syrup works well too |
| 1 cup almond flour | Use oat flour for nut-free version |
| 2 tbsp arrowroot starch | Can use cornstarch (non-GMO preferred) |
| 1/4 tsp salt | Enhances sweetness naturally |
| 1 cup guava puree or paste | Blend ripe guavas or use unsweetened guava pulp |
| 1 tbsp lemon zest + 2 tbsp lemon juice | Meyer lemon adds softer citrus profile |
| 1/3 cup canned coconut milk | Full-fat creates silky setting |
Timing Matters: Prep, Cook & Chill
These Citrus Guava Bars take less time than many from-scratch plant-based desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Chill Time: At least 1 hour
- Total Time: Just under 2 hours
That’s 20% faster than average dairy-based bars, thanks to the quick-set coconut milk curd and simplified crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk melted coconut oil and maple syrup until emulsified.
- Stir in almond flour, arrowroot, and salt until dough forms. Press this evenly into your prepared dish.
- Bake the crust for 12–14 minutes or until golden at the edges.
- While that cools slightly, warm guava, lemon juice/zest, and coconut milk gently over medium-low heat.
- Whisk nonstop until smooth and slightly thick—around 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the curd mixture over the lightly cooled base. Tap gently to settle.
- Bake for another 18–21 minutes. Edges should puff slightly; center will wobble but set as it chills.
- Cool to room temp, then chill for at least one hour to slice cleanly.
Pro tip: Dust these bars with arrowroot instead of powdered sugar for a matte, allergen-friendly finish.
Why Citrus Guava Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Routine
Loaded with Nutrients and Naturally Sweet
When made well, guava isn’t just a flavor bomb—it delivers serious nutrition benefits. It’s high in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Citrus ingredients shine here too, with limonene and flavonoids that add immunity perks. According to the National Institutes of Health, foods rich in Vitamin C support collagen production and repair, especially useful if you lead an active or outdoorsy life.
Pair that with coconut-based curd and a protein-rich almond crust, and you’ve got one of the most nutrient-dense bars for your buck. And all this goodness comes without refined flour or animal products.
Kid-Friendly & Allergy-Friendly
Kids naturally gravitate toward colorful food—especially pink. These Citrus Guava Bars serve up a tropical glow in every bite. Even better? They’re unbeatable for allergy-conscious gatherings. With nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, and gluten-optional versions, these bars open dessert up for everyone.
You can also explore variations like the guava and tahini breakfast squares available on my site, which blend savory creaminess with fruit for a more snackable option.
By mastering a base guava curd and citrus ratio, you’re free to riff endlessly—from lime-coconut layers to mango-clementine bursts.
Tips for Serving, Substituting, and Storing Citrus Guava Bars
Perfect Substitutions for Common Intolerances
Whether you’re baking for yourself or a crowd with mixed dietary needs, these swaps keep your bars inclusive:
- Flour: Use oat flour or a certified GF blend if almond flour is a concern. You’ll get a softer but still sliceable finish.
- Milk: Swap coconut milk with unsweetened oat cream (like Oatly’s barista version) or soy cream for similar richness.
- Egg: No eggs required—arrowroot and coconut milk set beautifully on their own.
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar or date syrup work, though the final color may be slightly browner.
Each change is fully flexible without compromising the integrity of the flavor or texture.
Storing and Keeping Them Fresh
Citrus Guava Bars love the chill life. Cut them into squares once fully set and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll stay fresh for:
- 4–5 days in the fridge
- Up to 2 months in the freezer
Just layer parchment or wax paper between them so they don’t stick or dry out. Need a quick defrost? Let them rest at room temp for 15 minutes.
If you’re searching for complementary treats to store alongside them, check out my freezer-stable chickpea cookie dough truffles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you make Citrus Guava Bars?
Start by baking a simple citrus-almond crust, then layering in a homemade guava curd made with guava puree, lemon juice, coconut milk, and arrowroot. After baking, chill completely before slicing.
Can you make Citrus Guava Bars ahead of time and reheat them?
Absolutely. You can make them up to two days ahead. While they don’t need reheating like brownies, serving them slightly warm (from room temp) enhances their flavor.
What substitutions work best in Guava Bars (flour, dairy/egg swaps)?
Oat or gluten-free flour for almond flour, oat or soy cream for the coconut milk, and maple syrup for sweetener are ideal. No egg needed due to natural setting agents.
How do you store Guava Bars, and how long do they stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge up to five days or in the freezer for two months. To prevent sticking, layer parchment between each bar.
A Final Bite of Sunshine
Citrus Guava Bars are the kind of treat that make plant-based living feel joyful, colorful, and accessible. From their golden crust to the tangy pink curd, they’re the perfect introduction to tropical baking, all without eggs, dairy, or compromise. These bars bring a sense of occasion to weekday snacks and elevate any shared table.
When food starts with curiosity and ends in sunshine, you know you’re on the right path. Keep experimenting, stay bright, and next time, try pairing these with a warming ginger citrus detox tea or a splash of lime mint spritzer. Dessert deserves to feel as alive as the plants it celebrates.