The season has come for guava lovers. Starting from having guava with salt and chilli powder to making the best of the best guava desserts, Indians never run out of options that can be created with guava. Combining the sweetness of strawberries and the subtle crispness of pears, guava’s taste is both refreshing and satisfying.
Guava has a special place in Indian culture. The monsoon and summer offer the best opportunities to experiment with guava desserts. The fruit is abundant and at its peak of flavour during these seasons, providing the perfect canvas for a variety of delicious creations. Summertime heat and monsoon rains enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit, making it the perfect ingredient for delicious guava-based desserts.
From creamy cheesecakes to refreshing ice creams, guava can transform ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences. These periods allow for creative culinary adventures, making it the ideal time to explore the versatility and richness of guava in the kitchen. Here are some of the must-try desserts made from guava.
Guava Desserts You Can Try This Season
1. Guava Cream Cheese Pastries
If you like brunch, indulge in this traditional Cuban treat. Guava cream cheese pastries, like strawberry turnovers, have a tropical twist. These cakes are easy to make and only need five ingredients, including refined or whole wheat flour, sugar, ripe guava, cream cheese, and eggs. These pastries are filled with cream cheese inside and often topped with berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. The buttery, crisp pastry goes well with the sweet, creamy filling to make a delicious treat for any event.
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2. Guava Cheesecake
Guava cheesecake is the ultimate choice for dessert lovers. The mix of guava and cheesecake adds a tropical twist to typical strawberry cheesecake. Guava Cream Cheesecake starts with a traditional Graham cracker crust, followed by a creamy cheesecake filling blended with guava puree. Guava and cream cheese flavours complement each other to create a delectable and one-of-a-kind dessert. This cheesecake is sure to become a favourite among those wishing to expand their dessert options.
3. Guava Pudding
Guava pudding is a refreshing alternative to traditional vanilla and chocolate flavours. Blend ripe guavas into a smooth puree, then combine with milk, sugar, and cornstarch to thicken. The mixture needs to be cooked over medium heat until it reaches a pudding-like consistency and then put in the refrigerator until set. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh guava slices. Guava pudding is simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, making it perfect for those looking to add a unique touch to their dessert menu.
4. Guava Jelly
Guava jelly holds a special place in many hearts, particularly during the guava season. The tradition of making homemade guava jelly started long ago, inspired by memories of delightful, bright red guava jelly enjoyed during childhood. The process begins with boiling guava pieces in a pressure cooker, mashing them, and straining the pulp to extract the juice. The juice is then boiled with sugar and lemon juice until it reaches the perfect consistency. For a richer flavour, substituting sugar with jaggery is recommended, giving the jelly a unique caramel-like taste. This homemade guava jelly recipe has become a popular favourite, cherished for its vibrant colour and delicious taste.
5. Guava Cream Cheese Cookies
Guava cream cheese cookies are a delightful twist on classic thumbprint cookies. Instead of strawberry jam, these cookies contain delicious guava paste, providing a sweet, tropical flavour. Each bite of these cookies melts in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. You can also add oat flour and coconut sugar instead of refined flour to give it a healthy twist. These cookies are sure to be a hit during the holiday season, quickly disappearing from the platter.
6. Pineapple-Guava Bread
Pineapple-guava bread is a dense, sugary cake that features a drool-worthy glaze that makes it perfect for any time of day. To make pineapple guava bread, blend fresh pineapple chunks and guava pieces into puree, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder until the mixture is smooth. For an eggless version, you can try it with yoghurt. The batter is put into a loaf pan, and it is baked until it turns golden brown and a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean. This bread can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast, satisfying sweet cravings with its delightful taste.
7. Guava Ice Cream
Creamy and spicy guava ice cream is the ultimate summer treat, offering a cool and refreshing dessert option. Blend ripe guavas into a smooth puree, and mix it with heavy cream, milk, sugar, and a pinch of black salt. Keep churning in an ice cream maker until it reaches a creamy consistency. Transfer the mixture to a container and freeze until firm. This ice cream is perfect for hot summer afternoons, offering a unique twist on traditional flavours. Garnishing the ice cream with chilli powder adds an extra layer of flavour, making it a standout dessert.
Guava desserts offer a delightful way to explore the tropical sweetness of this unique fruit. From pastries to ice cream, guava provides a versatile base for creating a variety of delicious treats. These desserts are perfect for experimenting during the monsoon and summer seasons, bringing a touch of exotic flavour to any occasion. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and fruity taste of guava in these mouth-watering desserts.