Creamy Guava Cheesecake Swirl

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this decadent Guava Cheesecake. This recipe combines the classic, velvety richness of a traditional cheesecake with a vibrant, tangy guava marmalade swirl, all set atop a crisp Maria cookie crust for a delightful Latin American flair.

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Whether you are looking for a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party or a refreshing tropical treat, this cheesecake delivers. The addition of lime zest provides a subtle citrus brightness that makes the guava flavors truly sing.

Ingredients

• Crust: 200 g Maria cookies (or digestive biscuits), 80 g unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• Cheesecake Filling: 600 g cream cheese (softened), 200 g granulated sugar, 200 ml sour cream, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Zest of 1 lime (optional)
• Guava Swirl: 200 g guava marmalade or paste, 2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Crush Maria cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and 2 tbsp sugar until evenly moistened.

Step 3: Bake the Base

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

Step 4: Cream the Cheese

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

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

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

Step 6: Assemble

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

Step 7: Prepare Guava

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.

Step 8: Create the Swirl

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 9: Bake

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

Step 10: Cool Slowly

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

Step 11: Chill

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prevent unsightly cracks on the surface, ensure you follow the cooling process by leaving the oven door cracked for at least an hour. Using room-temperature cream cheese will also ensure your batter is perfectly smooth and free of lumps.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you cannot find Maria cookies, graham crackers are an excellent substitute that still offers a great crunch. For those who prefer a more intense fruit flavor, you can increase the amount of lime zest in the filling.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish your cheesecake with fresh guava slices or mint leaves for an elegant presentation. This tropical dessert pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Moscato or a sparkling rosé. For clean slices, remember to dip your knife in hot water between each cut.

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Enjoy this luscious Guava Cheesecake as the perfect conclusion to any meal. Its harmonious blend of creamy cheese and exotic fruit is sure to make it a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh guava instead of marmalade?

Fresh guava lacks the concentrated sweetness needed for swirling. You can cook fresh guava with sugar until it reaches a thick, jam-like consistency, but guava paste or marmalade provides the most consistent results and authentic flavor concentration.

→ Why does my cheesecake crack on top?

Cracking typically occurs from overmixing the eggs (which incorporates too much air), overbaking, or cooling too rapidly. The technique of cooling in the oven with the door cracked prevents thermal shock. Using a water bath can also help maintain even moisture during baking.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—this actually improves the flavor and texture. The cheesecake needs at least 3 hours of chilling, but overnight refrigeration yields the best results. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when tightly covered, making it ideal for preparing a day before your event.

→ What's the purpose of lime zest?

Lime zest adds bright citrus notes that complement both the creamy filling and the tropical guava. It enhances the Latin American flavor profile while cutting through the richness. If you don't have limes, orange zest works as a subtle alternative, though lime provides the most authentic pairing.

→ Can I substitute the Maria cookies?

Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even vanilla wafers make suitable substitutes. However, Maria cookies offer a lighter, crisp texture that specifically complements the tropical flavors. If using graham crackers, you may want to reduce the added sugar slightly since they're naturally sweeter than Maria cookies.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The edges should appear set and slightly puffed, while the center retains a gentle jiggle—similar to gelatin. It will continue cooking from residual heat during the cooling phase. A fully set center indicates overbaking, which results in a dry, crumbly texture rather than the desired creamy smoothness.