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Decadent Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Description

Experience a taste of paradise with this Decadent Hawaiian Guava Cake, featuring vibrant guava nectar and coconut flavors combined with a fluffy strawberry cake base, a creamy layered topping, and a shiny guava glaze for an irresistible tropical dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix
  • 1 cup Guava Nectar or Guava Juice
  • 3 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Oil, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

For the Guava Gel

  • 2 1/2 cups Guava Nectar or Guava Juice
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Water (for slurry)

Optional Topping

  • 1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish thoroughly with vegetable spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a mixer, combine the strawberry cake mix, guava juice, eggs, and melted coconut oil. Blend on low speed for 30 seconds to start combining ingredients, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 24 to 26 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
  4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding to the next steps to ensure the cream cheese layer sets properly.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip to create a smooth, airy topping. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  6. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Place the cake back into the refrigerator to chill and set this layer firmly.
  7. Make Guava Gel: In a medium saucepan, bring the guava juice and granulated sugar to a low boil over medium heat. Meanwhile, prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water until smooth. Whisk the slurry into the hot guava mixture and return the mixture to a boil. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the refrigerator.
  8. Glaze the Cake: When the guava gel is cool, spread it evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer to create a shiny, tropical glaze.
  9. Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the glazed cake until ready to serve. Just before serving, garnish the top with sweetened coconut flakes if desired to add texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients like eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture and blending.
  • This cake can be made ahead and refrigerated; chilling helps meld the tropical flavors beautifully.
  • Use fresh or high-quality guava nectar to enhance the vibrant guava flavor in the glaze and batter.
  • Check doneness carefully as oven temperatures vary; underbaking can cause the cake to be dense.
  • Garnishing with coconut flakes adds a nice tropical crunch and visual appeal, but is optional.