Guava Cheesecake

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This creamy Guava Cheesecake is all about the tropical flavors — one bite and you’ll be transported to an island paradise!

Our Guava Cheesecake Recipe features a crunchy graham cracker crust, lime-infused cheesecake and sweet guava swirl. The guava topping is made with one ingredient — guava paste or pasta de guayaba. It can easily be found in the Latin American aisles of most major grocery stores in the US.

For a complete list of tips and tricks to making the perfect cheesecake, check out our Classic New York Cheesecake recipe!

Cheesecake on serving platter cut into slices.

Key ingredients

Lime zest and guava paste infuse this guava cheesecake with fresh tropical flavor!

Measured ingredients to make guava cheesecake.

Graham crackers are used for the crust. Pulse them in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Unsalted butter is combined with the graham crackers to bind the crust together.
Full fat cream cheese in brick form is best for this recipe. Make sure to soften before using.
Granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
Lime zest gives the cheesecake filling a bright, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese and sweetness of the guava.
Flour isn’t a necessary ingredient for structure, but adds a nice cake-like mouthfeel.
Sour cream lightens up the cheesecake texture and adds a nice tanginess.
Eggs provide structure and contribute to the rich and creamy texture of a baked cheesecake.
Guava paste, or pasta de guayaba, is the star of our cheesecake! It’s a jelly-like confection that is made from red guavas and sugar and is popular in many Latin American countries.

Where to buy guava paste: You can find guava paste or pasta de guayaba in the Latin American aisle of most major supermarkets, Latin American grocery stores or online. I have tested this recipe with several brands of guava paste, including Iberia guava paste and Conchita guava paste, and both worked well.

Step by step instructions and photos

Equipment: You’ll need a 9-inch springform pan for this guava cheesecake recipe.

Graham cracker crust in springform pan before baking.

Step 1: Make the crust. Combine the melted butter, crushed graham crackers and salt. Press into a greased springform pan and up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes then let cool.

Lime zest rubbed into small bowl of sugar to release flavor.

Step 2: Rub the lime zest into the sugar. This helps the zest to release its oils, which will give your cheesecake the best lime flavor.

Sugar, flour and salt added to soft cream cheese.

Step 3: Beat the cream cheese and mix with the lime-infused sugar, flour and salt. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Sour cream and vanilla extract in cheesecake batter.

Step 4: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until completely incorporated with no lumps.

Beating the eggs into the cheesecake batter one at a time.

Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time. Beat after each addition. Make sure not to overmix here. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, stop mixing.

Cheesecake in springform pan before adding guava swirl.

Step 6: Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust. Make sure the crust is completely cool before adding the batter.

Cubes of guava paste in a small saucepan with water.

Step 7: Cut the guava paste into cubes and place in a saucepan. Add a bit of water and cook, stirring and mashing, until the guava becomes smooth and jam-like in consistency.

Step 8: Let the guava jam cool slightly. You can add it to the cheesecake while the jam is still warm, but it shouldn’t be hot.

Adding lines of guava paste on top of cheesecake to make swirl.

Step 9: Add the guava jam to the cheesecake. You can add dollops of jam or pipe vertical lines.

Step 10: Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the guava jam. If you made vertical lines, use a knife to make horizontal lines, dragging the lines into each other.

Step 11: Bake the guava cheesecake. Bake until the edges of the cheesecake are set but the center still jiggles when gently moved.

Baked guava cheesecake after releasing from springform pan.

Step 12: Allow the cheesecake to set and release from the pan. Cool the cheesecake to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least six hours before releasing from the springform pan.

Storage and freezing

This guava cheesecake will keep covered in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Guava cheesecake can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can place the cheesecake in the freezer for one hour uncovered before wrapping to make this easier.

To defrost, let the cheesecake sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

Overhead view of slice of cheesecake on a plate.

Fork cutting into slice of creamy cheesecake on a plate.

Expert tips and tricks

Prepare the pan. Make sure to grease the springform pan. If you want to transfer your cheesecake to a cake stand, I also recommend placing a circle of parchment paper in the pan for easy removal.
Use room temperature ingredients. Using room temperature cream cheese and sour cream ensure that the ingredients can seamlessly blend together for a smooth texture.
Don’t over-swirl the guava paste. Resist the urge to keep swirling your guava jam or it will disappear into your cheesecake. It will still taste amazing, but won’t be quite as beautiful.
Let the cheesecake set before removing from the springform pan. Baked cheesecakes aren’t fully set until they sit in the fridge for at least six hours or overnight. This time is necessary for the cheesecake to firm up and develop its ultra creamy texture.

Recipe variations

Use a different cookie for the crust. Biscoff cookies and Nilla Wafers are two great options for this guava cheesecake recipe!
Add more tropical flavor! When pulsing the graham crackers in the food processor, add a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes. Or consider serving your guava cheesecake with coconut whipped cream!
Switch out the lime zest. Substitute orange zest or lemon zest in the cheesecake batter for a different flavor.

Baked cheesecake with swirl of sweet guava paste throughout.

FAQs

What does guava taste like?

Guava is a tropical fruit that almost tastes like a mix of strawberry and pear with a hint of pineapple. It’s sweet with floral notes and has a soft and juicy texture when ripe.

Where can I buy guava paste?

You can buy guava paste online, in your local Latin American stores and even in many larger grocery stores in the US (generally found in the Latin American aisle).

Can you freeze guava cheesecake?

Yes! Guava cheesecake can be frozen for up to three months.

How do I know when my guava cheesecake is done?

Your cheesecake is done when the edges are set. The center will still be quite wobbly when gently moved. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature of your cheesecake with an instant read thermometer. The temperature should be 145°F (63°C) when you turn off the oven.

Slice of velvety smooth cheesecake on a plate.

Loving this guava cheesecake? Make sure to check out these recipes for more cheesecake inspiration:

And if you’re looking for more ways to use up your guava paste, make sure to check out our Guava Cupcakes with Guava Frosting.