FoodieAtlas
Recipes around the World
Guava Duff perfumes the kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and tropical fruit steaming inside a flour-wrapped cocoon. This ingenious Bahamian dessert transforms guava paste into something extraordinary through slow steaming that melts the dough into tender clouds. The accompanying rum sauce cascades over each slice, carrying hints of vanilla and caramel warmth. What makes it special is the contrast between the tart-sweet guava and the butter-rich sauce that soaks into every layer.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the guava paste or guava jam, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Roll out the rested dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the guava filling evenly over the dough.
Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
Wrap the log in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and tie the ends securely.
Fill a large pot with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the wrapped duff. Bring the water to a simmer.
Place the wrapped duff in a steamer basket or on a rack set above the simmering water. Cover the pot and steam for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the dough is cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the guava puree or guava jam and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Remove the duff from the pot and unwrap it from the towel or cheesecloth. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Guava Duff is a traditional Bahamian steamed pudding that wraps sweet guava paste and cinnamon inside a soft dough. It's served with a luscious rum sauce that transforms the dessert into something unforgettable.
Guava Duff originates from the Bahamas and represents centuries of Caribbean cooking ingenuity. It's especially popular during holidays and special celebrations across the islands.
The dough requires flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and eggs. The filling combines guava paste or jam with brown sugar and cinnamon. The sauce blends butter, sugar, evaporated milk, rum, and vanilla.
Don't skip the dough-resting step, as it helps develop texture. Wrap the rolled dough carefully to prevent water from seeping in. Maintain a gentle simmer while steaming to cook the dough evenly without overdrying it.
Serve Guava Duff warm with the rum sauce generously poured over slices. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm dessert perfectly.