Picture yourself on a sun-soaked Hawaiian beach, the gentle breeze gently tousling your hair as you take a sweet bite of the most delightful cake. The Easy Hawaiian Guava Cake brings that dreamy tropical escape right to your kitchen. With its enchanting fragrance of guava and strawberry, each slice is a celebration of flavor that captures the essence of summer. What I adore about this cake is not just its vibrant taste, but how effortlessly it comes together—perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Whether you’re planning a get-together or simply want to treat yourself and your family, this visually stunning dessert will have everyone savoring every crumb. Plus, it offers creative flexibility; feel free to experiment with various cake mixes to make it truly your own. With minimal time and ingredients, you’ll be able to craft a memorable addition to your dessert table that sings of sunshine and sweet moments. Let’s dive into this tropical adventure and elevate your baking game with this enchanting recipe!
Why is Hawaiian Guava Cake a Must-Try?
Tropical Escape: Each bite transports you straight to Hawaii, overflowing with the luscious flavors of guava and strawberry.
Simple Preparation: Even beginner bakers will impress family and friends, needing just a few ingredients and minimal time.
Decorative Delight: This cake not only tastes amazing, but it also looks stunning on any dessert table—prepare to be the star of your next gathering!
Endless Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite cake mixes or toppings to personalize each creation. It’s the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chilling overnight amplifies the flavors, allowing you to prepare this masterpiece in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Its unique tropical charm will delight palates young and old—expect seconds!
Hawaiian Guava Cake Ingredients
• Discover the essentials for this tropical delight!
For the Cake
- Strawberry Cake Mix – The cake’s sweet foundation; feel free to swap for pineapple or lemon for a twist.
- Guava Nectar or Juice – Delivers that irresistible tropical flavor; opt for brands like Kern’s, Jumex, or Goya.
- Eggs (3 large) – Adds richness and structure; remember to bring them to room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Liquid Coconut Oil (1/2 cup) – Infuses moisture and a hint of coconut; vegetable oil works as a great substitute.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Creates a luscious frosting layer; ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the frosting perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor; try almond extract for a different touch.
- Cool Whip (8 oz) – Lightens the frosting beautifully; thaw it out completely before mixing.
For the Guava Glaze
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Thicken the glaze for that perfect pour.
- Water (1/2 cup) – Helps create a slurry with cornstarch.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Brings sweetness to the glaze without overpowering it.
Optional Garnish
- Coconut Flakes (1/2 cup) – Adds delightful texture and flavor; sprinkle on as a finishing touch for that tropical vibe!
How to Make Hawaiian Guava Cake
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 13 x 9 baking dish with vegetable spray to ensure easy cake removal.
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Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, guava nectar, eggs, and liquid coconut oil. Mix on low for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until smooth and well-blended.
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Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 24–26 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
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Cool Cake: Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely. This step ensures a moist and fluffy texture.
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Prepare Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Carefully fold in the Cool Whip, and refrigerate the frosting to firm it up.
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Make Guava Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the guava nectar and sugar, bringing it to a low boil. Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water, then stir it into the saucepan. Cook until thickened; allow the glaze to cool before using.
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Assemble Cake: Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle the guava glaze on top, and if you like, garnish with coconut flakes. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Optional: Drizzle some extra guava nectar before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Guava Cake
Fridge: Store leftover Hawaiian Guava Cake in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This allows them to last up to 3 months, perfect for future treats!
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, thaw in the fridge overnight to retain flavor and texture.
Reheating: If preferred warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Guava Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy items like cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for better blending and a smoother texture.
- Baking Time Awareness: Pay close attention to the baking time—overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Start checking at the 24-minute mark!
- Cool Guava Glaze: Allow the guava glaze to cool fully until it’s thickened. A warm glaze might slide off instead of resting beautifully atop the cake.
- Chill for Flavor: Chilling the Hawaiian Guava Cake overnight enhances the flavors significantly, making it even more delicious when served.
- Garnish Creativity: Feel free to drizzle extra guava nectar or sprinkle coconut flakes on top before serving for an eye-catching and flavor-packed finishing touch!
Hawaiian Guava Cake Variations
Customize your baking experience with delightful twists and turns on this recipe!
- Cake Mix Swap: Use pineapple or lemon cake mix for a fruity alternative that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.
- Fruity Add-ins: Toss in fresh diced kiwi or mango for an extra burst of flavor and color in each slice. The more, the merrier when it comes to fruit!
- Coconut Upgrade: Swap out liquid coconut oil for coconut cream for a richer coconut flavor and silkier texture. It adds a luxurious touch to your cake!
- Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk fruit in both the frosting and glaze for a healthier treat. Just adjust the sweetness to your preference!
- Vegan Twist: Use a vegan cake mix and substitute eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. You can also try coconut yogurt in place of cream cheese for a dairy-free frosting option.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top of the guava glaze for a decadent touch, adding richness that pairs beautifully with tropical flavors.
- Zesty Kick: Add the zest of one lime to the frosting for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up every bite.
- Spicy Variation: For heat lovers, toss in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the guava glaze for a surprising yet delightful spicy kick!
What to Serve with Hawaiian Guava Cake?
Picture a sunny afternoon gathering that calls for vibrant tropical delights! The luscious textures and flavors of guava cake make it a fantastic centerpiece, inviting goodies that will elevate your entire meal.
- Coconut Milk: Creamy and refreshing, this drink brings out the tropical notes of the cake and adds a rich contrast to the sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s fruity flavors, providing a delightful creamy balance with each bite.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Juicy mango, pineapple, and kiwi add freshness and a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Guava Juice: Enhance the tropical theme! This fruity beverage will whisk you straight to paradise while washing down the cake.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: For a double dose of sweetness, pair it with this classic dessert to satisfy sweet cravings and keep the flavor excitement alive.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling these on top adds a crunchy texture and a deeper tropical essence to your serving adventure.
Indulge in this array of accompaniments that embrace the harmony of flavors and textures—making every slice of Hawaiian Guava Cake a delightful occasion!
Make Ahead Options
These Hawaiian Guava Cake is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeks! You can prepare the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance by baking it and allowing it to cool completely, then covering it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture. The frosting can also be made ahead of time; just beat the cream cheese mixture, refrigerate it, and mix in the Cool Whip just before assembling. As for the guava glaze, prepare it up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cake, drizzle with the glaze, and enjoy a deliciously tropical dessert with minimal effort!
Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of guava nectar should I use for the Hawaiian Guava Cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using brands like Kern’s, Jumex, or Goya for the best flavor. Look for 100% guava nectar without added sugar for a more authentic taste, but any variety you find will still deliver that tropical goodness.
How should I store leftover Hawaiian Guava Cake?
To keep your Hawaiian Guava Cake fresh, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. If you’re planning on keeping it longer, consider freezing it.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Guava Cake, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option for this cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This method will preserve them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move a slice to the fridge the night before you plan to enjoy it.
What do I do if my guava glaze is too runny?
If your guava glaze ends up runny, no worries! You can easily fix it. Return it to the saucepan, and slowly sprinkle in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. Heat it gently over low until it thickens to your desired consistency. Just remember to cool it before pouring it over the cake!
Is this Hawaiian Guava Cake safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, you’re good to go! The main ingredients in this Hawaiian Guava Cake are nut-free. However, always double-check your ingredient labels, especially for any added toppings or variations, to ensure they’re safe for those with nut allergies. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Can other cake mixes be used in place of strawberry cake mix?
Very much so! Feel free to tap into your creativity. You can swap the strawberry cake mix for pineapple or lemon for a delightful twist. Each variation will bring its own unique flavor, making this a fun and versatile recipe. The more, the merrier—experiment to find your favorite!
Delicious Hawaiian Guava Cake for a Tropical Summer Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 13 x 9 baking dish with vegetable spray.
- In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, guava nectar, eggs, and coconut oil. Mix on low for 30 seconds, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 24–26 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Transfer the baked cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, then fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate the frosting to firm it up.
- In a saucepan, combine guava nectar and sugar to a low boil. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the pot. Cook until thickened and cool.
- Spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake, drizzle with guava glaze, and optionally garnish with coconut flakes. Refrigerate before serving.