Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake is a moist and sweet treat that brings the beach to your kitchen. I’ve made this many times and this is the best version I’ve ever had. The creamy frosting pairs perfectly with the tangy guava. Try it with my Refreshing Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Cocktail Recipe. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Cocktail Recipe and Easy Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe for Quick Dinners.
Why This Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Is Pure Comfort
- Tropical flavor in every bite
- Moist and fluffy texture
- Creamy frosting that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for any occasion
What You'll Need for Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup guava paste
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Optional: Fresh guava slices
- Optional: Sprinkle of shredded coconut
- Optional: Chopped toasted almonds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Guava paste: Use store-bought or homemade guava paste for best results.
- Butter: Room temperature butter blends more easily into the batter.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a richer texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Silicone Baking Pans — Non-stick surface prevents cake from sticking and ensures even baking. → See on Amazon
- Stand Mixer — Mixes ingredients evenly and saves time when preparing the batter. → See on Amazon
How to Make Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep the cake pans: Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in guava paste, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Let the cakes cool completely. Spread a layer of frosting on the first layer, then add the second. Frost the top and sides. Garnish as desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Best technique: Use room temperature butter and cream it well for a light and fluffy cake.
- Common mistake and fix: If the cake is too dry, add a little milk to the batter or brush it with syrup before frosting.
- Seasoning tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Texture tip: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Storing & Reheating Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and frost just before serving.
Freezing Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Freeze baked and frosted cake for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Defrost in the microwave on low power for 1–2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a more intense guava flavor, use homemade guava paste or add a splash of guava juice to the batter.
- Best substitution: If guava paste is unavailable, use 1/2 cup of apricot jam or mango puree as a substitute.
- Make-ahead: Bake the cake layers and freeze them for later use. Frost just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved with good results. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Troubleshooting: If the cake is too dense, check that the baking powder is fresh and the oven is at the correct temperature.
Want to level up this recipe?
Offset Cake Pan — Ensures even baking and easy removal of the cake layers. → Check price on Amazon
Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup guava paste
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Fresh guava slices
- Sprinkle of shredded coconut
- Chopped toasted almonds
Instructions
- Prep the cake pans: Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in guava paste, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Let the cakes cool completely. Spread a layer of frosting on the first layer, then add the second. Frost the top and sides. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a more intense guava flavor, use homemade guava paste or add a splash of guava juice to the batter.
- Best substitution: If guava paste is unavailable, use 1/2 cup of apricot jam or mango puree as a substitute.
- Make-ahead: Bake the cake layers and freeze them for later use. Frost just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved with good results. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Troubleshooting: If the cake is too dense, check that the baking powder is fresh and the oven is at the correct temperature.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked and frosted cake for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Defrost in the microwave on low power for 1–2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and frost just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting FAQs
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.
If the cake is too dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too little moisture. Add a splash of milk to the batter or brush the layers with guava syrup before frosting.
Yes, freeze the frosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
If you don't have guava paste, use 1/2 cup of apricot jam or mango puree for a similar flavor and texture.
Add a splash of guava juice or milk to the batter. You can also brush the layers with a simple syrup before frosting.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Tropical Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
