Aloha and welcome to Family Cuisine! Today, we’re diving into the tropical flavors of Hawaii with a recipe that’s sure to transport you to a beachside luau: Hawaiian Guava Cake. This delightful treat is a beautiful marriage of fluffy vanilla cake and sweet, tangy guava filling, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll have your taste buds singing.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So grab your aprons, put on some Hawaiian music, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Guava Filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) can guava puree (or homemade, if you prefer!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Baking Tools We’ll Use:
- Two 9-inch round baking pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection:
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. For extra insurance against sticking, line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Creating the Tropical Guava Filling:
- While the oven preheats, prepare the guava filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the guava puree, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Baking and Assembling the Cake:
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
- Pour the guava filling over the cake batter in one of the pans, spreading it evenly. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Like a Pro:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room-temperature eggs ensures that your ingredients blend seamlessly for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Guava Variations: Get creative with the guava filling! Use homemade guava jam or add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents the filling from oozing out when you slice it.
Slice of Hawaiian Guava Cake
FAQs About Hawaiian Guava Cake:
Q: Can I use fresh guava fruit for the filling?
A: Absolutely! Fresh guava will make your cake even more flavorful. Simply cook down diced guava with sugar and a little water until it forms a thick puree. Strain the puree before using it in the recipe to remove any seeds.
Q: What can I substitute for buttermilk?
A: No buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Presenting Your Tropical Masterpiece:
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little milk or guava juice. For a truly Hawaiian presentation, decorate the cake with fresh slices of guava, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Hawaiian Guava Cake
A Taste of Paradise at Home:
Baking this Hawaiian Guava Cake is like bringing a taste of the islands straight to your kitchen. It’s a delightful treat for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your baking experience and photos with us in the comments below!
Happy baking!
