Growing up in Maui, the aroma of fresh guava wafting through the air was a constant companion. As a child, I vividly remember sitting on my grandma’s porch, watching her meticulously prepare her famous Hawaiian Guava Cake. The way she gently folded the batter, the vibrant hue of the guava glaze, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture – it was a sensory experience that I’ve never forgotten. To this day, that cake remains one of my most cherished childhood memories.
Why This Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Hawaiian Guava Cake
What sets this Hawaiian Guava Cake recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of the moist, tender cake and the tangy-sweet guava glaze creates a harmonious symphony that will have your taste buds dancing. The secret lies in the use of fresh guava puree, which imparts a vibrant, tropical essence that you simply can’t replicate with store-bought guava jam or preserves. By carefully folding the guava puree into the batter, we ensure that the flavor shines through in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and foundation for the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that gives the cake its light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The fat that adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and provides the perfect counterpoint to the tart guava.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s tender, moist crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, comforting flavor.
- 1 cup fresh guava puree: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable tropical taste.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps to create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Guava glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Provides a silky, glossy finish to the cake.
- 1/4 cup fresh guava puree: Infuses the glaze with that signature guava flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Step-by-Step Hawaiian Guava Cake Instructions
Preparing Your Hawaiian Guava Cake
With a total time of 65 minutes (30 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking), this Hawaiian Guava Cake is a breeze to whip up. You’ll need a mixing bowl, an electric mixer, a 9-inch cake pan, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4- One at a time, beat in the eggs, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition.
6- Finally, gently fold in the 1 cup of fresh guava puree until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh, ripe guava for the best flavor and texture. Avoid canned or frozen guava, as they can lack the vibrant, tangy-sweet taste of the fresh fruit.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough, dense cake. Fold the ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s light and airy crumb.
- For a professional-looking finish, use a serrated knife to level the top of the cake before adding the guava glaze.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from running off the sides.
Serving and Storing Your Hawaiian Guava Cake
Perfect Pairings for Hawaiian Guava Cake
This Hawaiian Guava Cake, which serves 12, is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. The bright, tropical flavors also make it a wonderful accompaniment to a light, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it at a luau-themed party, a backyard barbecue, or as a sweet treat to brighten up any gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Hawaiian Guava Cake, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before adding the guava glaze.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the cake batter up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, simply pour the batter into the prepared pan and follow the baking instructions. The guava glaze can also be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Hawaiian Guava Cake
Creative Hawaiian Guava Cake Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some fun twists to your Hawaiian Guava Cake:
- Guava Swirl Cake: Swirl the guava puree into the batter for a beautiful, marbled effect.
- Tropical Coconut Cake: Fold in shredded coconut to the batter and top the cake with toasted coconut flakes.
- Guava Cream Cheese Cake: Swirl a creamy guava-infused cream cheese filling into the cake batter.
Making Hawaiian Guava Cake Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to accommodate various needs:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a bit of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. Substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs, and use non-dairy milk in the batter and glaze.
- Low-Carb: Use a sugar-free sweetener, such as erythritol or monk fruit, in place of the granulated sugar. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a low-carb flour like almond or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned guava puree instead of fresh?
A: While canned guava puree can work in a pinch, the flavor and texture won’t be as vibrant as using fresh guava. For the best results, we recommend seeking out ripe, fresh guava and pureeing it yourself.
Q: How can I adjust the total time of 65 minutes for this recipe?
A: The total time of 65 minutes (30 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking) is based on the recipe instructions. To adjust the timing, you may need to tweak the mixing or baking process. For example, chilling the batter for 30 minutes before baking can help the cake bake more evenly.
Q: How do I store leftover Hawaiian Guava Cake?
A: The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before adding the guava glaze.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Hawaiian Guava Cake recipe yields 12 servings. If you need to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan.
Q: What if my cake doesn’t turn out moist and tender?
A: If your cake is dry or dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or overbaking. Be sure to mix the ingredients gently and watch the cake closely during the 35-minute baking time. Use the toothpick test to ensure the cake is done, but not over-baked.
Hawaiian Guava Cake
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the moist and flavorful taste of our homemade Hawaiian Guava Cake, a tropical delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of fresh guava, this easy-to-make cake is sure to transport you to a Hawaiian paradise.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh guava puree
– 1/2 cup milk
– Guava glaze:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh guava puree
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together 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. In a separate bowl, combine the guava puree and milk.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and the guava-milk mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the guava glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, guava puree, and milk until smooth and pourable.
10. Pour the guava glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with fresh guava slices and a sprig of mint, if desired.
Notes
For a deeper guava flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of guava concentrate or essence to the batter. This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Guava Cake is a true taste of the islands, transporting you to a tropical paradise with every bite. The combination of the moist, flavorful cake and the tangy-sweet guava glaze is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a luau-themed gathering or simply craving a little slice of paradise, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some fresh guava and get baking – your taste buds are in for a delightful adventure!
