Go Back
A delicious slice of Hawaiian guava cake with pink layers, white cream, and a glossy guava glaze, sprinkled with lime zest.
Maryam

Hawaiian Guava Cake

This incredibly moist and tender cake, bursting with the sweet, tropical flavor of guava, will transport you straight to the islands. It’s simple to make and absolutely irresistible!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup whole milk room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup guava nectar
For the Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup guava nectar plus more if needed

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)

Method
 

Prepare Cake Batter
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the room temperature eggs, vegetable oil, room temperature whole milk, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of guava nectar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or electric mixer on low speed just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine!
  4. Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden and springs back when gently touched.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before glazing. This allows the cake to set up properly.
Make and Apply Glaze
  1. While the cake cools, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 0.25 cup of guava nectar until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more guava nectar (a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a pourable, but still thick, consistency.
  2. Once the cake has cooled slightly (or completely, if you prefer a thicker set glaze), pour the guava glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your taste of paradise!

Notes

Don't overmix the cake batter; mixing just until combined keeps the cake tender and moist. Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature – this helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform cake crumb. This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or fresh tropical fruit.