Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

Make Paradise at Home: Dreamy Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

Guava cake bursts with tropical sweetness and cultural charm, representing a delightful fusion of island flavors.

Soft, moist layers capture the essence of hawaii’s lush landscapes and vibrant culinary traditions.

Bakers passionate about fruity desserts will find this recipe irresistibly tempting and wonderfully unique.

The delicate balance between tart guava notes and creamy textures creates a sensational experience for dessert enthusiasts.

Unique ingredients revamp ordinary baking into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure that celebrates pacific island culinary heritage.

Home cooks can easily master this delectable treat with straightforward techniques and readily available components.

Preparing this dessert promises a delightful journey through Hawaiian culinary artistry.

Why Hawaiian Guava Cake Is a Crowd Favorite

  • Tropical Flavor Explosion: Dive into a delightful Hawaiian-inspired dessert bursting with sweet, tangy guava essence that transports your taste buds to a sunny island paradise.
  • Super Simple Preparation: Enjoy a foolproof recipe that uses convenient cake mix and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want a stunning dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Creamy Dreamy Texture Play: Experience a luxurious layer cake with a velvety cream cheese topping, silky Cool Whip, and glossy guava gel that creates an irresistible combination of smooth and luscious textures.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake in advance and refrigerate, making it an ideal dessert for potlucks, summer gatherings, or when you want a stress-free sweet treat that impresses without last-minute effort.

Hawaiian Guava Cake Shopping List

Cake Base:
  • Cake Mix: Pre-made mix for quick and easy cake preparation, choose a light vanilla or white cake mix.
  • Guava Juice: Provides tropical flavor and moisture to the cake, fresh or bottled juice works well.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, use large, fresh eggs at room temperature.
  • Coconut Oil: Adds richness and subtle coconut flavor, choose refined or unrefined based on preference.
Cream Cheese Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy base for the topping, use full-fat, softened cream cheese.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cream cheese, granulated white sugar recommended.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, pure vanilla extract preferred.
  • Cool Whip: Provides light, airy texture to the cream cheese mixture, use original or light version.
Guava Gel Topping:
  • Guava Juice: Delivers intense tropical flavor to the topping, fresh or high-quality bottled juice ideal.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the gel, granulated white sugar works best.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the gel, ensure it's fresh and free of lumps.
  • Water: Helps create a smooth cornstarch slurry for thickening the guava topping.

Baking Instructions for Hawaiian Guava Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

Preheat oven according to cake mix package directions. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cake mix
  • Guava juice
  • Eggs
  • Coconut oil

Mix ingredients until well blended. Pour batter into a 9×13 glass baking dish and bake as directed on the package.

Step 2: Create Cream Cheese Layer

Using a medium mixing bowl and hand mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add:
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Gently fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate until needed.

Step 3: Make Guava Gel Topping

In a medium saucepan, combine guava juice and sugar. Bring to a boil. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water. Remove guava mixture from heat and stir in the slurry. Return to heat, bring to a boil, and cook for 1 minute. Cool in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish Cake

Once cake has completely cooled, spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Pour guava gel over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Tip: For best flavor, chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together.

Helpful Tricks for Hawaiian Guava Cake Lovers

  • Master the Juice Swap: Use fresh guava juice for a more vibrant, authentic Hawaiian flavor that elevates the entire cake's taste profile.
  • Prevent Lumpy Layers: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth, silky cream cheese mixture without any unwanted bumps.
  • Control Gel Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid clumps and achieve a perfectly glossy, transparent guava gel topping.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the cake rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and set properly.
  • Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle shredded coconut or fresh guava slices on top for a stunning presentation that captures Hawaiian tropical essence.

The Smart Way to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Guava Cake

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the Hawaiian Guava Cake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Place the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods.
  • Reheating Method: Gently warm individual cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Let the slice sit for a few moments after heating to allow even temperature distribution.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying the delicious guava cake.

What Pairs Nicely with Hawaiian Guava Cake

  • Tropical Beverage Pairing: Sip on a refreshing Hawaiian Mai Tai or a chilled passion fruit mojito to complement the cake's sweet guava flavor and enhance the tropical essence.
  • Complementary Fruit Match: Serve alongside fresh slices of ripe mango, pineapple, or papaya to boost the cake's fruity profile and add a burst of tropical freshness.
  • Creamy Counterpoint: Accompany the cake with a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean ice cream to balance the tangy cream cheese layer and provide a cool, smooth contrast to the dessert's rich texture.

New Takes on the Hawaiian Guava Cake Classic

  • Tropical Passion Remix: Swap guava juice with passion fruit juice for a tangy, exotic flavor profile that brings Hawaiian island vibes to your dessert.
  • Coconut Cream Dream: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter and top with toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of tropical texture and richness.
  • Mango Sunrise Special: Replace guava gel with fresh mango puree and add a hint of lime zest to create a bright, refreshing alternative that captures tropical sweetness.
  • Pineapple Paradise Layer: Incorporate crushed pineapple into the cream cheese mixture and use pineapple juice in the cake batter for a classic Hawaiian-inspired fruity experience.
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Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Tropical Hawaiian guava cake brings luscious island flavors to your dessert table. Moist layers infused with sweet guava nectar and topped with creamy frosting create a delightful paradise slice you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups guava nectar or guava juice
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix packaging, ensuring precise preparation for the Hawaiian delight.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine the cake mix with guava juice, eggs, and coconut oil until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
  3. Transfer the blended batter into a 9×13 inches (23×33 centimeters) glass baking dish, carefully spreading it to create an even surface.
  4. Bake the cake according to the package instructions, monitoring closely to prevent over-browning.
  5. While the cake bakes, prepare the cream cheese layer by whipping cream cheese in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until light and airy.
  6. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract into the cream cheese, mixing until fully integrated.
  7. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
  8. Refrigerate the cream cheese layer to maintain its consistency and chill thoroughly.
  9. For the guava gel topping, combine guava juice and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
  10. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with a small amount of water until smooth and free of lumps.
  11. Remove the guava mixture from heat and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry, ensuring even distribution.
  12. Return the saucepan to heat, bringing the mixture to a boil and cooking for exactly one minute to activate the thickening properties.
  13. Allow the guava gel to cool completely in the refrigerator, which will help it set to the perfect consistency.
  14. Once the cake has reached room temperature, spread the chilled cream cheese layer evenly across the surface.
  15. Carefully pour the cooled guava gel over the cream cheese layer, creating an attractive and appetizing topping.
  16. Refrigerate the assembled Hawaiian Guava Cake for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.

Notes

  • Tropical Twist: This Hawaiian Guava Cake brings island flavors right to your dessert table with its vibrant guava-infused layers.
  • Smart Baking Hack: Use the cake mix package directions for foolproof baking, ensuring perfectly moist results every time.
  • Creamy Dream Layer: The cream cheese topping adds a luxurious, tangy richness that complements the sweet guava perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare each component in advance and assemble just before serving for maximum convenience and freshness.
  • Gel Topping Secret: The homemade guava gel creates a gorgeous, glossy finish that makes this cake look professionally decorated.
  • Texture Paradise: Expect a delightful contrast between the soft cake, creamy cheese layer, and smooth guava gel topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 60 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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