Cuba By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Cuba: Guava con Queso Crema (Recipe)

Halved guava filled with cream cheese and dusted with cinnamon

In this article

Discover Guava con Queso Crema, a beautifully simple Cuban treat that captures the island’s love of sweet, tropical flavours. Ripe guava is paired with soft, mild cream cheese to strike a perfect balance between fruity sweetness and creamy richness. Popular across Cuba and increasingly enjoyed further afield, this snack is quick to put together yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Bring a little Cuban sunshine straight to your own kitchen.

About Guava con Queso Crema

Guava con Queso Crema is a much-loved Cuban snack that strikes the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and gentle creaminess. This simple yet delicious treat is widely enjoyed across Cuba and has won admirers around the world too. The combination of ripe guava and tender cream cheese creates a taste experience suited to both everyday moments and special occasions. Let the unique texture and unmistakable aroma of this snack win you over.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

1 ripe guava
100 g cream cheese
1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Shopping for the ingredients

To make Guava con Queso Crema, you will want fresh, ripe ingredients. The guava should feel soft to the touch, a sign of its ripeness and therefore its sweet flavour. Choose a good-quality cream cheese that is creamy and mild in taste. Honey or sugar can be added if you like to intensify the sweetness, while a little cinnamon lends a wonderful, aromatic note. Most of what you need is easy to find in a well-stocked supermarket or a Latin American grocery.

Preparing the dish

Before you start, it helps to have everything ready to go. Wash the guava and cut it in half to reach the sweet flesh inside. The cream cheese should be at room temperature so it spreads smoothly and evenly. If you plan to use them, set out the honey and cinnamon now so the final touches are within easy reach. A little groundwork keeps the whole process relaxed and quick.

Step-by-step instructions

Cut the ripe guava in half and gently scoop out the flesh.
Place the cream cheese in a bowl and mix in honey or sugar to taste.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into the guava halves.
Dust with a pinch of cinnamon if you like, then arrange the filled halves on a plate to serve.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Guava con Queso Crema is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no cereal products at all. For anyone avoiding lactose, there are excellent lactose-free cream cheese alternatives available in many supermarkets. These offer a similar creamy consistency and mild taste that does nothing to compromise the dish. That way, those who are lactose-intolerant can enjoy this delicious snack just as much as everyone else.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For a vegan version of Guava con Queso Crema, reach for plant-based cream cheese products made from nuts or soya. These give a similar texture and a lovely flavour that pairs beautifully with the guava. Just take care that any other ingredients are also free from animal products. As it stands, the dish is already a tasty and recommendable option for vegetarians, since it excludes no ingredients they need to avoid.

More tips and tricks

Adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese to your own taste by adding more or less honey or sugar. You can also lightly toast the guava to change both its flavour and texture. Experiment with different spices such as ginger or nutmeg to build extra layers of flavour. These small tweaks turn a simple snack into something uniquely your own.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The recipe for Guava con Queso Crema is easy to shape around your preferences. You could swap the guava for other fruits such as mango or peach to achieve a similar sweetness and texture. Different cream cheese varieties are well worth trying too — a herb cream cheese, for instance, for a more savoury note. Your creativity knows no limits here, so feel free to craft your own individual version. A cooling Batido de Guayaba makes a lovely companion if you want to lean into the guava theme.

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find fresh guavas, reach for tinned guava or even guava paste, both of which work well and lend the dish a similar sweetness and fruitiness. Instead of cream cheese, you might use ricotta or mascarpone to vary the recipe and create a creamier experience. Alternatives such as yoghurt are also worth a try for a lighter option. For a firmer, jam-like twist, the same guava flavour shines in Casquitos de Guayaba.

Drink pairing ideas

Refreshing drinks such as fruity cocktails or fruit juices complement the sweet notes of Guava con Queso Crema nicely. A Cuban mojito offers a refreshing contrast that lifts the aromas of the guava, much like a fresh Jugo de Guayaba would. Alternatively, a light rosé wine or a lively sangria rounds off the treat beautifully. Create a harmonious interplay between what you eat and what you drink.

Serving and presentation ideas

There is plenty of room to be creative with how you present Guava con Queso Crema. Serve the filled guava halves on an attractive plate, garnished with fresh mint leaves and an extra drizzle of honey. Pretty bowls or glasses help you present the dish with style. A thoughtful presentation not only whets the appetite but turns the snack into a special little occasion.

A bit of history

Guava con Queso Crema has its roots in Cuban cuisine, a tradition shaped by many different cultural influences. Guava grows widely across Cuba and features in a great variety of dishes. This pairing represents not only the traditional flavours of the island but also its inventive cooking, which marries everyday simplicity with distinctive aromas. It is a snack with genuine historical resonance that remains a firm favourite on modern tables. To explore more of this island’s cooking, browse our collection of Cuban cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Guava con Queso Crema

Guava con Queso Crema is not just a delicious dessert but a truly memorable snack that brings the flavours of Cuba into your kitchen. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is a perfect option for celebrations or cosy evenings alike. Whether with a hint of cinnamon, a touch of honey or a range of cream cheese variations, this dish offers countless opportunities for creativity. Let its aromas inspire you and enjoy this Cuban delight.