Guava Cake is a tasty, traditional Hawaiian dessert. It is a guava flavored cake with a whipped cream cheese layer and guava gel glaze. Easy and delicious!
Hawaiian Guava Cake
Guava cake is a dessert that is often served at restaurants throughout Hawaii. When I worked at the bakery in Hawaii we would often make this for catered events. It was always a huge it. In my opinion, it tastes best when it has chilled for a long time. I actually think that it tastes best after it has chilled overnight.
Nectar vs. Juice:
Guava juice and guava nectar are pretty similar. You can use either one in this recipe. Nectar is a little thicker than guava juice but guava juice still works fine. I was able to find guava nectar at my local grocery store in the refrigerated juice section. If all you can find is a guava nectar blend (passion-guava, guava strawberry etc.) that is totally ok, too.
Substitutions and Additions:
If you don’t have or can’t find strawberry cake mix, you can always use white or yellow cake mix instead. I like using the strawberry because it complements the guava flavor but either of those other flavors work too. You can also swap out the coconut oil for canola or vegetable oil if you would like as well. I like the faint hint of coconut that the coconut oil gives because really isn’t too overpowering and just gives it a little added flavor dimension. Finally, if you were looking to add a little more, you can add sliced strawberries to the top to make it look a little fancier. You just can’t go wrong with guava and strawberry!
Looking for more tasty Hawaiian or island inspired desserts? Check these out!
- Hawaiian Wedding Cake: Hawaiian Wedding Cake starts with a simple cake mix. Add a splash of coconut and pineapple and it becomes a refreshing cake that tastes like a piña colada.
- Coconut Cream Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting: This Coconut Cream Cake is a coconut lovers dream! It is a coconut infused cake, with a rich and creamy coconut cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with even more toasted coconut. You will be in coconut heaven with every bite.
- Caribbean Coconut Fudge Bars: These Caribbean Coconut Fudge Bars can’t be beat! A soft oatmeal cookie crust with chocolate fudge and gooey coconut topping- an instant favorite!
- Orange Pineapple Cake: Orange Pineapple cake is a light, fruity cake with an island flair. You will love the delicious whipped creamy topping! Perfect for potlucks and parties!
How To Make Hawaiian Guava Cake
Ingredients
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- 1 1/3 c. guava nectar or guava juice
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 c. coconut oil room temp (liquid)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1/3 c. sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 8 oz. Cool Whip thawed
For the Guava Gel Topping:
- 2 c. guava nectar or guava juice
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/4 c. cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp. water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mix together cake mix, guava juice, eggs, and coconut oil until well combined.
- Bake in a 9x13 glass baking dish according to cake mix package directions.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with hand mixer until fluffy.
- Add sugar and vanilla and mix well.
- Slowly fold in the Cool Whip and refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups guava juice and sugar to a boil.
- Make a slurry out of the cornstarch and a small amount of water.
- Remove guava juice from heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Return to heat and bring back to a boil and boil for one minute. Cool in refrigerator.
- When cake has cooled, spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cake.
- Glaze the top of the cake with guava gel. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch pan
Shivani says
hi! This looks delicious and I’d like to try the cake but currently do not have access to a strawberry cake mix. Could you suggest a recipe for the cake? Thanks!
Favorite Family Recipes says
You could try adding Strawberry Jello powder to a white cake mix! Or use just a white cake mix base.
Desiree A Levy says
I followed the directions and my cake did not rise. I used the strawberry cake mix?!
Favorite Family Recipes says
Huh…that’s so weird! Did you check the expiration date on the cake mix? Sometimes I keep mine for too long and then when I use them they don’t work as well.