Guava Jam Coconut Macadamia Bars (Print View)

Buttery bars with guava jam and coconut macadamia oat crumble topping

# Components:

→ Crust and Crumble

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
09 - 1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped

→ Filling

10 - 1 cup guava jam or guava paste, softened
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms moist crumbles.
03 - Add shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts to the crumble mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
04 - Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
05 - In a small bowl, stir together guava jam and lime juice until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust.
06 - Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the jam layer.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbling at the edges.
08 - Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're buttery and crispy on top but somehow feel light and fruity, not heavy like most dessert bars.
  • The macadamia and coconut give you that island getaway taste without needing to plan a trip.
  • Once you master this, you can swap the jam flavor and reinvent the whole thing on a whim.
02 -
  • If your guava jam is very thick or cold, soften it in the microwave for 15 seconds before spreading, or it will tear your crust layer.
  • Don't skip the cooling time; cutting into warm bars releases all the moisture and turns your carefully layered creation into crumbles.
03 -
  • Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, not scooping directly from the bag, which packs it too densely and makes the bars tough.
  • If your jam is too sweet for your taste, the lime juice is your secret weapon; start with a tablespoon and add more to taste before spreading.
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