Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the warm breeze of summer dances through my kitchen, I can almost hear the gentle waves lapping at the shores of Hawaii. These Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes will whisk you away to paradise with their vibrant pink hue and enticing tropical flavors. Inspired by the beloved traditional Hawaiian guava cake, this delightful recipe offers a simple preparation that’s perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a family barbecue or a sun-soaked picnic. With the soft, strawberry-infused sponge cake and rich cream cheese frosting topped with glossy guava gel, these cupcakes not only look divine but are also a crowd-pleaser that your guests won’t forget. Who’s ready to bring a little slice of the tropics to the table? Why Are Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes So Special? Tropical Escape: Each bite transports you to sun-kissed beaches, making them perfect for summer gatherings. Easy Preparation: This simple recipe lets anyone whip up gourmet cupcakes without fuss. Vibrant Appearance: Their bright pink color is eye-catching, making them a hit at parties and festive events. Versatile Flavor: Swap ingredients like guava juice for mango or coconut for a unique twist. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With a combination of fluffiness and creamy frosting, these treats are sure to impress everyone. If you’re looking for more tropical inspiration, consider pairing these cupcakes with a refreshing drink or trying other delightful recipes like Zucchini Coffee Cake for your gatherings! Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake Ingredients For the Cupcakes • Strawberry Cake Mix – Provides sweetness and structure; substitute with vanilla for a milder flavor. • Guava Juice – Adds tropical flavor and moisture; can be swapped with passion fruit for a different twist. • Eggs – Essential for binding and moisture; use egg replacer for a vegan option. • Coconut Oil – Adds richness and allows for a dairy-free option; substitute with vegetable oil if preferred. For the Cream Cheese Frosting • Cream Cheese (Softened) – Creates a rich and creamy frosting; opt for vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version. • Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; can be reduced for less sweetness. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; optional but highly recommended for a deeper taste. • Cool Whip (Thawed) – Adds lightness to the frosting; substitute with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. For the Guava Gel Topping • Guava Juice – Provides the fruity base for the gel; essential for that authentic mini Hawaiian guava cake flavor. • Cornstarch – Thickens the guava gel; no substitutions recommended for desired texture. • Water – Used to create the cornstarch slurry, ensuring a smooth gel consistency. • Sugar – Sweetens and enhances the flavor of the gel; adjust according to your taste preferences. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake Step 1: Make the Guava Gel In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of guava juice and 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously. In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Once the juice is boiling, add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and refrigerate until set. Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box of strawberry cake mix, 1 cup of guava juice, 3 eggs, and 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil. Use an electric mixer to blend on low for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth. Fill each cupcake liner about ⅓ full and bake for 19-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool on a wire rack. Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Carefully fold in 1 cup of thawed Cool Whip until fully combined. Place the frosting in the refrigerator to set while the cupcakes cool completely. Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes Once the Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag to frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese mixture. Allow the frosting to set for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully spoon the prepared guava gel on top of the frosted cupcakes, ensuring an even distribution. Refrigerate the assembled cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and firmness. How to Store and Freeze Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake Fridge: Store the mini Hawaiian guava cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps the frosting fresh and prevents them from drying out. Freezer: Freeze the un-frosted cupcakes individually for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, allowing for easy thawing. Reheating: Let frozen cupcakes thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting or serving. For a little warmth, microwave for 10-15 seconds on low. Frosted Storage: If already frosted, the cupcakes can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for best texture and flavor, frost shortly before serving. What to Serve with Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes? Creating the perfect meal is all about pairing flavors that elevate every bite, and these enchanting Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes are no exception. Tropical Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi enhances the tropical vibe, brightening the palate. The refreshing juiciness juxtaposes the sweetness of the cupcakes for a delightful contrast. Coconut Cream Pie: This rich, creamy dessert echoes the coconut oil in the cupcakes, providing a creamy texture that’s simply indulgent. The contrasting textures of pie crust and frosted cupcakes will create a satisfying dessert spread that feels like a celebration. Mango Smoothie: A chilled mango smoothie brings a vibrant flavor and a dash of tropical refreshment. Its creamy base and fruity essence harmonize beautifully with the guava, making it the perfect drink to cool down on a warm day. Pineapple Salsa: Zesty and slightly spicy pineapple salsa adds a fun twist that balances the sweetness of the cupcakes. Serve as a dip for tortilla chips alongside the treats for a unique and tasty appetizer or snack. Tropical Punch: A fruity punch featuring pineapple, guava, and a splash of lime creates a bubbly beverage bursting with flavor. This festive drink pairs wonderfully, enhancing your tropical theme as guests mingle and enjoy. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and toasty, coconut macaroons complement the tropical flavors masterfully. Their dense coconut goodness creates a lovely textural contrast to the light, fluffy cupcakes, ensuring no guest leaves unsatisfied. Expert Tips for Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake Batter Consistency: Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense cupcakes; overmixing can lead to a heavy texture. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for the frosting; this helps achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency. Chill Time: Refrigerate the finished cupcakes for at least 30 minutes after assembling; this melds the flavors and textures beautifully. Presentation Tip: For an extra pop, garnish each cupcake with a slice of fresh guava or a sprinkling of toasted coconut before serving. Taste Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the sugar levels in the frosting or gel; it’s easy to customize sweetness according to your preference. Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake Variations Feel free to personalize these Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes and make them your own with these delightful tweaks! Dairy-Free: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese for a plant-based frosting option. This ensures everyone can enjoy the cupcakes! Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cupcakes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring no one misses out on the fun. Tropical Twist: Swap guava juice for a blend of mango and pineapple juice for a refreshing flavor boost. The tropical medley will transport your taste buds even further! Fruity Fun: Add fresh diced fruit like strawberries or blueberries to the batter for extra texture and a fruity surprise in every bite—imagine the sweetness bursting in your mouth! Zesty Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of lime zest into the frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweetness. It brightens up the taste and adds a refreshing zing. Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent touch, mix chocolate chips into the cake batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that chocolate fans will adore. Catch the Cravings: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the frosting for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s a fun twist that will surprise and delight your guests! For more flavorful adventures in the kitchen, try pairing these cupcakes with a delicious Hawaiian Roll French toast for brunch or whip up a slice of Honey Cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth at dessert time! Make Ahead Options These Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes are a fantastic choice for meal prep and can make your busy days so much easier! You can bake the cupcakes up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature; just remember to freeze the un-frosted cupcakes if you need to keep them longer. The guava gel can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 week to lock in flavor and freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy these tasty treats, simply frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese mixture, top them with the guava gel, and chill for 30 minutes before serving. This way, they will be just as delightful as if you made them fresh today! Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake Recipe FAQs What kind of guava juice should I use? I recommend using 100% guava juice for the best flavor. Look for options without added sugars or preservatives to keep that tropical taste authentic. If guava juice is hard to find, passion fruit or mango juice can work as delightful alternatives! How should I store the Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes? To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the integrity of the cream cheese frosting and prevents the cupcakes from drying out. Can I freeze Mini Hawaiian Guava Cupcakes? Absolutely! For freezing, I suggest placing the un-frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting or serving. How do I know if my cupcakes are baked properly? It’s quite simple! Insert a toothpick into the center of one cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), your cupcakes are good to go! Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dryness. Can I make these cupcakes vegan or gluten-free? Yes, you can! To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with a suitable egg replacer like flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use vegan cream cheese for frosting. For gluten-free options, seek a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. What can I do if the guava gel doesn’t set? If your guava gel is too runny, it likely needs more cornstarch. Reheat the mixture gently, whisking in a bit more cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) until thickened. Give it time to cool and set again in the fridge. Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake: A Taste of Paradise at Home No ratings yet Mini Hawaiian Guava Cake is a delightful dessert that transports you to paradise with tropical flavors and vibrant colors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 22 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 22 minutes mins Servings: 12 cupcakesCourse: DessertCuisine: HawaiianCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cupcakes1 box Strawberry Cake Mix Substitute with vanilla for a milder flavor1 cup Guava Juice Can be swapped with passion fruit3 large Eggs Use egg replacer for a vegan option1/3 cup Coconut Oil Substitute with vegetable oil if preferredFor the Cream Cheese Frosting8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened) Opt for vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version1 cup Sugar Can be reduced for less sweetness1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional but recommended1 cup Cool Whip (Thawed) Substitute with homemade whipped cream for fresher tasteFor the Guava Gel Topping1 cup Guava Juice Essential for authentic flavor1/4 cup Cornstarch No substitutions recommended2 tablespoons Water Used for cornstarch slurry1/4 cup Sugar Adjust according to taste preferences Equipment Medium saucepanCupcake trayElectric Mixerpiping bagMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Hawaiian Guava CakeIn a medium saucepan, combine guava juice and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously.Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add to boiling juice and stir until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Refrigerate until set.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake tray with paper liners. Combine cake mix, guava juice, eggs, and melted coconut oil in a mixing bowl and blend.Fill cupcake liners ⅓ full and bake for 19-22 minutes. Cool on wire rack.For frosting, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, then add sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip and refrigerate.Once cupcakes are cooled, frost generously with cream cheese mixture. Spoon guava gel on top and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is softened for best frosting texture. Customize sweetness in frosting and gel according to preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
