Name: Hawaiian Guava Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix; 1 cup Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (for the batter); 3 large Eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup Coconut Oil (melted); 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for cream cheese layer); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 2 1/2 cups Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (for the glaze); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for glaze); 2 tbsp Cornstarch; 1/4 cup Water (for slurry); 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed); 1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes (for garnish)

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I bake a small guava cake most weekends. I like fast recipes with few steps. I use a box mix and keep guava juice in the fridge. I can mix the batter while I finish a meal. I keep cream cheese and coconut on hand to finish it. It saves time and fits a normal weeknight.

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When friends come over, I bring a Hawaiian Guava Cake. The cake soaks up a light, fruity glaze. I learned the method from family and then made it my own. I also freeze slices for quick treats. It works for picnics, birthdays, and last-minute guests.

This guava cake blends a boxed strawberry mix with guava juice and a soft cream cheese layer. It has a sweet, tropical flavor and a light, fruity glaze. People often make it for casual gatherings, weekend desserts, or simple holidays. The cake is not heavy. It fits well with coffee or afternoon tea. For a cold fruit side that pairs nicely, try Hawaiian cheesecake salad with pineapple.

Ingredients

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix

1 cup Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (for the batter) — adds guava flavor and moistness.

3 large Eggs (room temperature) — help give a smooth, even batter.

1/2 cup Coconut Oil (melted) — keeps the cake moist; vegetable oil works too.

8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature) — gives a soft, tangy layer.

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar — to sweeten the cream cheese layer.

1 tsp Vanilla Extract — adds depth to the cream cheese mix.

2 1/2 cups Guava Nectar or Guava Juice (for the glaze) — makes a strong, fruity glaze.

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for glaze) — balances the tartness.

2 tbsp Cornstarch — thickens the glaze so it sets.

1/4 cup Water (for slurry) — mixes with cornstarch before adding to hot juice.

8 oz Cool Whip (thawed) — light, easy top layer.

1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes (for garnish) — adds crunch and tropical look.

If you want another easy mix dessert idea, try the apple pie filling coffee cake for a different flavor.

Directions

Preparation Mix the box cake mix with guava juice, eggs, and melted oil until smooth. Pour half into the pan. Dollop the cream cheese mix on top and spread gently. Add remaining batter and bake. Let the cake cool well so the glaze will soak in. Cooling matters. It keeps layers from mixing.

Glazing Heat the guava juice with sugar. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until it thickens. Cool slightly before pouring over the cake. A warm glaze soaks in better but do not pour it piping hot.

Garnishing Spread thawed Cool Whip on the cooled, glazed cake. Sprinkle coconut flakes across the top. Chill before serving so the top firms up and slices stay neat.

How to make this recipe

The process links mixing, baking, glazing, and finishing in clear stages. First mix the batter and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Next, make a thickened guava glaze and pour it over the warm cake so it soaks in. After the glaze sets, add a cool whipped topping and coconut. Expect about an hour of total time with some wait time to cool and chill. The steps are simple and follow each other without extra tools or long prep.

How to serve this recipe

Serve the cake chilled or at cool room temperature for best texture. Cut it into squares and place on a simple plate. Add a small spoon of extra Cool Whip or a light scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want. This meal works for casual family dessert, potlucks, and weekend visitors. For a picnic, wrap slices in parchment and keep them cold in a cooler. The fruit glaze keeps the cake moist and helps it stay fresh a bit longer on the plate when you serve.

How to store this recipe

Cool the cake fully before covering. Store in the fridge in a shallow airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. It keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, cut into slices and freeze in a freezer-safe container with layers of wax paper. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight. If the topping softens after freezing, let the slice sit at room temperature a short while before serving for best texture.

Tips to make this recipe

Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smooth mix. Let the cake cool before glazing to avoid a runny top. If the glaze seems thin, simmer a bit longer with the cornstarch slurry. For a lighter finish, fold half the Cool Whip into the cream cheese layer. A common mistake is pouring very hot glaze; let it cool slightly so it soaks in and does not break the topping. For variation in serving, try apple pie pancakes style sides or simple whipped cream.

Variation

You can swap the strawberry cake mix for plain yellow or white mix if you want a milder base. Use pineapple juice instead of some guava for a different tropical note. Reduce sugar in the glaze if your guava juice is very sweet. For a denser texture, add a little sour cream to the batter. If you avoid dairy, use a dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whip. The base method stays the same, so swaps are easy and keep the recipe practical.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh guava?

A: Yes. Blend fresh guava with a little water to make juice and strain.

Q: Can I skip the cream cheese layer?

A: You can, but the cake will be less rich.

Q: How long to bake?

A: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, usually 25–35 minutes for a 9×13.

Q: Is coconut required?

A: No. It adds flavor and texture but you can omit it.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes. Make a day ahead and chill for best slices.

Conclusion

This cake is an easy way to add a tropical dessert to a normal week. It uses a boxed mix and a few simple steps, so you can make it with little planning. The glaze and cream cheese make it feel special while staying fast. For a clear step-by-step guide, see an Easy Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe – Simplistically Living that shows the basic method. For another family-tested take, read the Hawaiian Guava Cake – Favorite Family Recipes version for extra ideas.

Hawaiian Guava Cake with Rich Tropical Sweetness