Masa Real de Guayaba (Guava Pie with Royal Crust)

A great dessert bar that is deliciously different. A layer of thick sweet guava paste sandwiched between two layers of rich, dense cake. A wonderful treat to bring to a party, they’re always a hit.

Servings: 12 squares

  • ¾ pound guava paste
  • 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of black pepper
  • ½ pound (2 sticks) butter (softened)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 350° and prepare 9x13 baking dish by treating it with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cut the guava paste into thin slices and set aside.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
  4. Combine the butter, sugar and eggs in a large bowl and beat together using an electric mixer.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture, then the water and vanilla and continue mixing until ingredients are combined into a stiff dough.
  6. Divide the dough in half.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle about the size of the pan.
  8. Put one half in the pan, pressing the edges into the corners covering the bottom.
  9. Spread the guava paste slices over the crust, completely covering it.
  10. Place the remaining crust on top, stretching the dough with your fingers to cover the guava.
  11. Bake for about 50 minutes until lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  12. When cool cut into 3x3 squares for serving.

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