Homemade Guava Paste Recipes (4 Ingredients)

Guava Paste Recipes is a thick, sweet, sliceable preserve made from guava, sugar, and citrus. It’s widely used in Latin American and Caribbean cooking—especially in guava pastries, desserts, and sauces.

It’s like a tropical cousin to fruit leathers or quince paste. It pairs beautifully with cheese, buttery doughs, and even meats. Once you make your own, you’ll see just how useful this little brick of fruit flavor really is.

This guava paste recipe is fruity, thick, and sliceable. It’s a pantry staple you can use in so many ways—desserts, sauces, fillings, you name it.

And you don’t need any special tools or fancy tricks. Just a saucepan, a strainer, and some patience (mostly while it simmers).

How To Make Guava Paste Recipes?

🍬 Recipe Overview

Homemade guava paste recipes are sweet, tart, and packed with real fruit flavor. Perfect for guava pastries, sauces, and more.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours
• Cuisine: Latin American / Caribbean
• Course: Dessert / Condiment
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: About 3 cups
• Calories per Serving: 90 (per 1 tablespoon)

🛠 Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer or food mill
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Citrus zester
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Airtight container for storage

🍈 Ingredients

• 5 lb. (2.3kg) fresh guavas (pink-fleshed works best)
• 2 cups water
• 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
• 5 cups white sugar

Ingredient Notes

1. Guavas: Ripe but not mushy guavas give you the best flavor. Pink-fleshed ones are naturally sweeter and look beautiful.

2. Lemon: Adds brightness and balances the sugar. Don’t skip the zest—it deepens the citrusy aroma.

3. Sugar: White sugar works best here. Brown sugar will darken the paste and change the flavor.

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the Guavas

Wash the guavas well. Trim off the ends, cut them in half, and scoop out the seeds. You don’t need to peel them—the skin softens as it cooks.

Tip: If you’re short on time, leave the seeds in and strain them out later.

2. Cook the Fruit

Add the guava halves to a large saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the fruit is super soft.

3. Puree and Strain

Once soft, pass the fruit through a fine mesh strainer or food mill. You want a smooth guava puree with no seeds or skin.

4. Add Sugar & Lemon

Return the puree to the pot. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together over medium-low heat.

Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning. The mixture will thicken slowly.

5. Reduce & Thicken

Keep stirring for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The paste is ready when it’s thick, glossy, and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

Test: Drop a spoonful onto a plate. If it holds its shape and firms up after cooling, it’s done.

6. Store It

Spoon the hot paste into a container. Let it cool completely before sealing. Store in the fridge.

🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 0g
• Carbs: 23g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0.5g

💡 Tips

1. Don’t want to stir for an hour? Use a slow cooker on high with the lid off and stir every 15 minutes.

2. Swap the sugar: Try coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor.

3. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy twist.

4. Want a sauce? Stop cooking earlier when it’s pourable—great for pancakes or grilled meats.

How to Store Guava Paste Recipes in the Refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing.

How to Freeze Guava Paste Recipes?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes well for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

🧠 Expert Tips

1. Paste too runny? Cook it longer. Don’t rush the reduction.

2. Paste too thick? Add a splash of water and stir over low heat to loosen it.

3. Grainy texture? Keep the heat low and stir often. High heat can crystallize the sugar.

4. Color too dark? That means the heat was too high. Cook low and slow for that perfect rosy color.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

This is where the fun starts. Here are my favorite ways to use guava paste:

1. In cheese and guava pastries (pastelitos!)

2. Spread on toast with cream cheese

3. Baked into guava bars or cookies

4. Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal

5. Melted into a guava BBQ sauce for grilled meats

6. Served with mango mousse or crepes with maple lime ricotta filling

❓ FAQ

👩‍🍳 Conclusion

If you’ve never tried making guava paste before, this is your moment. It’s simple, satisfying, and way better than anything store-bought.

I’d love to know how yours turns out. Drop your questions, tips, or even your own guava paste stories in the comments.

And if you make it—tag me on social @allcooksrecipe. I’d love to see what you whip up!