Guava Cheesecake Tropical Twist

Featured in: Cozy Baking Ideas

This luscious cheesecake blends creamy cheese filling with a crisp Maria cookie crust, enhanced by a tangy guava marmalade swirl for a tropical twist. The dessert requires baking the crust briefly before pouring the smooth filling, then artistically swirling warmed guava marmalade into the batter. After baking, a gentle cooling method prevents cracking, followed by refrigeration to ensure creamy texture. Ideal for serving chilled, garnished with fresh guava or mint for elegance.

Easy substitutions like graham crackers work well for the crust. Pairs delightfully with Moscato or sparkling rosé, enriching any dessert table with a Latin American-inspired flavor.

Updated on Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:41:05 GMT
A tropical guava cheesecake with a tangy marmalade swirl baked on a crisp Maria cookie crust, perfect for summer dessert. Save
A tropical guava cheesecake with a tangy marmalade swirl baked on a crisp Maria cookie crust, perfect for summer dessert. | birchplate.com

The sun-soaked flavors of the tropics come alive in this Guava Cheesecake, where creamy indulgence meets vibrant fruit. The tang of guava marmalade creates beautiful ruby swirls through the velvety cream cheese filling, all resting atop a buttery Maria cookie crust that provides the perfect textural contrast. This showstopper dessert brings a taste of Latin American culinary tradition to your table, transforming an ordinary gathering into something special.

A tropical guava cheesecake with a tangy marmalade swirl baked on a crisp Maria cookie crust, perfect for summer dessert. Save
A tropical guava cheesecake with a tangy marmalade swirl baked on a crisp Maria cookie crust, perfect for summer dessert. | birchplate.com

This recipe brings together the best of two culinary worlds - the beloved creaminess of a classic cheesecake and the exotic sweetness of tropical guava. The Maria cookie crust provides a delicate, not-too-sweet foundation that perfectly complements the rich filling. When you cut into this dessert, the beautiful pink swirls reveal themselves, promising a flavor experience that's as delightful to the palate as it is to the eye.

Ingredients

  • For the crust: 200g Maria cookies (or digestive biscuits), 80g unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • For the cheesecake filling: 600g cream cheese (softened), 200g granulated sugar, 200ml sour cream, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, zest of 1 lime (optional)
  • For the guava swirl: 200g guava marmalade or paste, 2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
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Instructions

Prepare the crust
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. Crush Maria cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and 2 tbsp sugar until evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
Make the filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each. Stir in vanilla extract and lime zest, if using. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Create the swirl
In a small saucepan, gently heat the guava marmalade with 2 tbsp water until loosened and pourable. If using paste, mash and stir until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of guava marmalade over the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the guava into the filling for a marbled effect.
Bake and cool
Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours or overnight before removing from the pan and slicing.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

A water bath can help prevent cracks in your cheesecake. Simply wrap the outside of your springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water. The gentle, moist heat helps the cheesecake bake evenly. When making the swirl, less is more - a light hand with the knife will create beautiful marbling without muddying the colors.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile recipe welcomes creative variations. Try using passion fruit curd or mango puree instead of guava for different tropical flavors. For a lighter version, substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the crust mixture for a warming spice note that complements the guava beautifully.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this guava cheesecake well-chilled with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh guava slices, a sprig of mint, or edible flowers. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a professional finishing touch. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a glass of Moscato or sparkling rosé for a truly special occasion.

An elegant presentation of guava cheesecake slices with vibrant pink swirls on a white plate. Save
An elegant presentation of guava cheesecake slices with vibrant pink swirls on a white plate. | birchplate.com

This Guava Cheesecake isn't just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavor that brings the essence of tropical sunshine to your table. The combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet elements creates a harmonious dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether served as the grand finale to a special dinner or as an unexpected treat for afternoon coffee, this cheesecake promises to delight with every bite.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Cool the cheesecake inside the oven with the door slightly open for an hour after baking. This gradual temperature change helps prevent cracks.

Can I substitute the Maria cookies for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or digestive biscuits make excellent alternatives for the crust with a similar texture and taste.

How should the guava marmalade be prepared for swirling?

Warm the guava marmalade with a bit of water until pourable and smooth, making it easier to swirl through the cheesecake batter.

What is the best way to slice this dessert?

Dip your knife in hot water between cuts to ensure smooth slicing without sticking or tearing.

Can I add fresh guava for garnish?

Fresh guava slices or mint leaves add a vibrant touch and complement the tropical flavors of the dessert beautifully.

Guava Cheesecake Tropical Twist

Creamy cheesecake with tropical guava marmalade swirl on a crisp cookie crust. A luscious dessert delight.

Prep Duration
25 minutes
Time to Cook
60 minutes
Overall Time
85 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Latin American

Servings produced 10 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Crust

01 7 oz Maria cookies or digestive biscuits
02 2.8 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

01 21 oz cream cheese, softened
02 7 oz granulated sugar
03 6.8 fl oz sour cream
04 3 large eggs
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 Zest of 1 lime, optional

Guava Swirl

01 7 oz guava marmalade or paste
02 2 tablespoons water

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare pan and preheat oven: Preheat oven to 320°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.

Step 02

Create cookie crust mixture: Crush Maria cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar until evenly moistened.

Step 03

Bake crust base: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.

Step 04

Mix cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, mixing well.

Step 05

Incorporate eggs and flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each. Stir in vanilla extract and lime zest, if using.

Step 06

Assemble cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Step 07

Prepare guava marmalade: In a small saucepan, gently heat the guava marmalade with 2 tablespoons water until loosened and pourable. If using paste, mash and stir until smooth.

Step 08

Create marbled effect: Drop spoonfuls of guava marmalade over the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the guava into the filling for a marbled effect.

Step 09

Bake cheesecake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.

Step 10

Cool in oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Step 11

Chill and set: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours or overnight before removing from the pan and slicing.

Tools Needed

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Food processor or rolling pin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Knife or skewer

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, sour cream, butter
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten from Maria cookies
  • Maria cookies may contain traces of nuts or soy; check labels if concerned

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 6 g