If you are craving a dessert that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise, look no further than the Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape. This vibrant, luscious cake combines the sweet and tangy notes of guava with the silky richness of cream cheese and the tropical hint of coconut, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Each bite offers a perfect balance of fruity brightness and creamy indulgence that feels like a vacation for your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to delight in something extraordinary, the Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape is your delicious ticket to bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward creating an incredible flavor symphony. Each component plays a crucial role, from the moist strawberry cake mix that forms the base to the creamy, dreamy filling and the glossy guava gel that finishes everything with tropical flair.
- Strawberry Cake Mix: Provides a fruity, tender cake base that pairs beautifully with guava.
- Guava Nectar or Guava Juice: Adds authentic tropical sweetness and moisture to both the cake and glaze.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise perfectly.
- Coconut Oil: Brings a subtle tropical richness and ensures a moist texture.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the creamy filling a smooth texture and tangy flavor contrast.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the cream cheese layer and the guava glaze uniformly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
- Cool Whip: Lightens the cream cheese layer, making it fluffy and airy.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the guava glaze to a perfect consistency.
- Water: Used to make a cornstarch slurry for thickening the glaze.
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes (optional): Adds a delightful crunchy garnish and enhances the tropical vibe.
How to Make Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Mix the strawberry cake mix with guava nectar, eggs, and melted coconut oil. Beat everything on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium-high for two minutes until smooth and velvety. This creates a beautifully moist, aromatic base full of tropical flavors.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 24-26 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean. Once baked, transfer the cake to a cooling rack and allow it to reach room temperature before moving on. This cooling step is crucial for getting the texture just right and preventing your cream cheese layer from melting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth, then gradually add sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in the thawed cool whip gently to keep it light and airy. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the completely cooled cake and pop it in the refrigerator to chill. This dreamy layer is the heart of the Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape, giving it the classic creamy tang with a sweet twist.
Step 4: Prepare the Guava Gel Glaze
In a saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of guava nectar and sugar to a gentle boil. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the boiling guava juice and cook for another minute until thickened into a glossy gel. Cool this glaze completely in the fridge; it will create that stunning shiny finish on your cake.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Once the guava gel is chilled and thick, spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the whole cake until fully set. The layering and cooling process allows the flavors to marry beautifully, making the Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape an indulgence worth the wait.
How to Serve Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste, sprinkle a generous handful of sweetened coconut flakes on top. This adds a subtle crisp texture and enhances the tropical aesthetic, making every slice look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs exceptionally well with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple chunks, sliced mango, or juicy passion fruit. A scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream on the side makes it an even more decadent treat for parties or special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra festive twist, serve slices in individual mini trifle bowls layered with whipped cream and fresh guava chunks. You can also use edible flowers to garnish your serving plates, bringing a beautiful island vibe to your dessert table that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, allowing you to savor every luscious bite.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this tropical delight later, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind the coconut flakes garnish is best added fresh after thawing.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, let it come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors without melting the cream layers.
FAQs
Can I use fresh guava instead of guava nectar in the recipe?
Fresh guava has a thicker, pulpy texture and is less sweet, so it won’t provide the same smooth liquid base as guava nectar. You can try pureeing fresh guava and straining it, but you may need to adjust sweetness and liquid quantity for best results.
What is the purpose of coconut oil in the cake mix?
Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor and richness while keeping the cake moist. It also complements the guava and cream cheese layers without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
Can I substitute cool whip with homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Homemade whipped cream can be used, just make sure it’s stabilized well so the cream cheese layer holds its structure. This swap adds a fresh dairy flavor but might soften the texture slightly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake is the best test. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked—neither too dry nor undercooked.
Is this cake suitable for a tropical-themed party?
Absolutely! The vibrant guava, strawberry, and coconut flavors make the Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape a show-stopping dessert that perfectly fits any tropical or island-inspired gathering.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape is more than just a dessert; it’s a joyful celebration of tropical flavors that can brighten any day. Its harmonious layers of sweet guava, luscious cream, and tender coconut cake create a taste experience you will want to make again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this slice of paradise—you won’t regret the delicious escape!
PrintHawaiian Guava Cream Cake Escape
Experience a taste of paradise with this Decadent Hawaiian Guava Cake, featuring vibrant guava and coconut flavors blended into a moist strawberry guava cake base with a creamy cheesecake layer and topped with a luscious guava gel glaze. This tropical dessert is perfect for any occasion craving a slice of island delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix
- 1 cup Guava Nectar or Guava Juice
- 3 large Eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Coconut Oil, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
For the Guava Gel
- 2 1/2 cups Guava Nectar or Guava Juice
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water (for slurry)
Optional Topping
- 1 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with vegetable spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a mixer, combine the Strawberry Cake Mix, Guava Nectar or Juice, eggs, and melted coconut oil. Start mixing on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then scrape down the sides and beat on medium-high for 2 minutes to ensure a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 24-26 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip, creating a light and creamy frosting. Refrigerate until ready to spread.
- Apply Cream Cheese Layer: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill and set this layer.
- Make Guava Gel: In a saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of Guava Nectar or Juice and sugar to a low boil over medium heat. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water to form a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering guava mixture, stirring continuously.
- Thicken Guava Gel: Continue to cook the mixture, stirring regularly, and allow it to boil for 1 minute until it thickens to a gel-like consistency. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool in the refrigerator.
- Glaze the Cake: When guava gel is cooled, spread it evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer to create a shiny, fruity glaze.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the glazed cake until ready to serve. Just before serving, garnish with sweetened coconut flakes if desired to add a crunchy tropical finish.
Notes
- For optimal texture and results, ensure all ingredients such as eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting.
- This cake can be made ahead and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an even richer taste.
- Use a 13 x 9 inch baking dish to ensure even baking and correct thickness of the cake.
- The cake’s preparation includes baking followed by refrigeration steps, so allow sufficient cooling and chilling times.
- Sweetened coconut flakes can be toasted lightly to enhance flavor and crunch before garnishing.