Guava is a staple in every Cuban home. Find out how easy it is to make this No-Bake Guava Cheesecake recipe that everyone will love!

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No-Bake Guava Cheesecake with Maria cookies Crust

As a kid in South Florida within Miami’s Cuban neighborhood food meant much more than just eating—it was a moment to savor and rejoice in the midst of life’s challenges. The memory of returning from school and heading over to my grandmother’s house to find a plate filled with Maria cookies (Galleticas María) guava paste, and cream cheese laid out on the table still brings me joy to this day. That combination of flavors was my go-to comfort snack. Its simplicity and perfection made me believe it had the power to solve any issue that came my way. 

Maria biscuits are a staple in almost every Cuban family. They’re a pantry essential that serves both as a convenient bite and an ingredient in fancier dishes alike. I have memories of relishing these treats with a delicate sliver of ripe guava, guava jam or simply pairing them with a chilled glass of milk. The love for Maria biscuits extends beyond Cuban households, to Mexican homes as well; these cookies bring a sweet and nostalgic flair to numerous culinary creations. 

Lets discuss guava for a moment ! This tropical fruit happens to be one of my top picks when it comes to flavors and snacks! While fresh guavas are a treat by themselves – offering a mix of tartness and sweetness – it’s the guava paste and jam that really steal the spotlight here! This sweet and sumptuous tropical goodness is a must, in many Cuban dishes!. When you pair it with some creamy and tangy cream cheese… Well now you’re talking about magic! The blend is just perfect – bold yet balanced – creating an experience that you simply can’t forget. 

The strong affection, for guava and Maria cookies motivated me to come up with a dessert that celebrates these flavors in a simple and approachable way—a delightful creation known as the No Bake Guava Cheesecake. 

This recipe captures all the things I love about my childhood treat and turns it into a dessert thats both beautiful and easy to whip up in no time at all! Lets face it. There are moments when life gets too hectic to wait for a cheesecake to bake and cool down properly. This no bake alternative is foolproof. Suits any occasion perfectly. Whether its a laid back family gathering or an elegant dinner soiree. It’s smooth sweet tangy and wonderfully tropical. A dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to your plate. 

If you’re not familiar with cuisine or want to add some excitement to your dessert repertoire this guava cheesecake is a great start. It’s simple to whip up full of flavor and sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re whipping it up for a celebration or just because ( I mean, who needs a reason, for dessert?) this cheesecake is sure to win hearts over time.

Lets get some Maria cookies and guava paste ready along, with cream cheese to whip up a dessert thats both nostalgic and scrumptious.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Guava Cheesecake

This recipe is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a sweet treat at home, this no-bake guava cheesecake will delight your taste buds. Here’s why:

• Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert, but it’s surprisingly simple to make.
• Cultural Flair: The combination of guava and Maria cookies offers a unique flavor profile that’s deeply rooted in Cuban and Latin American cuisine.
• No Oven Required: Perfect for those hot summer days or when you’re short on time.
• Customizable: Use guava paste, marmalade, or jelly depending on what’s available to you.

Now, let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe!

Makes 1 9-inch cheesecake

Prep time: 10 minutes

Chill time: 4 hours

Makes 1 9-inch cheesecake

Prep time: 10 minutes

Chill time: 4 hours

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This guava cheesecake recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor.

• 7 ounces Maria cookies: These cookies form the perfect buttery crust. You can find them at any grocery store (I’ve been able to find them here in PA or you can head to Amazon)
• 1/2 cup melted butter: To bind the crust together.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy texture.
• 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): The base of the cheesecake filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• 21 ounces guava paste  or 2 packages of this Guava paste
• The star ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors.

For topping (optional)

Whipped cream

Maria cookies

To make the Cheesecake Crust:

Add the Maria cookies to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the food processor at low speed until the cookies are finely ground.

Add the melted butter and pulse five or six times until the crumbs begin to come together.

Press the mixture into a pie pan and place the pan in the freezer to harden while you prepare the filling.

To make the cheesecake batter, in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream together until smooth.

Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat to combine.

Remove the maria cookie crust from the freezer and spread the cheesecake filling in the pan.

To make Guava sauce

Place the guava paste in a saucepan with one tablespoon of water.

​Heat on low to soften the paste, stirring constantly to keep the paste from burning. When the paste is liquified, spoon the mixture over the top of the cheesecake and spread it in an even layer.

Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, top the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream and additional Maria cookies.

This creamy cheesecake with delicious guava puree on top will be a symphony to the senses. The delicious guava topping is such a wonderful treat combined with the cool cheesecake!  You’ll want to eat the whole cheesecake!  

Additional Notes when making Guava Cheesecake

If you can’t find Maria Cookies locally you can order them here or you can use a ready-made graham crackers pie crust or graham cracker crumbs that were crushed by a rolling pin or food processor mixed with unsalted butter.

You can also use Guava Marmalade or Guava Jelly instead of the guava paste but those are a little trickier to find.

Store leftover cheesecake (if there’s any) in an airtight container for up to a week or in the freezer for a couple of weeks or even months.

A Must have Cuban Dessert idea

This recipe really is amazing and you’ll fall in love with it. The flavors are simply divine and unique. You can make this dessert to accompany a hearty dish of Cuban picadillo or Carne Con Papas for an evening filled with Cuban Deliciousness!

Cuban food is very unique it’s very different from anything you’ll find in South America or Central America. That being said its unique nature is what makes it so popular. Tourists will flock to Miami to try all the amazing Cuban Restaurants down there like La Carreta or Versailles. However, making some of these delicious recipes will bring a little taste of Cuban Cuisine to your home!

Are you looking for more unique Cuban Recipes? Make sure and check out how easy it is to make Guava Pastries or the Perfect Cup of Cuban Coffee! Have leftover Guava or Maria Crackers? Make sure and eat them by themselves to try the delicious flavors of each treat! I promise your taste buds will thank me! Finally, want to add another delicious Cuban Recipe? Make sure and check out my Cuban Flan recipe!