White Chocolate Guava Magic Cookie Bars

Classic magic cookie bars, also known as 7-layer bars, are typically made with milk chocolate chips, nuts like pecans or walnuts, and shredded coconut. However, I wanted to create my own version with flavors from my Cuban culture.

“Magic” doesn’t even begin to explain how amazing these are. The first time I made them, the pan was devoured before I even took the photos…which is why I had to make them again.

Let me show you how I make these guava magic cookie bars!

“These cookie bars are my secret weapon. They make perfect holiday cookies and they blow people away EVERY time. Thank you!” —Nora

How To Make Magic Cookie Bars with Guava

Growing up in a Cuban family, guava was everywhere… in Cuban pastries, cake bars (masareal), you name it. These cookie bars are my way of turning that nostalgic guava flavor into something fun!

My version of these magic cookie bars starts with a Maria cookie crust instead of graham crackers… buttery, golden, and just a little sweet.

From there, it’s all about layers: cubes of guava paste, white chocolate chips, crunchy sliced almonds, and a generous handful of toasted coconut flakes. Then comes the drizzle of sweetened condensed milk that ties everything together like magic.

They’re gooey in the center, crisp on the edges, and every bite is a little bit chewy, a little bit melty, and a whole lot of guava-and-white-chocolate goodness.

♥️ My family absolutely loves guava – Duh! Once we made these magic cookie bars, we made my guava jam thumbprint cookies too, because you can never have too much guava!

These bars hold up well. You don’t have to refrigerate them, but I like to stash a few in the fridge so they stay a little firmer.

These cookie bars make such a great dessert for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even office parties. I love serving them with a Cuban espresso or packing them up in cute little boxes for gifts.

I just know you will LOVE them!