Guava Coffee Cake

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If you prefer a larger cake, you can use an 8×8-inch square pan.
2. Prepare the guava: If you’re using guava paste, cut it into small cubes to make it easier to swirl into the batter. If you’re using guava preserves, stir them to make sure they’re easy to spread. You want a smooth, spreadable consistency for the best texture in your cake.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a light, airy cake texture.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
4. Swirl in the guava: Gently fold the guava paste or preserves into the cake batter, creating swirls. Be sure not to overmix—it’s best to keep the guava in streaks throughout the batter so that every bite has a sweet burst of tropical flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. Make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the signature crumbly texture of a streusel topping.
2. Top the cake: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount for a crunchy, sweet topping that contrasts perfectly with the moist cake beneath.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the streusel should be slightly caramelized.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Dust with powdered sugar (optional): If you’d like to add a bit of extra sweetness and elegance, dust the cooled cake with a light layer of powdered sugar.
2. Add fresh guava slices (optional): For an extra tropical touch, garnish the cake with thin slices of fresh guava or other fruits like strawberries or peaches.
3. Serve: Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature, perfect for an afternoon tea or as a dessert. The cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the ideal accompaniment to your next gathering.

Tips for Perfect Guava Coffee Cake

1. Use High-Quality Guava Paste or Preserves

The key to a truly flavorful Guava Coffee Cake is the guava itself. Opt for good-quality guava paste or preserves that have a deep, rich flavor. If you prefer a stronger guava taste, go for paste, as it’s more concentrated than preserves.

2. Customize the Streusel Topping

If you’re a fan of nuts, you can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor. Just stir them into the dry ingredients before adding the butter.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When making cakes, it’s important not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the lightest, fluffiest cake.

4. Try Different Fruit

While guava is the star in this recipe, you can also experiment with other fruits like mango, pineapple, or even apricot preserves for a fun variation. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor, but the method remains the same.

5. Check for Doneness

Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If the toothpick comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Why You’ll Love Guava Coffee Cake

1. Tropical Flavor

The addition of guava elevates this coffee cake with its distinct, tropical sweetness. Whether you’re already a fan of guava or trying it for the first time, you’ll appreciate how the fruit complements the soft, buttery cake.

2. Perfect Texture

The cake is light and tender, thanks to the butter and the careful mixing process. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, creating the perfect balance of textures in every bite.

3. Versatile for Any Occasion

Guava Coffee Cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at dessert time. It’s perfect for a family brunch or as a centerpiece for your next coffee gathering.

4. Simple to Make

With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward method, this cake is perfect for bakers of all levels. The guava adds an exotic twist without requiring any advanced baking techniques, making it accessible and fun to prepare.

Conclusion

Guava Coffee Cake is a deliciously moist, fruity twist on a classic coffee cake recipe. With its sweet guava filling, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, and soft, tender cake, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, adaptable to different fruit fillings, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with a warm cup of coffee.

So, why not give this tropical-inspired treat a try? Guava Coffee Cake brings a taste of the tropics to your table, with just the right amount of sweetness, crunch, and flavor. Enjoy!