When we first tasted Bahamian guava duff during our travels in The Bahamas, we were instantly captivated by its unique flavor.
This traditional dessert, made with a sweet, doughy exterior filled with guava pulp, is a delightful way to experience the tropics.
The rich rum sauce that accompanies it takes this dish to a whole new level, making it a must-try for anyone who loves desserts.
As we explored the local cuisine, we learned that guava duff is not just a treat; it’s a part of Bahamian culture.
With its satisfying texture and comforting taste, this dessert brings people together, often enjoyed at celebrations and family gatherings.
Join us as we share tips and step-by-step instructions to make your own guava duff at home, allowing you to savor this tropical delight no matter where you are.
We believe that cooking is about gathering flavors and stories from around the world.
With our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll discover how to create this beloved Bahamian dish in your own kitchen.
Embrace the spirit of adventure and let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe
We will enjoy making Bahamian Guava Duff because it is a delicious and unique dessert. The sweetness of guava combined with a soft dough is a treat for our taste buds.
The flavors in this dessert are hard to beat. The mix of ripe guava, a hint of spice, and a drizzle of rum sauce makes for a special taste.
It’s very tropical and reminds us of the Bahamas.
Making Guava Duff is a fun process. Gathering ingredients like fresh guavas and flour keeps us engaged.
The step of preparing the dough and filling it with guava is satisfying.
This dessert is perfect for sharing! It serves 8-10 people, making it great for gatherings or celebrations.
Everyone will appreciate the effort we put into creating this delightful Bahamian dessert.
Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Tropical Flavor: A taste of the Bahamas in every bite.
- Comforting Texture: Soft and sweet, it feels cozy and inviting.
- Customizable: We can adjust the sugar and spices to match our preferences.
Bahamian Guava Duff is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. We can’t wait to share it with friends and family!
What Makes This Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe Special
When we talk about Bahamian Guava Duff, we celebrate a dessert that holds a special place in our hearts. It combines fresh guavas with a sweet dough, making it a unique treat.
The use of guava adds vibrant flavor and sweet aroma. This fruit isn’t just tasty; it has essential vitamins and minerals, too.
Our method of cooking the duff by steaming gives it a soft, moist texture. This approach is inspired by British traditions, reflecting our rich history as a former colony.
What truly makes this recipe special is the sweet sauce we drizzle on top. Using rum or brandy in the sauce enhances the dessert’s taste, turning each bite into a delightful experience.
We love that this recipe is community-driven. It’s often made during special occasions and family gatherings, making it a perfect way to bring us together.
Here’s a quick look at the main features:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Main Ingredient | Fresh guavas |
Cooking Method | Steamed |
Signature Sauce | Rum or brandy butter sauce |
Cultural Significance | Represents Bahamian heritage |
Each element of the recipe connects us to our Bahamian roots and traditions, creating a dessert that is both special and memorable.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Bahamian Guava Duff, we need a few essential tools and ingredients. Here’s what we’ll use:
- Large mixing bowls: These are great for mixing our dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements of flour, sugar, butter, and baking powder are crucial for the perfect texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: We will use this for mixing the dough smoothly.
- Steamer: A large pot with a steamer insert will help us steam the Guava Duff.
Key Ingredients
- Flour: This is our base. We should use all-purpose flour for the best results.
- Baking powder: A must-have for giving our pudding that nice lift.
- Sugar: We’ll want regular sugar for sweetness and possibly icing sugar for garnish.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter ensures we control the saltiness.
- Vanilla extract: This adds nice flavor to our pudding.
Other Supplies
- Kitchen twine: We can use this to tie the wrapped dough securely while it steams.
- Parchment paper or foil: Wrapping the dough in parchment or foil helps it to cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Gathering our equipment and ingredients will help us create this delicious dessert with ease. Enjoy the process!
Cooking Instructions
To make our Bahamian Guava Duff, we start by preparing the guavas. If using fresh guavas, we peel and core them. For canned guavas, we will drain and mash them to create a guava pulp.
Next, we combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar
We then cut in butter and Crisco until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
In another bowl, we beat egg yolks and add them to our flour mixture. We then mix in milk and vanilla extract to form a soft dough.
Now, it’s time to spread the dough.
We take the dough and roll it out flat. On top, we spread our guava pulp or guava jam evenly. We can even add a drizzle of rum sauce for extra flavor.
Next, we carefully roll the dough into a log. We seal the edges to keep all the filling inside.
To cook, we wrap the log tightly in baking paper and then in foil. We place it in a pot of boiling water and steam for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Once it’s finished, we remove it and let it cool before slicing. Enjoy our warm Guava Duff with extra rum sauce or your favorite dessert sauce!
Cooking Tips
When making Bahamian Guava Duff, a few handy tips can make a big difference.
Choose Ripe Guavas
We recommend using ripe guavas for the best flavor. Check for soft spots to ensure they are ready.
Prepare the Dough
Make sure to roll the dough tight. This helps keep the filling inside and prevents leaks during cooking.
Layer the Wrapping
When wrapping the dough, use multiple layers of baking paper and foil.
Aim for at least two layers of foil to keep everything secure. A tight tie with kitchen twine helps, too!
Cooking Method
We suggest steaming the Guava Duff. This method cooks it evenly and keeps it moist.
Check for Doneness
To check if it’s done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the Guava Duff warm! A dollop of butter sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even better.
Ingredients Needed for the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe
Fresh Guavas
Sugar
Cinnamon
Ground allspice
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Shortening
Milk
Egg
Butter
Icing sugar
Boiling water
Salt
Rum
Instructions For Preparing the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe
Preparing the Guava Filling
Peel, seed, and dice the guavas, reserving the juice. In a saucepan, cover guava with water and add sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Simmer until soft. If using guava jam, canned guavas, or pulp, skip this step but mix in cinnamon and allspice. Adjust sugar as needed, using less if working with jam.
Making the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in shortening, then add milk and egg, stirring to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then roll out on a floured surface.
Assembling and Cooking
Spread the cooled guava mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it into a log, sealing the edges. Wrap in several layers of parchment paper, followed by at least two layers of foil, and tie securely with kitchen twine. Place in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 1 hour, ensuring there’s enough space for it to expand. Let cool to a warm temperature before slicing into 1-inch pieces.
Making the Butter Rum Sauce
Cream butter until soft, then gradually beat in icing sugar. Add boiling water, salt, and rum, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Serve with the sliced guava duff.
FAQs For the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe
Question: What is the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe?
A: The Bahamian Guava Duff recipe is a traditional Bahamian dessert made with a rolled dough filled with sweet guava paste, steamed to perfection, and served with a rich butter rum sauce.
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe?
A: The Bahamian Guava Duff recipe typically includes flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, guava paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a butter rum sauce for extra flavor.
Question: How is the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe traditionally cooked?
A: The Bahamian Guava Duff recipe is traditionally steamed in a cloth or foil wrap to keep the dough moist and allow the guava filling to infuse throughout the dessert.
Question: Can I make the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe without alcohol?
A: Yes, the Bahamian Guava Duff recipe can be made without alcohol by substituting the rum in the sauce with vanilla extract or a splash of fruit juice for added flavor.
Question: What is the best way to serve the Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe?
A: The Bahamian Guava Duff recipe is best served warm, drizzled with butter rum sauce, and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for a delightful treat.

Bahamian Guava Duff Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Guavas fresh
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice ground
- 4 cups flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cups shortening
- 3/4 cups milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 tsp water boiling
- dash of salt
- 2 tbsp rum
Instructions
Preparing the Guava Filling
- Peel, seed, and dice the guavas, reserving the juice. In a saucepan, cover guava with water and add sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Simmer until soft. If using guava jam, canned guavas, or pulp, skip this step but mix in cinnamon and allspice. Adjust sugar as needed, using less if working with jam.
Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in shortening, then add milk and egg, stirring to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then roll out on a floured surface.
Assembling and Cooking
- Spread the cooled guava mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it into a log, sealing the edges. Wrap in several layers of parchment paper, followed by at least two layers of foil, and tie securely with kitchen twine. Place in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 1 hour, ensuring there's enough space for it to expand. Let cool to a warm temperature before slicing into 1-inch pieces.
Making the Butter Rum Sauce
- Cream butter until soft, then gradually beat in icing sugar. Add boiling water, salt, and rum, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Serve with the sliced guava duff.
1 comment
This dessert was rich, moist, and bursting with sweet guava flavor. The sauce added a smooth, creamy finish that made it even more indulgent. Everyone enjoyed the unique texture and the balance of sweetness, making it a perfect ending to the meal.