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I remember when I first tried guava. It was at a little street market during a family vacation in Miami. The vibrant pink fruit, with its unique sweet-tart taste, immediately captured my heart. Ever since, I've been finding ways to incorporate it into my baking. What does this mean for you? It means you're about to discover a cake that's far from ordinary; it's an experience, a journey to a tropical paradise with every bite! I promise, that first bite will make it all worth it. My goal with this cake was to create a centerpiece that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, and I truly think I've cracked the code with this one!
Birthdays are always a big deal in my family, and honestly, who doesn't love birthdays?. We don't just do a simple cake; we go all out! One year, my little cousin asked for a rainbow-unicorn-glitter explosion (yes, all of that!). While that was… interesting… this Guava Cream Cheese Birthday Cake has become our go-to for a sophisticated, yet equally festive, treat. The guava adds a touch of the unexpected, and the cream cheese frosting is just… divine. Seriously, you'll want to eat it straight from the bowl. What really sets this recipe apart is the freshness of the guava. Using fresh guava puree will make the difference between a good cake and a truly exceptional one. Try it and you will know!
This Guava Cream Cheese Birthday Cake is a tropical twist on a classic celebration dessert. The creamy, tangy filling and moist cake layers, infused with sweet guava flavor, make it unforgettable.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:12 servings
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Trust me; you don't want the cake to stick!
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for the best results.
Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of guava puree (made from fresh guavas if possible!) with a few drops of pink food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue). Fold this gently into the cake batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep and eye on it after 25 minutes!
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened, and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened, until smooth.
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of guava jam (or more puree, if you prefer a stronger guava flavor).
To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers.
Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Decorate with fresh guava slices or edible flowers, if desired. I love to add a few extra dollops of guava jam on top for a beautiful presentation.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together. Its also a good idea to let it sit out for a little before diving in. Dont you think?
📝 Notes
For a more intense guava flavor, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped guava to the cake batter.
If you don't have guava jam, you can use more guava puree in the frosting.
Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.