Did you know that Hawaiian guava cake originated at Dee Lite Bakery in Honolulu in the 1950s — and that this iconic pink three-layer cake is now sold at every Hawaiian bakery and craved worldwide thanks to social media? Hawaiian guava cake nails the magic trifecta: vibrant pink guava-tinted cake layers, an airy whipped cream cheese filling that’s lighter than buttercream, and a glossy guava jelly glaze that hardens slightly into an irresistible top layer. One hour thirty minutes from cold start to a centerpiece dessert that feels like Honolulu in slice form.
Ingredients List
Cake: 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix + 6 oz can frozen guava juice concentrate (thawed) + 1/2 cup vegetable oil + 4 large eggs + pink food coloring (optional, for stronger color)
Cream cheese frosting: 16 oz (2 bricks) cream cheese softened + 1 cup heavy cream cold + 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla
Guava glaze: 1 cup guava jelly (Mauna Loa brand or similar) + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 2 tbsp water + 1/2 tsp cornstarch
Cake bake: 40 min. Cool: 30 min. Frost + glaze: 20 min. Total: 1 hr 30 min.
Step 1 — Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment. Whisk cake mix, guava concentrate, oil, and eggs until smooth (3 min on medium). Add pink food coloring drops if you want vibrant color. Pour into pan; bake 28-32 min until toothpick clean. Cool completely (30 min, freezer 15 to speed up).
Step 2 — Whip the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese 2 min smooth. In separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Combine: gradually beat powdered sugar and vanilla into cream cheese, then fold whipped cream in 3 additions for fluffy texture. Refrigerate.
Step 3 — Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake — about 3/4 inch thick. Smooth with offset spatula. Refrigerate 15 min while you make the glaze.
Step 4 — Make the Guava Glaze
Heat guava jelly, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over low heat until melted. Whisk cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water; stir in. Simmer 2 min until thickened. Cool 5 min until slightly thick but still pourable.
Step 5 — Pour the Glaze
Slowly pour the guava glaze evenly over the chilled frosting. Tilt the pan gently to spread; the cold frosting helps it set quickly. Don’t disturb after pouring.
Step 6 — Chill and Serve
Refrigerate 30 min for glaze to set firm. Cut into squares (use a hot knife). Garnish with toasted coconut, dried guava, fresh raspberries, edible flowers. Serve cold for best texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490 per slice (12 slices)
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbs: 62 g
Sugar: 46 g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Use sugar-free strawberry cake mix and lower-sugar guava jelly. Sub Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese. Use lower-fat whipped topping. Skip glaze for less sugar. Use fresh guava puree instead of jelly + 2 tsp cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a centerpiece for luau parties, Hawaiian-themed dinners, summer pool parties, baby showers (especially gender reveal pink). Pair with coffee, mai tai cocktails, pineapple juice, or hibiscus tea. Excellent with macadamia nut ice cream alongside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Warm cake when frosting — frosting melts
Hot glaze on cold frosting — glaze breaks
Skipping cornstarch in glaze — runs everywhere
Pre-shredded coconut — anti-caking ruins toast
Overwhipping frosting — gets grainy
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Refrigerate covered up to 5 days — texture improves on day 2. Freezer-friendly: 2 months without glaze; thaw, glaze fresh. Make-ahead: bake cake day before; frost and glaze day-of for best presentation.
Conclusion
Hawaiian guava cake brings Honolulu bakery magic home in 1 hr 30 min — vibrant pink layers, fluffy whipped cream cheese, glossy guava glaze. Master the cool-cake-completely rule and the pour-not-stir glaze technique, and you’ve added a centerpiece dessert. Try it tonight, photograph the pink reveal, comment your favorite tropical pairing, and subscribe for more island-inspired desserts.
FAQs
Where to buy guava jelly? Hawaiian markets, Asian groceries, online (Mauna Loa, Hawaiian Sun, Trader Joe’s seasonal).
Substitute for guava juice concentrate? Strawberry juice + 1 tsp guava extract.
Can I use buttercream? Yes — but whipped cream cheese is lighter and signature.
Make-ahead? Cake 24 hr ahead; assemble day-of.
Gluten-free? GF strawberry cake mix; same method.
Stronger pink color? Add 5-10 drops pink gel food coloring to batter.
