Creamy Guava Swirl Cheesecake (Printable)

A luscious, creamy cheesecake featuring a tangy guava marmalade swirl on a crisp Maria cookie crust, offering a tropical twist to a classic dessert.

# 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

04 - 21 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 7 oz granulated sugar
06 - 6.8 fl oz sour cream
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lime, optional

→ Guava Swirl

10 - 7 oz guava marmalade or paste
11 - 2 tablespoons water, for thinning if needed

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 320°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
02 - Crush Maria cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix with melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar until evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, mixing well until fully incorporated.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lime zest if using.
05 - Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
06 - 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.
07 - 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.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
09 - Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
10 - Remove from oven and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours or overnight before removing from the pan and slicing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The guava swirl keeps this from feeling heavy—it adds brightness that makes you want another slice.
  • Maria cookies create an unexpectedly crisp crust that holds up beautifully without being fussy.
  • It's impressive enough to serve at dinner parties but doesn't require professional baking skills.
02 -
  • Overmixing the eggs is the number one reason for cracks—beat just until combined, not until everything is fully homogenized.
  • The jiggle test is real; that slight wobble in the center means the residual heat will finish cooking it perfectly as it cools.
03 -
  • If your guava paste is stubborn and won't thin with water, warm it gently in a saucepan and stir until it loosens—this takes the frustration out of swirling.
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable; take your cream cheese and eggs out an hour before you start baking, and you'll avoid lumps and overmixing.
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