Growing up in Honolulu, the scent of Hawaiian guava cake was a constant in our household. I can still picture myself as a little girl, peeking into the oven and watching the golden cake rise, the fruity aroma filling the air. It was a family tradition that brought us all together, a slice of paradise we shared during special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons.
My grandma was the master baker, and she’d always let me help her sprinkle the powdered sugar over the top, giggling as she’d tease me about “taste-testing” a few crumbs. Those moments in the kitchen are some of my fondest memories, and the joy of that Hawaiian guava cake has stayed with me all these years.
Why This Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Hawaiian Guava Cake
There’s something truly magical about the combination of moist, buttery cake and the bright, tangy guava. It’s a flavor that transports you straight to the islands, evoking the lush tropical landscapes and warm, salty breezes. But what really sets this Hawaiian guava cake apart is the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, which comes from a secret ingredient in the recipe.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Unsalted butter
White granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Guava puree or jam
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Hawaiian Guava Cake Instructions
Preparing Your Hawaiian Guava Cake
Get ready to bake up a little slice of paradise! This Hawaiian guava cake recipe takes about an hour from start to finish, and you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment, like a stand mixer and a springform pan. But trust me, the effort is well worth it for the incredible flavors you’re about to create.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2- In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6- Gently fold in the guava puree or jam, being careful not to overmix.
7- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and dusting with powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Hawaiian guava cake is all in the guava puree. Look for high-quality, all-natural guava puree or jam without any added sugars or preservatives. This will give you the most authentic, true-to-island flavor.
Another pro tip is to let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. This helps the structure set and prevents any crumbling or breakage.
Serving and Storing Your Hawaiian Guava Cake
Perfect Pairings for Hawaiian Guava Cake
This Hawaiian guava cake is the ultimate island-inspired treat, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Serve it alongside a refreshing cup of Hawaiian coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic combo. For a more festive occasion, it’s also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh mango puree.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this Hawaiian guava cake is that it keeps well for several days. Once cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can bake the cake, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Hawaiian Guava Cake
Creative Hawaiian Guava Cake Variations
While the classic Hawaiian guava cake is a true delight, you can also get creative with variations on the theme. For a seasonal twist, try swapping in fresh mango or passionfruit puree instead of guava. You could also experiment with different mix-ins, like toasted macadamia nuts or a layer of creamy coconut filling.
Making Hawaiian Guava Cake Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Hawaiian guava cake recipe. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed “egg.” And if you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the sugar and use a sugar-free guava jam or puree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought guava jam instead of puree?
A: Absolutely! Guava jam or preserves will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to use a high-quality, all-natural brand without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Q: How do I know when the Hawaiian guava cake is done baking?
A: The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’re also looking for the top to be golden brown and the edges to be pulling away slightly from the pan.
Q: Can I freeze this Hawaiian guava cake?
A: Yes, you can! Bake the cake, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q: How do I get that perfect powdered sugar dusting on top?
A: For the best results, use a fine-mesh sieve or a small, clean spice jar with holes poked in the lid. Gently shake or tap the powdered sugar over the top of the cooled cake for an even, cloud-like dusting.
Q: What if my cake cracks on top?
A: Don’t worry, a few cracks on top of the cake are normal and won’t affect the flavor. If you want a perfectly smooth top, you can try covering any cracks with a thin layer of guava jam or frosting before dusting with powdered sugar.
Hawaiian Guava Cake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Hawaiian Guava Cake, a moist and tender tropical treat that’s sure to transport you to a island 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
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh guava puree
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. 4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the guava puree.
6. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. 7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of coconut extract to the batter. To serve, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a guava glaze.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade Hawaiian guava cake to transport you to the islands. With its moist, buttery crumb and bright, tangy guava flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a little piece of paradise. I can’t wait to hear how your Hawaiian guava cake turns out – be sure to share your photos and feedback in the comments below!