Name: Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 Strawberry Cake Mix (15 oz); 1 1/2 cups Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (Kern’s, Jumex, or Goya); 3 eggs (room temperature); 1/3 cup Coconut Oil (liquid); 10 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed); 2 1/2 cups Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (Pink is better); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons Cornstarch; 3 tablespoons Water; 4 tablespoons sweetened Coconut Flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 73 reviews

If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical escape but haven’t quite booked your ticket yet, let me introduce you to a little slice of paradise right here at home with this Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of fluffy strawberry cake soaked in guava nectar, topped with a dreamy cream cheese layer, and finished off with a glossy guava glaze that sings with every bite. Whether you’re craving a festive dessert for a gathering or just want to brighten up your day, this cake captures the essence of island sweetness and fun in the most delightful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows nine different ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a white tray holds four brown eggs. Moving right, a small white bowl contains dark brown liquid, next to a white bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Below these is a small round wooden dish with white powder, and to its left, a white bowl holds a white crumbly substance. Below, a small white dish has a bright pink liquid. Near it, a clear small bowl contains a thick clear gel or liquid, and next to it, another small white bowl holds a clear liquid. At the bottom left, there is a white bowl with white creamy cheese. To the right of all these bowls, a clear plastic bag filled with pink powder lies flat. The whole setup is on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in taste and texture. From the fruity punch of guava nectar to the creamy richness of cream cheese, every component combines to create a layered treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Strawberry Cake Mix (15 oz): The base of the cake, providing a light and fruity flavor that complements the guava perfectly.
Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (1 1/2 cups + 2 1/2 cups): The tropical star ingredient that infuses the cake and glaze with authentic island sweetness.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Essential for structure and moisture, helping the cake rise evenly.
Coconut Oil (1/3 cup, liquid): Adds subtle tropical notes and keeps the cake tender.
Cream Cheese (10 oz, room temperature): For that luscious, creamy layer that balances the fruity flavors with richness.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Sweetens both the cream cheese layer and the guava glaze perfectly.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A little warmth that enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
Cool Whip (8 oz, thawed): Lightens the cream cheese, giving it a fluffy texture.
Cornstarch (4 tablespoons): Thickens the guava glaze to a lovely, shiny finish.
Water (3 tablespoons): Used to create the cornstarch slurry for the glaze.
Sweetened Coconut Flakes (4 tablespoons, optional): Adds a bit of crunch and an extra tropical flair as a garnish.

How to Make Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13 x 9 baking dish with vegetable spray. Combine the strawberry cake mix, guava nectar, eggs, and coconut oil in a mixer. Blend the ingredients first for 30 seconds on low to combine, scrape down the bowl, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes. This ensures a smooth, well-aerated batter that will bake into a light, fluffy cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 24 to 26 minutes. The cake edges should turn a soft golden color, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Once done, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely—this step is key for the next layers to set perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Add the 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip, creating a silky, airy cream cheese topping that will contrast beautifully with the cake’s fruity base. Refrigerate this mixture until you’re ready to spread it over the cooled cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cream Cheese Layer

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface. To allow it to firm up nicely and set, place the cake in the fridge or freezer for a short while. This helps the final glaze layer to sit without mixing or melting into the cream cheese.

Step 5: Prepare the Guava Glaze

In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 1/2 cups of guava nectar and 1/2 cup sugar to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Remove the nectar mixture from heat, whisk in the slurry, then return to the stove. Bring it back to a low boil and cook for 1 full minute until thick and glossy. Let this glaze cool in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Finish the Cake with Guava Glaze

Once the glaze has cooled to a spreadable temperature, gently pour and spread it over the chilled cream cheese layer. This shiny, fruity gel adds both flavor and a beautiful presentation to your cake. Refrigerate the entire cake until you’re ready to slice and serve.

How to Serve Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe

A close-up view of a square slice of three-layered dessert on a white square plate set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick pink sponge cake with a soft, airy texture. The middle layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that contrasts with the cake below. The top layer is a translucent pink gelatin-like topping with a shiny, slightly wet surface, sprinkled lightly with white flakes. Next to the slice on the plate is a silver fork holding a small portion of the cake, frosting, and gelatin layers. In the background, the rest of the dessert is visible with similar layers and pink gelatin topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your cake with a sprinkle of toasted sweetened coconut flakes for a subtle crunch and a burst of tropical aroma. You can also add fresh slices of guava or strawberries to brighten up the look and add a fresh fruit element that pairs amazingly with the creamy layers.

Side Dishes

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but for a truly Hawaiian-inspired spread, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of guava juice or coconut water. These pairings will amplify the tropical vibe and provide refreshing contrasts to the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into smaller squares and serving them on colorful tropical-themed plates or coconut leaf liners for a festive luau feel. You can add edible flowers like orchids for an elegant, island-inspired touch that’s sure to wow guests at any party or casual get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the flavors fresh and the cream cheese layer moist for up to 4 days—a perfect way to enjoy a treat any time of the week.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for a future occasion, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cream cheese and glaze. Simply allow frozen slices to thaw naturally for a perfectly refreshing dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh guava instead of guava nectar in the Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe?

Fresh guava has a wonderful flavor but may not provide the same smooth texture and sweetness as guava nectar. If you want to try fresh guava, consider blending it into a juice and straining out the pulp to mimic nectar, then adjust the sugar accordingly.

Is it necessary to use strawberry cake mix for this recipe?

The strawberry cake mix adds a delightful complementary flavor to the guava that enhances the tropical profile. However, if you prefer, you can experiment with a plain white or yellow cake mix, but the overall flavor will be less fruity.

Can I substitute coconut oil with another oil?

Yes, you can substitute with a mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil if you don’t have coconut oil, but coconut oil adds a subtle island flair that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.

How long does it take to fully set after assembling the layers?

The cream cheese layer should be chilled for at least 1 hour to set properly before adding the guava glaze. After assembling, refrigerating the entire cake for another 1 to 2 hours helps the glaze firm up for clean slices.

Is this cake suitable for making in advance for parties?

Absolutely! This Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe can be made a day ahead, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until serving time.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe with you feels like passing along a little piece of the islands. It’s a fantastic dessert that’s fresh, fruity, and creamy — perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your family or friends with a taste of tropical bliss. Give it a try and watch how this charming cake quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!