Cuban Masa Real (Guava Bars)

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Cuban Masa Real_Serving Plate

It was the late 90’s when I started making this great and delicious Cuban dessert. My husband has fond memories of this dish from his school years. 

Although, if you believe the stories, kids in Cuba used the masa real bars as projectiles during recess time :)

Cuban Masa Real_Ingredients

Dulce de guayaba, or guava paste, was one of the most widely available and inexpensive sweets in Cuba. The guava paste can be found in most Latin markets.

Cuban Masa Real_Layers

Guava is super rich in vitamin C and considered a “super fruit” due to its numerous health benefits. I also love this fruit flavour and fragrance.

Guava is somewhat little known in North America. If you have not tried guava fruit before, you owe to yourself to give it a try. You will not regret it.

4.7 from 3 reviews
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Cuban Masa Real de Guayaba (Guava Bars)
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12
 
Ingredients
  • 2 sticks or 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp. of baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp. of salt
  • 1.5 cup sugar, adjust according to your taste
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 2 tbsp. of cold water
  • 2 tsp. of vanilla extract or sherry cooking wine
  • 1.5 lb. guava paste, cut into thin slices
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Cut the guava paste into thin slices and set aside.
  3. Combine the flour with baking powder and salt.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with sugar and eggs using an electric mixer.
  5. Gradually beat in the flour mixture, then the water and vanilla. Continue mixing until you have a stiff dough and not a batter.
  6. Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle the size of your baking pan.
  7. Put one half into the pan, covering the bottom.
  8. Spread a layer of the slices guava paste over the crust, thoroughly covering it.
  9. Put the remaining crust on top, again spreading it with your fingers until guava is completely covered.
  10. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until lightly brown on top.
  11. When it's cool, cut the pie into 3-inch square and serve.

Comments

  1. Dunia Dellio says

    This dessert is close to my heart. Growing up in Cuba, I relate this dessert to my happy childhood, it has a lot of sentimental value to me and many Cubans of different generations. It is a light dessert, that melts in your mouth and of course the filling is made with guava paste, the queen of all fruits! Thank you so much and no doubt in my mind this is a winner!!!!!

    Reply

  2. Tamy says

    El masa real es uno de los dulces que nos ayudó a sobrevivir la adolescencia en nuestra Cuba natal. Siempre que lo veo tengo que sonreír por los recuerdos que me vienen a la memoria. Es muy simple y sabroso 😋. No empalaga y sobresale la delicioso sabor de la Guayaba que es mi fruta favorita. Le doy un 10 sin dudarlo !!! 😜

    Reply

    • says

      Muchas gracias, Tamy! :) He escuchado muchas historias geniales y divertidas acerca de masa real durante sus días de escuela secundaria en Cuba. Me aseguraré de hacer este bocado o postre hermoso cuando usted viene visitarnos en el futuro. ~ Lani

      *Por favor disculpeme por mi pobre español :(

      Reply

  3. Alina says

    One of my favorite childhood desserts and definitely an essential part of my school memories. To all those who have enjoyed “Ratatouille” movie, I bet the experience of tasting one of these Lani’s masarreales would be comparable to when Anton Ego when he tastes the ratatouille at Gust eau’s and remained deeply touched and wordless !! So for me, it’s a 10 plus !!! 😉

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks for sharing your beautiful childhood memories, Alina. I also heard a lot of great and funny stories about masa real during your high school days @ La Lenin. This snack or dessert is so simple and yet so delicious. Hmmm, Yum! Yum! :)

      P.S. I love the ratatouille movie – 😉

      Reply

  4. Ivette says

    The best replacement for my heart always make me feel happy. Yummy yummy for my tummy Best dessert ever! THANKS amazing Lani to share this our country recipe to the world.

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks, Leah. I’m so sorry, I’ve missed this comment. For the next occasion, I highly recommend the TIRAMISU CAKE. It’s always everyone’s favorite when I make it for any gathering. ~ Lani

      Reply

  6. Maria says

    I am definitely going to try this recipe tomorrow. I enjoy baking, and this was a dessert we had after school 🌻🌼

    Reply

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