If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the flavors of a tropical Hawaiian bakery into your own kitchen, this Soft Pink Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect recipe. Light, fluffy, fruity, and beautifully pink, this iconic dessert is inspired by the famous guava cakes found throughout Hawaii. The sweet floral notes of guava combined with a rich cream cheese frosting create a cake that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, baby showers, Valentine’s celebrations, or simply when you’re craving something unique, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its vibrant pink color and tropical flavor make it stand out from traditional vanilla or chocolate cakes while remaining easy enough for home bakers to master.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Guava Cake
Soft and moist texture
Beautiful natural pink color
Tropical guava flavor
Rich cream cheese frosting
Great make-ahead dessert
Perfect for parties and celebrations
Easy to customize with fresh fruit
This cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, making every bite feel like a mini tropical vacation.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 10–12 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup guava nectar
½ cup whole milk
Pink food coloring (optional)
For the Guava Filling
1½ cups guava nectar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup sugar
A few drops pink food coloring (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Decorations
Fresh strawberries
Pink sprinkles
Edible flowers
Toasted coconut flakes
Fresh guava slices
What Makes Hawaiian Guava Cake Special?
Unlike traditional fruit cakes, Hawaiian guava cake uses guava nectar throughout the recipe. Guava has a distinctive tropical flavor that combines notes of strawberry, pear, and passion fruit.
The cake itself remains incredibly light thanks to the moisture provided by the nectar. Between the layers sits a silky guava filling that intensifies the fruit flavor, while cream cheese frosting adds richness and balance.
The result is a bakery-style dessert that feels elegant, colorful, and unforgettable.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Proper preparation prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl combine:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Whisk thoroughly.
This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl beat the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add sugar.
Continue beating for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
This step introduces air into the batter, creating a lighter cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
The batter should appear smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Guava Nectar
In a measuring cup combine:
Guava nectar
Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the guava mixture.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix gently until just combined.
If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to enhance the signature Hawaiian bakery appearance.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and tender.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Smooth the tops using a spatula.
Bake for 28–32 minutes.
The cakes are done when:
The tops spring back lightly
A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in their pans.
Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Guava Filling
While the cakes cool, prepare the filling.
In a saucepan whisk together:
Guava nectar
Sugar
Cornstarch
Cook over medium heat.
Continue stirring constantly.
After several minutes the mixture will begin to thicken.
Cook until it reaches a smooth pudding-like consistency.
Remove from heat.
Add food coloring if desired.
Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the cake.
The filling will continue thickening as it cools.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl beat together:
Cream cheese
Butter
Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Add vanilla extract and heavy cream.
Continue beating until silky and spreadable.
The frosting should hold its shape while remaining easy to spread.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread half of the guava filling evenly across the surface.
Add the second cake layer.
Spread the remaining guava filling on top.
For a traditional Hawaiian bakery style, leave some filling visible on top.
Alternatively, frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
Smooth the sides and top using an offset spatula.
Decorating Your Guava Cake
This cake is naturally stunning, but decorative touches make it even more impressive.
Consider adding:
Fresh strawberries
Guava slices
Toasted coconut
Edible flowers
Pink sugar pearls
These garnishes enhance both appearance and flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
Use Real Guava Nectar
Authentic guava nectar delivers the best flavor.
Avoid guava-flavored drinks with artificial sweeteners.
The richer the nectar, the better the finished cake.
Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature
Room-temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese blend more smoothly.
This helps create a finer crumb and silkier frosting.
Don’t Overbake
Guava cake is at its best when moist.
Remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Chill Before Slicing
Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes.
This helps the filling set and produces cleaner slices.
Flavor Variations
Coconut Guava Cake
Add:
½ cup shredded coconut
Coconut extract
The tropical flavors pair beautifully.
Guava Strawberry Cake
Layer sliced strawberries between the cake layers.
This complements the guava wonderfully.
Guava Cheesecake Cake
Add a thin cheesecake layer between the cake layers for extra richness.
Passion Fruit Guava Cake
Replace part of the guava nectar with passion fruit juice.
This creates a more complex tropical flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended.
Freezer
Freeze individual slices or the entire cake for up to 2 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)
Calories: 470
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Sugar: 46g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Serving Suggestions
This tropical cake pairs wonderfully with:
Fresh fruit salad
Coconut ice cream
Iced coffee
Hawaiian-style tea
Mango smoothies
Passion fruit lemonade
Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Pink Hawaiian Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of tropical flavors and beautiful presentation. The fluffy guava-infused cake layers, luscious fruit filling, and rich cream cheese frosting come together to create a bakery-worthy masterpiece that tastes as stunning as it looks.
Whether you’re sharing it at a summer party, serving it at a birthday celebration, or simply enjoying a slice with afternoon coffee, this Hawaiian-inspired cake brings sunshine and sweetness to every occasion. One bite reveals why guava cake has become a beloved island classic: it’s soft, fruity, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable. 💕🍰🌺🏝️
