Luscious Tropical Guava Cheesecake (Print version)
Creamy vanilla cheesecake topped with luscious sweet guava sauce, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust.
# What goes in:
→ Graham Cracker Crust
01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Cream Cheese Filling
04 - 24 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 cup sour cream
09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - Zest of 1 lime
→ Guava Topping
11 - 1 cup guava paste, chopped
12 - 1/4 cup water
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
# Cooking steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, and lime zest until just combined — do not overmix.
04 - Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center is just set with a slight jiggle remaining. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
05 - Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before adding the topping.
06 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine guava paste, water, and lime juice. Stir constantly until the paste melts into a smooth, glossy sauce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
07 - Pour or spread the guava topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow the topping to set.
08 - Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the springform pan ring. Slice into portions and serve chilled.
# Tips from flavorandfeast:
01 -
- The guava topping is basically a cheat code for making people think you spent all day when it takes about ten minutes on the stove.
- That hint of lime zest in the filling cuts through the richness so perfectly that even people who claim they dont like dessert will ask for seconds.
02 -
- Opening the oven door too early or too quickly guarantees a cracked center, so resist every urge to peek before fifty minutes are up.
- Under chilling is the number one reason cheesecakes fall apart when sliced, so give it the full four hours minimum and your patience will be rewarded.
03 -
- Wrap the outside of your springform pan tightly in heavy duty foil before baking and place it in a roasting pan with an inch of hot water for a water bath effect that virtually guarantees no cracks.
- Toasting a handful of chopped pecans or macadamia nuts into the crust adds a crunch that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.