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Decadent Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

4.8 from 74 reviews

This Decadent Hawaiian Guava Cake combines the tropical flavors of guava and coconut with a moist strawberry cake base, topped with a creamy guava glaze and sweetened coconut flakes. It’s a luscious dessert perfect for any celebration or a tropical treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix
  • 1 cup Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (For batter)
  • 3 large Eggs (Room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Oil (Melted)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 8 oz Cool Whip (Thawed)

Guava Glaze

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

Garnish

  • 1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking dish by coating it evenly with vegetable spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 1 cup guava nectar or juice, 3 large room temperature eggs, and 1/2 cup melted coconut oil. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then scrape down the sides and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 24 to 26 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to ensure the topping sets properly.
  5. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 8 oz room temperature cream cheese until fluffy using a mixer. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then carefully fold in 8 oz of thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is light and smooth. Refrigerate this mixture until ready to use.
  6. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Place the cake back in the refrigerator to chill and set while preparing the glaze.
  7. Prepare Guava Glaze: In a saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups guava nectar or juice and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Bring to a low boil over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the boiling guava mixture continuously.
  8. Thicken the Glaze: Continue to boil and whisk the mixture for about one minute until it thickens to a glaze consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator.
  9. Glaze the Cake: When the guava glaze is cool, spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer on the cake.
  10. Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the finished cake until set and ready to serve. Just before serving, garnish generously with sweetened coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients like eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for best texture.
  • Use guava nectar for a sweeter, more intense guava flavor, or guava juice for a lighter taste.
  • Check the cake closely towards the end of baking to avoid over-baking and drying out the crumb.
  • Cool all components thoroughly before assembling to prevent melting or sliding of toppings.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes can be toasted lightly for extra crunch and flavor if desired.

Keywords: Hawaiian guava cake, guava dessert, tropical cake, strawberry cake, guava glaze, coconut frosting dessert