Guava and Cheese Cake (Romeo and Juliet)
Guava paste and cheese is a beloved flavor pairing in Brazilian home baking, nicknamed 'Romeo and Juliet' for how well the sweet and salty flavors go together. Here, that same combination is baked right into a simple cake — layers of soft batter with melted guava paste and shredded cheese running through the middle.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) neutral oil
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 8 oz (225g) guava paste, sliced
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella or mild white cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round pan.
- Whisk the eggs, sugar, oil, and milk together, then fold in the flour and baking powder.
- Pour half the batter into the pan.
- Layer the sliced guava paste and half the shredded cheese over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the cake (avoiding the melted guava) comes out clean.
Tips
- Slice the guava paste thin so it melts evenly into the batter instead of sinking as one dense chunk.
- A mild, meltable cheese works best — sharp cheeses can overpower the guava.
- Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing so the melted guava layer sets slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find guava paste?
It's sold at most Latin American grocery stores and in the international aisle of many supermarkets.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, mild white cheddar, or queso fresco all work well without overpowering the guava.
