Growing up in Honolulu, the aroma of freshly baked Hawaiian Guava Cake was a familiar scent that would waft through our neighborhood. It was a dessert my grandma, Tutu, would make for special occasions, and I can still remember the anticipation I felt as I’d watch her carefully prepare the batter, the sweet fragrance of guava filling the air. There’s just something about that unique tropical flavor that instantly transports me back to my childhood in the islands.
As I got older and started baking on my own, I knew I had to recreate Tutu’s famous Hawaiian Guava Cake. After countless experiments in the kitchen, I finally perfected the recipe, and now it’s a go-to dessert that never fails to impress. Whether I’m bringing it to a luau, a backyard BBQ, or just serving it up for an afternoon treat, this cake is always a hit.
Why This Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Hawaiian Guava Cake
What sets this Hawaiian Guava Cake apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, fluffy cake is infused with the irresistible taste of fresh guava puree, creating a delightful tropical twist on a classic. And the light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finishing touch, making each bite an absolute delight.
The secret lies in the carefully curated ingredients and the precise baking technique. By using high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and just the right amount of guava puree, the cake achieves a rich, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. And the addition of baking powder ensures a perfectly risen, light texture that’s not too dense or heavy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and foundation for the cake, ensuring a tender and delicate crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that gives the cake its fluffy, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small but important addition that enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to a moist, decadent cake. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: The perfect amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the guava.
- 4 large eggs: Provides structure and richness, keeping the cake tender and moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the tropical notes.
- 1 cup guava puree: The star ingredient that gives this cake its signature Hawaiian flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting: A light, ethereal finish that adds a beautiful touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Hawaiian Guava Cake Instructions
Preparing Your Hawaiian Guava Cake
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 60 minutes, this Hawaiian Guava Cake is surprisingly easy to whip up. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a hand mixer or stand mixer, a large mixing bowl, and a 9-inch round baking pan.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3- One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
4- Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first step to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the 1 cup of guava puree until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top liberally with the powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results. This helps them incorporate more easily and creates a smoother, more cohesive batter.
- Be gentle when folding in the guava puree to avoid deflating the batter. Incorporate it just until no streaks remain.
- Keep a close eye on the cake during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Every oven is different, so the doneness can vary.
- For an extra special touch, serve slices of the Hawaiian Guava Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Serving and Storing Your Hawaiian Guava Cake
Perfect Pairings for Hawaiian Guava Cake
This Hawaiian Guava Cake is a true showstopper, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions. Serve it at your next luau or island-themed party, where it’ll be the star of the dessert table. It also makes a lovely addition to a Sunday brunch spread, complementing savory dishes like ham and eggs beautifully. And don’t be afraid to enjoy a slice as an afternoon pick-me-up – the tropical flavors are sure to transport you to a Hawaiian paradise.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great news about this Hawaiian Guava Cake is that it keeps really well. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For make-ahead convenience, you can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before dusting with powdered sugar.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Hawaiian Guava Cake
Creative Hawaiian Guava Cake Variations
While the classic version of this cake is an absolute delight, you can get creative with some fun variations. For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut to the batter or topping the cake with a creamy coconut frosting. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, like substituting the guava puree with a tangy pineapple or orange puree.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swirling in a layer of cream cheese filling or adding a streusel topping for a delightful crunch. And for a seasonal spin, you could incorporate fresh berries, like raspberries or blackberries, into the batter.
Making Hawaiian Guava Cake Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, this Hawaiian Guava Cake can be easily adapted. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with flax or chia “eggs” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the granulated sugar to 1 cup and use a sugar-free guava puree. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and keep an eye on the cake, as the reduced sugar content may affect the texture and rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned guava puree instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Canned guava puree works great in this recipe. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand without any added sugars or preservatives.
Q: How long does it take to make this Hawaiian Guava Cake?
A: The total time for this recipe is 75 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make the Hawaiian Guava Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, and bring it to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months.
Q: How many servings does this Hawaiian Guava Cake recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 servings of the delicious Hawaiian Guava Cake.
Q: What should I do if the cake doesn’t rise properly?
A: Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you didn’t overmix the batter. Also, check your oven temperature to ensure it’s accurately calibrated. With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can get that perfect Hawaiian Guava Cake rise.
Hawaiian Guava Cake
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Discover the captivating flavors of our authentic Hawaiian Guava Cake, a traditional treat that will transport you to the tropical paradise. This moist, buttery cake is infused with the sweet and tangy essence of guava, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup guava puree
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the guava puree, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh or canned guava puree. You can also use a guava jam or jelly, but the consistency may be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Guava Cake is truly a slice of tropical paradise. With its moist, fluffy texture and irresistible guava flavor, it’s no wonder it’s a family favorite in my household. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same joy and nostalgia that it brings me every time I take a bite. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations, and be sure to let me know how your Hawaiian Guava Cake turns out in the comments below. Enjoy this little taste of the islands!
