If you love tropical flavors, this Guava Coffee Cake is your new favorite brunch treat. Made with buttery cake layers, rich cream cheese, tangy guava marmalade, and a crunchy streusel topping, it’s a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert, this recipe captures the sunny flavors of the tropics in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Guava Coffee Cake
- Tropical Flavor Fusion: The guava and cream cheese create a sweet-tangy combo that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunches, holidays, or casual mornings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake stays moist and flavorful for days.
- Family-Friendly: No alcohol or pork—just pure tropical sweetness.
- Beautiful Presentation: A glossy glaze and golden streusel make it bakery-worthy.
Ingredients for Guava Coffee Cake
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup guava marmalade or paste, slightly warmed
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Guava Marmalade: If you can’t find guava, use strawberry jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot jelly for a similar texture and sweetness.
- Buttermilk Substitute: Combine ¾ cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Cream Cheese: Regular or light both work fine.
- Butter: Use real unsalted butter for the best flavor—avoid margarine if possible.
- Flour: If you want a slightly lighter cake, replace ¼ cup with cornstarch for a softer crumb.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2 – Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overbeat.
Step 3 – Layer the Cake
Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan.
Spoon guava marmalade evenly over the top, then gently spread the remaining batter over it.
Step 4 – Add the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugars, salt, vanilla, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over the cake batter.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze.
Step 6 – Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Step 7 – Slice and Enjoy
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Each bite delivers buttery crumbs, fruity sweetness, and a creamy finish.
Pro Tips for Success
- Soften ingredients before mixing for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour—this keeps the cake tender.
- Warm the guava jam slightly for easier spreading.
- Cool completely before glazing to avoid melting.
- Store covered to keep the cake moist for up to 4 days.
- Double the glaze for extra creaminess if you love frosting!
Flavor Variations
- Coconut Guava Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
- Cinnamon Swirl Version: Mix 1 tsp cinnamon into the streusel for warmth.
- Guava Cream Cheese Swirl: Add extra cream cheese dollops before baking.
- Guava Mango Fusion: Spread mango puree with guava for a tropical twist.
- Mini Bundt Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- A cup of coffee or café con leche
- Fresh tropical fruit like pineapple or mango
- Whipped cream for dessert-style presentation
- Or simply dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist look
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store covered up to 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
FAQ About Guava Coffee Cake
What makes guava coffee cake different from regular coffee cake?
Guava coffee cake adds a tropical fruit flavor that’s sweet and tangy, unlike the usual cinnamon-only versions. The guava pairs perfectly with cream cheese and buttery crumb topping.
Can I use guava paste instead of marmalade?
Yes! Warm and thin it slightly with water or lemon juice before spreading so it’s easier to layer in the cake.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients (like cornstarch and baking powder) are gluten-free certified.
Is this coffee cake actually made with coffee?
No, “coffee cake” simply refers to a sweet cake traditionally served with coffee, not made from it.
How do I keep my streusel topping crunchy?
Let the cake cool completely before covering or glazing, and avoid refrigerating unless necessary (the fridge softens streusel).
Final Thoughts
This Guava Coffee Cake is a delicious way to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen. With its buttery base, creamy glaze, and sweet guava filling, it’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or weekend brunch. Every slice feels like a little getaway to the Caribbean—no passport required!
Print
Guava Coffee Cake: Easy Tropical Brunch Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and buttery Guava Coffee Cake with cream cheese glaze and tropical flavor, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Butter, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Baking Powder, Cornstarch, Salt, Buttermilk, Guava Marmalade, Streusel Topping, Glaze
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prep pan.
2. Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
4. Spread half batter, layer guava, add remaining batter.
5. Top with streusel.
6. Bake 40–50 mins. Cool and glaze.
Notes
Use strawberry or apricot jam instead of guava. Substitute buttermilk with milk and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
