Tropical Guava Cake Recipe

Tropical Paradise: Homemade Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

Sweet, tropical flavors dance through this authentic Hawaiian guava cake recipe that captures the essence of island paradise.

Vibrant pink guava puree infuses every tender crumb with luscious fruity notes.

The soft, moist layers melt on your tongue with a delicate sweetness that transports you directly to Hawaii’s sun-kissed shores.

Light cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang that perfectly complements the cake fruity profile.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through Hawaiian baking traditions.

Creamy, bright, and absolutely irresistible, this dessert brings the spirit of the islands right to your kitchen.

Get ready to savor a slice of tropical bliss that will become your new favorite cake.

Hawaiian Guava Cake Ingredient Essentials

For Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the fluffy foundation with minimal effort, choose a high-quality mix for best texture.
  • Guava Juice: Infuses tropical sweetness and moisture, select fresh or 100% pure juice for authentic flavor.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
  • Coconut Oil: Enhances tropical notes and creates tender crumb, opt for extra virgin for pure coconut essence.
For Creamy Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth base, select full-fat version for richer consistency.
  • Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess, use fine granulated for smooth incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, choose pure extract for best flavor profile.
  • Cool Whip: Provides light, airy texture, use thawed whipped topping for easy blending.
For Guava Topping:
  • Guava Juice: Delivers vibrant tropical flavor, look for natural, unsweetened variety.
  • Sugar: Helps create gel-like consistency, granulated works perfectly.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens sauce naturally, ensure fresh for best results.
  • Water: Helps create smooth cornstarch slurry, use cool tap water.

Tools for Making Hawaiian Guava Cake

  • 9×13 glass baking dish: Essential for baking the cake evenly and creating the perfect base.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake ingredients and creating smooth batters.
  • Hand mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese to a fluffy consistency and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium saucepan: Needed for preparing the guava gel topping and controlling heat precisely.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and spreading layers evenly.
  • Whisk: Helpful for mixing cornstarch slurry and preventing lumps.

Baking Instructions for Hawaiian Guava Cake

  • Cake Foundation

Mix cake blend with tropical guava juice, eggs, and coconut oil until smooth. Pour into rectangular glass pan and bake following package guidelines.

  • Dreamy Cream Layer

Whip cream cheese until cloud-like and airy. Gently incorporate sweetness and vanilla essence. Fold in fluffy topping and chill until needed.

  • Vibrant Guava Glaze

Simmer guava juice with sugar until bubbling. Create smooth cornstarch mixture to thicken sauce. Return to heat briefly, then cool completely.

  • Layered Delight

Once cake reaches room temperature, spread creamy white layer evenly across surface. Pour ruby-red guava glaze over top, creating beautiful color contrast. Refrigerate until serving time for perfect texture and flavor melding.

Flavor Tips for Hawaiian Guava Cake Variations

  • Enhance the tropical taste by adding a splash of guava nectar directly into the cream cheese layer for an extra punch of fruity goodness.
  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like vanilla or coconut to create unique variations that complement the guava theme.
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or fresh sliced guava on top for a gorgeous presentation that adds texture and visual appeal.
  • Prepare the cake layers and toppings a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep super easy and stress-free.
  • Swap standard cake mix for a gluten-free alternative to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving the Hawaiian Guava Cake Delightfully

  • Elevate Tropical Dessert Experience: Serve this Hawaiian Guava Cake chilled for maximum flavor and refreshing taste.
  • Pair with Complementary Beverages: Enjoy alongside a crisp white wine, tropical mocktail, or refreshing iced tea to enhance the cake's fruity profile.
  • Garnish with Tropical Flair: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, fresh guava slices, or mint leaves on top to add visual appeal and extra tropical texture.
  • Share at Festive Gatherings: Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, and Hawaiian-themed celebrations where guests can enjoy a slice of island-inspired sweetness.

Storage Tips for Guava Cake

  • Refrigerate Promptly: Store the Hawaiian Guava Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its fresh, delicate texture and prevent moisture loss.
  • Slice Before Chilling: Cut the cake into portions before refrigerating to make serving easier and keep the layers intact without disturbing the delicate guava gel topping.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 weeks, ensuring a delightful tropical treat is always within reach.
  • Room Temperature Serving: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the cream cheese layer to soften and flavors to fully develop.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

Print
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Tropical Guava Cake Recipe

Tropical Guava Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hawaiian guava cake brings tropical sweetness to classic dessert lovers. Moist layers infused with fruity guava puree create a luscious celebration of Pacific island flavors you’ll crave with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) guava nectar or guava juice
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven according to cake mix package instructions, ensuring optimal baking conditions for the Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
  2. Batter Creation: Blend cake mix, guava juice, eggs, and coconut oil in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated, eliminating any potential lumps.
  3. Baking Process: Pour the mixed batter into a 9×13 inches baking dish, spreading evenly, and bake as directed on the package, watching carefully to prevent excessive browning.
  4. Cream Cheese Layer: Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer, gradually adding sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gently fold in whipped topping to create a luxurious, creamy texture, then refrigerate to maintain consistency.
  5. Guava Gel Topping: Combine guava juice and sugar in a saucepan, bringing to a boil. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in the slurry, then return to heat and boil for one minute to activate thickening properties.
  6. Cake Assembly: Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, spread the chilled cream cheese layer evenly across the surface. Pour the cooled guava gel over the cream cheese layer, creating an appealing final touch.
  7. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the Hawaiian Guava Cake for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Juice Selection: Use fresh guava juice for authentic Hawaiian flavor and vibrant taste.
  • Mixing Technique: Blend cake ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even texture.
  • Temperature Control: Monitor oven temperature closely to avoid over or under-baking the cake base.
  • Chilling Importance: Refrigerate each layer separately to maintain structural integrity and enhance flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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