Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Hawaiian Guava Cake Ingredients

Hawaiian Guava Cake Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, then lightly grease the sides and bottom.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and sea salt to ensure even mixing and a light texture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until combined.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, guava nectar, and sour cream until smooth.
  7. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition.
  8. Gently fold in the guava puree until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  10. Bake the cake layers for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  11. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the guava gel by combining the guava jelly, 2 tablespoons guava nectar, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  12. For the whipped topping, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the heavy cream and powdered sugar, then beat on high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture is light and fluffy.
  13. Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of guava gel over the top, then add a layer of whipped topping.
  14. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
  15. Pour the remaining guava gel over the top of the cake, allowing it to gently drip down the sides for a glossy finish.
  16. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the layers and flavors.
  17. Before serving, garnish with edible flowers or thinly sliced fresh guava if desired.

Estimated Calories: 340, Servings: 12

Recommended Dishes

Guava Cake FAQ

Imagine the best Hawaiian Guava Cake recipe as a blank canvas, ready for your creative brushstrokes. Just as an artist might swap colors to suit their mood, you can easily change the ingredients in this easy, homemade dessert. Wondering how to make it your own? Here are some tasty, authentic tips and quick answers to common questions, each one like a new shade on your palette.
If you’re thinking about swapping out the guava for another fruit, it’s like changing the lead actor in a play. Mango, passionfruit, or even pineapple can step into the spotlight, giving your cake a different but still delicious, tropical flavor. The best part? The recipe remains simple and quick, just with a new twist.
For those who want a lighter version, consider the cake base as the foundation of a house. You can use angel food cake or a low-fat sponge instead of the traditional yellow cake. This easy switch keeps your homemade treat tasty and perfect for those watching their calories.
If you’re out of guava juice, think of it as running out of paint but still wanting to finish your masterpiece. You can blend guava nectar with a splash of orange or apple juice to mimic the authentic flavor. This quick fix ensures your Hawaiian-inspired cake remains delicious and true to the best recipe traditions.
Want to make it dairy-free? It’s like replacing the milk in your morning coffee with a plant-based alternative. Use coconut milk or almond milk in the frosting and cake batter. This simple change keeps the texture creamy and the taste just as perfect.
For those who love a little extra flair, adding shredded coconut or macadamia nuts is like accessorizing an outfit. Sprinkle them on top for a tasty crunch that elevates your homemade creation from easy to extraordinary.
If you’re short on time, using a boxed cake mix is like taking the express train instead of the scenic route. It’s a quick, easy way to get to the same delicious destination, especially when you follow the best tips for enhancing flavor with authentic ingredients.
Remember, every recipe is a roadmap, but you’re the driver. With these simple, tasty changes, your Hawaiian-inspired Guava Cake can be as unique as your own signature.

Guava Cake History

Imagine the cultural origins of Guava Cake as a vibrant lei, woven from the best blossoms of Hawaii’s diverse heritage. Just as a lei brings together flowers from different gardens, this recipe is a delicious blend of influences from native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western traditions. The arrival of guava in Hawaii was like planting a seed in fertile soil, and over time, it grew into a symbol of the islands’ ability to adapt and thrive. The cake became a good way for families to celebrate special occasions, much like how a lei is given to honor someone, making it a great example of how food can be both a gift and a tradition.
The evolution of Guava Cake is like a river carving its path through a landscape, always finding the easiest and most delicious route. Early recipes were more rustic, but as new ingredients and techniques flowed in, the cake became lighter, faster to make, and more visually appealing. The best recipes today are a quick mix of old and new, showing how traditions can be both preserved and refreshed. Just as a river smooths stones over time, the recipe has been polished by generations, making it a healthy and easy treat for modern bakers.
Regional adaptations of Guava Cake are like different surfboards riding the same wave, each with its own style but sharing the same energy. On Oahu, you might find a version that is extra fluffy, while on Maui, the cake could be denser and more intensely flavored. These adaptations are a good reminder that even a classic recipe can be customized to fit local tastes and available ingredients. The cake’s influence has even washed up on distant shores, inspiring quick and creative desserts in other cuisines, proving that a great idea can travel far and still taste like home.

About Guava Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the best, most delicious, and easy recipe for a homemade tropical treat, you’ve just found it! This authentic Hawaiian-inspired Guava Cake recipe is my go-to whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are so quick that even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen (like me), you’ll still end up with a tasty masterpiece. I always get asked for tips on how to make this cake extra fluffy and moist, and honestly, it’s all about using the right guava juice and not overmixing the batter. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings a burst of tropical flavor to any occasion. The combination of the soft, spongy cake and the sweet, tangy guava glaze is just perfect. It’s the best dessert for potlucks, birthdays, or when you just need a little sunshine on a rainy day. I’ve tried a lot of so-called “authentic” recipes, but this one is the real deal—quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a sense of adventure!
If you’re wondering how to make this Hawaiian favorite, don’t stress. The steps are simple, and I’ve got plenty of tips to help you avoid any cake disasters (like the time I forgot the eggs—don’t do that). The best part is watching the guava glaze set on top, turning your homemade creation into a pink, glossy, delicious showstopper. So, gather your ingredients, follow this easy recipe, and get ready to enjoy the most authentic, tasty, and perfect Guava Cake you’ve ever had. Your taste buds—and your friends—will thank you!

Guava Cake Pairings

Flavors in Hawaiian desserts are like a tropical vacation for your taste buds, where every bite is a postcard from paradise. The best recipes often balance sweet and tangy, much like a good conversation that keeps you interested but never overwhelms. Imagine the quick burst of sunshine you feel on a cloudy day; that is the effect of the bright, fruity notes that often accompany guava in Hawaiian treats. The delicious interplay of flavors is as harmonious as a well-rehearsed hula dance, each step and turn adding depth and excitement. A healthy approach to these flavors is to let the natural fruitiness shine, making the experience both easy and satisfying.
Pairing foods with a Hawaiian dessert is like assembling a lei, where each flower adds its own color and fragrance to the whole. A great side for guava cake could be a scoop of coconut sorbet, as refreshing as a sea breeze on a warm afternoon. For a fast and easy addition, fresh pineapple or mango slices are as reliable as a good friend at a luau, bringing out the best in the main attraction. The combination is as harmonious as a ukulele and a gentle wave, making the entire meal feel like a celebration. A healthy fruit salad can also be a quick and delicious way to round out the experience.
When it comes to drinks, the right pairing is like finding the perfect wave to ride—smooth, exhilarating, and memorable. A non-alcoholic passion fruit iced tea is as good as a cool dip in the ocean after a day in the sun, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake. For those seeking something a bit more festive, a tropical mimosa or a guava spritzer can be as uplifting as a sunrise over Diamond Head. The best drink recipes are easy to prepare and fast to serve, ensuring that the delicious flavors of the dessert remain the star of the show. A healthy option like coconut water with a splash of lime is as rejuvenating as a gentle rain on a hot day.

Guava Cake Story

At first, my relationship with this dish was like meeting a new neighbor whose habits seemed odd and whose presence I barely noticed. I would pass by it at gatherings, giving it only a quick glance, convinced there were better options elsewhere. It was easy to dismiss, much like a book with a plain cover that you assume could not possibly hold a great story. I thought it was just another attempt at something sweet, not realizing that sometimes the best experiences are the ones you overlook at first.
Over time, curiosity nudged me to give it another try, much like revisiting a movie you did not enjoy as a child but now see with new eyes. I started to notice how good it made me feel, how its presence at the table brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The recipe, once ignored, became a healthy challenge to master, and I found myself seeking out ways to make it even more delicious. It was as if I had discovered a shortcut through a familiar park, realizing the journey could be both fast and enjoyable.
Now, my appreciation for this dish is like finding an old song that suddenly resonates deeply, its melody echoing in unexpected moments. I have come to see it as a great companion for celebrations and quiet evenings alike, its easy preparation and quick assembly making it a reliable favorite. What once seemed unremarkable has become a cherished part of my repertoire, a reminder that sometimes the most delicious joys are those that grow on you slowly, revealing their true value over time.