Save Pin Transport your senses to a tropical paradise with the Guava Cloud Pie. This luscious icebox dessert features a vibrant, creamy guava filling nestled in a crunchy, buttery macadamia nut crust, all topped with a light-as-air whipped cream. It is the ultimate refreshing treat for any summer gathering.
Save Pin This pie is as beautiful as it is delicious. The delicate pink hue of the guava filling against the toasted macadamia base makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert that requires minimal oven time, keeping your kitchen cool during the warmer months.
Ingredients
For the Macadamia Nut Crust- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups guava juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped macadamia nuts, and sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Step 3
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Step 4
- Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Step 5
- In a saucepan, whisk together guava juice, lime juice, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly (about 5–7 minutes).
- Step 6
- Remove from heat. Whisk in softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 7
- Pour the guava filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top.
- Step 8
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Step 9
- When ready to serve, whip the chilled cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
- Step 10
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled guava pie.
- Step 11
- Garnish with additional macadamia nuts or lime zest if desired. Slice and serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When preparing the guava filling, be sure to whisk constantly over medium heat. This ensures the egg yolks and cornstarch create a smooth, thickened texture without any lumps.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the standard graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free variety. You can also intensify the tropical flavor by stirring in 1–2 tablespoons of guava puree to the filling if available.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish each slice with lime zest or extra toasted macadamia nuts for a professional finish. This dessert pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Moscato or a fruity rosé.
Save Pin
With its vibrant tropical profile and pillowy topping, the Guava Cloud Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a taste of the islands with every creamy, crunchy bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen guava juice instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen guava juice concentrate works well when thawed and diluted according to package directions. Ensure it's unsweetened or lightly sweetened to maintain the proper flavor balance in the filling.
- → How long should I chill the pie before serving?
The pie needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set completely, but overnight chilling produces the firmest, most sliceable results. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the best texture.
- → Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely—the assembled pie (without whipped cream) can be refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. The crust and filling both benefit from the resting time, which allows flavors to meld and the texture to fully set.
- → What can I substitute for macadamia nuts?
Toasted pecans, cashews, or almonds make excellent alternatives. Even crushed graham crackers alone work if you need a nut-free option. Each substitution will slightly alter the crust's buttery flavor profile.
- → How do I know when the guava filling is thickened enough?
The filling is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a clear line when you run your finger through it. This typically takes 5–7 minutes of constant whisking over medium heat.
- → Can I freeze this guava pie?
The crust and filling freeze beautifully for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh whipped cream. Avoid freezing after the topping has been added, as the cream texture will suffer.