Guava Jam (Mermelada de Guayaba – Sweet, Tropical & Smooth)

Guava Jam (Mermelada de Guayaba) is a sweet, smooth tropical fruit spread made with ripe guavas, sugar, and a touch of fresh citrus. Bursting with fragrant guava flavor and a beautiful rosy color, this homemade jam is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, filling pastries, or adding a tropical touch to your favorite desserts.

If you enjoy homemade favorites like Pan Francés, Arepas, or Cachapas, this easy guava jam is another delicious staple to keep on hand. It's also wonderful served with crackers and cream cheese or spooned over yogurt and oatmeal. You can also browse more traditional favorites in our Venezuelan Recipes collection.

Quick Answer

Guava Jam (Mermelada de Guayaba) is a homemade fruit preserve made by cooking ripe guavas with sugar, water, and fresh lemon or lime juice until thick and spreadable. Ready in about 55 minutes, it's perfect for breakfast, desserts, cheese boards, and gifting.

Why You’ll Love This

• Made with just a few simple ingredients

• Naturally sweet tropical guava flavor

• Smooth, spreadable texture

• No artificial preservatives

• Perfect for toast, pastries, and desserts

• Perfect for gifting and homemade food baskets

• Easy to make ahead

Recipe Card

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 2 cups

Nutrition Information

(Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 45

• Protein: 0 g

• Carbohydrates: 12 g

• Fat: 0 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 10 g

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe guavas (900 g), peeled and chopped – Fully ripe guavas provide the sweetest flavor and the best natural color.

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – Sweetens the jam while helping it thicken and preserve.

• ½ cup water (120 ml) – Helps soften the fruit as it cooks.

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice – Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.

Ingredient Note: The riper the guavas, the sweeter and more flavorful your jam will be. Choose fruit that gives slightly when gently squeezed and has a strong, fruity aroma for the best results.

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Instructions

1. Cook the guavas.

Place the chopped guavas and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is very soft.

2. Blend until smooth.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then carefully blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.

3. Strain the puree.

Press the blended guava mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, creating a smooth, silky jam. Skip this step if you prefer a more rustic texture.

4. Add the sugar.

Return the strained puree to the saucepan. Stir in the sugar and lemon or lime juice until fully combined.

5. Cook the jam.

Cook over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

6. Test for doneness.

Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger, it's ready.

7. Cool and store.

Allow the jam to cool completely before transferring it to clean jars. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Troubleshooting

My jam is too thin.

Continue cooking for several more minutes, stirring often, until it reaches your desired consistency.

My jam is too thick.

Stir in a tablespoon or two of hot water until the texture loosens.

My jam tastes too sweet.

Add another teaspoon of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Skip straining the seeds for a more rustic homemade texture.

• Add a cinnamon stick while cooking for warm spice.

• Stir in a splash of vanilla extract after cooking.

• Use lime juice for a slightly brighter citrus flavor.

• Cook a little longer for a thicker guava spread.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This guava jam can be made well in advance and stored in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. If canning for pantry storage, follow safe water-bath canning guidelines and use properly sterilized jars.

FAQs

Can I leave the guava seeds in?

Yes. Straining is optional, but removing the seeds creates a much smoother, more traditional guava jam.

Can I use frozen guavas?

Yes. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking.

Why didn't my jam thicken?

Guava jam thickens as it cools. If it's still too thin after cooling, return it to the saucepan and cook for a few more minutes.

What's the difference between guava jam and guava paste?

Guava jam is soft and spreadable, while guava paste is cooked much longer until it becomes firm enough to slice.

More Venezuelan Favorites to Try

If you enjoy homemade Venezuelan favorites, here are a few more traditional recipes that bring the comforting flavors of Venezuela to your table, from classic desserts and savory snacks to family-style comfort food.

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  Venezuelan Quesillo

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  Fried Sweet Plantains

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  Tequeños

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  Venezuelan Bollitos

Venezuelan Quesillo Fried Sweet Plantains Tequeños Venezuelan Bollitos

Final Thoughts

This homemade Guava Jam (Mermelada de Guayaba) is an easy way to enjoy the sweet, tropical flavor of fresh guavas any time of year. Whether you spread it on warm bread, pair it with cheese, or use it in your favorite desserts, this easy homemade jam is one you'll reach for again and again.

Love making homemade jams? Browse our Homemade Jam Recipes Collection (Simple, Fresh & Cozy!) for even more fresh, fruity favorites.