Hawaiian Guava Cake is a beloved island dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Originating from the Dee Lite Bakery in Honolulu, this vibrant cake features a moist strawberry base infused with guava nectar, topped with a fluffy cream cheese layer and finished with a glossy guava gel glaze. It’s a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box strawberry cake mix
1 1/3 cups guava nectar or guava juice
3 eggs
1/3 cup coconut oil (room temperature)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)

For the Guava Gel Topping:

2 cups guava nectar or guava juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

Directions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, guava nectar, eggs, and coconut oil. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and bake as directed on the cake mix package.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- Refrigerate the mixture until ready to use.
Prepare the Guava Gel Topping:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the guava nectar and sugar to a boil.
- In a separate bowl, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water.
- Remove the guava mixture from heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Return the saucepan to heat and bring the mixture back to a boil, boiling for one minute.
- Allow the guava gel to cool in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Gently pour and spread the cooled guava gel over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 of 12):

Calories: 416 kcal
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 338 mg
Potassium: 88 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 44 g
Vitamin A: 371 IU
Vitamin C: 14 mg
Calcium: 120 mg
Iron: 1 mg

The Origin of Hawaiian Guava Cake

The history of the Hawaiian Guava Cake dates back to the 1960s, when it was first created by the famous Dee Lite Bakery in Honolulu. Dee Lite Bakery, known for its innovative pastries, wanted to create a unique dessert that would capture the flavors of Hawaii. By incorporating guava, a tropical fruit that is abundant in Hawaii, they created a dessert that resonated with the island’s residents and visitors alike.

Guava, native to the tropics, has a distinct flavor that can range from sweet to tart depending on the variety. It is known for its unique pink or yellow flesh and is used in various forms in Hawaiian cuisine, such as in juices, jams, and candies. The guava flavor in the cake provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy layers of the dessert, making it a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Over the years, Hawaiian Guava Cake has become a staple at many Hawaiian celebrations, from birthdays to weddings and everything in between. Its popularity has spread beyond Hawaii, and now people all over the world enjoy this tropical dessert. It’s a versatile cake that can be served chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature as a decadent dessert.

Why the Hawaiian Guava Cake is a Crowd-Pleaser

There are several reasons why the Hawaiian Guava Cake has earned its place as a favorite dessert. First, its unique blend of flavors sets it apart from other cakes. The sweet strawberry cake base, infused with guava nectar, provides a moist foundation that complements the creamy cream cheese layer. The guava gel topping adds a finishing touch with its glossy sheen and tangy flavor, which balances the sweetness of the cake and cream cheese filling.

Another reason for the popularity of this cake is its versatility. It’s not too heavy, making it suitable for various occasions. The tropical flavors make it an ideal dessert for summer events, picnics, or barbecues, but it can also be enjoyed year-round. It’s a cake that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children who love the sweetness to adults who appreciate the sophisticated tropical flavors.

The texture of the Hawaiian Guava Cake also plays a role in its appeal. The cake is soft and moist, while the cream cheese layer adds a smooth, velvety richness. The guava gel topping is slightly firm, adding a layer of contrast that enhances the overall experience. The combination of these textures creates a dessert that is both satisfying and refreshing at the same time.

The Role of Guava in Hawaiian Cuisine

Guava plays a significant role in Hawaiian cuisine, and it’s no surprise that it features prominently in the Hawaiian Guava Cake. Guava trees are abundant in Hawaii, and the fruit is harvested year-round. It’s a highly versatile ingredient, used in everything from drinks and jams to savory dishes. In Hawaii, guava is often paired with other tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, creating bold, vibrant flavors.

The guava’s sweet and tangy taste makes it an excellent addition to desserts like cakes, tarts, and pies. It’s commonly used in beverages as well, such as in the popular guava juice, which is often served alongside meals. The guava’s natural sweetness means it requires little added sugar, making it a healthier alternative to other sugary fruits. The Hawaiian Guava Cake uses guava in both the cake base and the gel topping, making it the star ingredient of the dessert.

Beyond its flavor, guava is packed with health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious choice. In fact, guava is often touted as a superfruit due to its numerous health benefits. While the Hawaiian Guava Cake may not be considered a health food, it certainly incorporates a fruit that has a reputation for being both delicious and beneficial.

Perfecting the Hawaiian Guava Cake

While the Hawaiian Guava Cake is simple in concept, there are several factors that can elevate this dessert to perfection. The key to making a successful guava cake is ensuring that the layers are balanced in flavor and texture.

First, the cake itself must be light and moist. Using a box cake mix makes it easy to achieve this, but it’s important to choose a high-quality mix that complements the guava flavor. Guava nectar is typically used in the cake to infuse the batter with its tropical sweetness. It’s important to use real guava nectar or juice to ensure that the cake has an authentic flavor.

The cream cheese layer is another crucial component of the cake. It should be smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness to contrast with the tartness of the guava gel topping. The addition of Cool Whip helps to lighten the texture of the cream cheese, giving it a fluffy, cloud-like consistency.

Finally, the guava gel topping is the finishing touch that makes this cake unique. It should be thick enough to set but not too firm that it overpowers the other layers. The glossy appearance of the gel adds visual appeal to the cake, making it look as good as it tastes. The guava gel is made by cooking down guava nectar with sugar and cornstarch, which helps to create the desired consistency.

Serving and Storing the Hawaiian Guava Cake

The Hawaiian Guava Cake is best served chilled, as this enhances the flavors and makes the cake refreshing, especially on a warm day. It can be sliced into squares or served in individual portions, making it an easy dessert to share with guests. The cake can be garnished with additional fresh guava slices or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra touch of tropical flair.

When storing the Hawaiian Guava Cake, it’s important to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. The cream cheese layer needs to be kept cool, and the guava gel will stay in place when chilled. The cake can be stored for up to three days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first two days to ensure the best texture and flavor.

If you have leftover cake, you can also freeze it for later. Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Guava Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the tropics in every bite. Its combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and tangy guava topping creates a balanced and refreshing treat that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re familiar with the flavors of Hawaii or discovering them for the first time, this cake is sure to impress. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions, casual gatherings, or as a treat to enjoy with family and friends.

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