Guava Pound Cake

For a Cuban inspired dessert, I made a guava pound cake which I served with a homemade strawberry & banana vanilla soy ice cream. This pound cake recipe was recently featured in Ashlee’s blog where she used the recipe for a cake. It’s a recipe from Paula Deen and much to my surprise, it wasn’t as heavy as I expected.

To adapt Paula Deen’s pound cake recipe with a Cuban flair, I substituted 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of guava syrup… and it came out beautifully and moist!

Origin Of Guava Pound Cake

Guava pound cake is a type of cake made with guava fruit and pound cake batter. Pound cake is a traditional cake that originated in Europe in the 18th century. It is typically made with a pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Guava is a tropical fruit that is commonly found in Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.

The exact history of guava pound cake is unclear, but it likely originated in Latin America or the Caribbean, where guava is a common ingredient in traditional desserts. It may have been influenced by European-style pound cakes that were brought to the region by colonizers.

Guava pound cake is culturally significant because it is a popular dessert in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, where guava is a staple fruit. It is often served at special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays, and is a symbol of hospitality and generosity. In some cultures, guava pound cake is also associated with good luck and prosperity.

Guava pound cake is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It is a unique and flavorful twist on a traditional cake. It is a beloved dessert in many parts of the world.

Guava Pound Cake

pound cake recipe adapted from Paula Deen

Guava Pound Cake Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup guava paste, melted
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Guava Pound Cake Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
3. Add the guava paste, sour cream and mix until incorporated.
4. Sift the baking soda and flour together.
5. Add to the creamed mixture alternating with eggs, beating each egg 1 at a time.
6. Add the vanilla and pour the mixture into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
7. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes.

Nutritional Notes On Guava Pound Cake

Guava is a nutritious fruit that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health, as well as fiber, which is important for digestive health. Guava also contains potassium, which is important for heart health, and other nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, and calcium.

However, the nutritional value of guava pound cake will depend on the recipe used and the ingredients added. Some recipes may include additional ingredients such as nuts or seeds, which can provide some nutritional benefits such as healthy fats and protein. However, the high sugar and fat content of the cake itself means that it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips to Make Your Guava Pound Cake Great

Use fresh guava

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe guava. Look for guava that is fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and has a deep pink color.

Choose high-quality ingredients

Use high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and vanilla extract, for the best flavor.

Beat the butter and sugar thoroughly

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is an important step in making pound cake. This helps to create a tender and moist cake.

Sift the dry ingredients

Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together helps to create a lighter and more tender cake.

Fold in the guava puree gently

Fold the guava puree into the cake batter gently, being careful not to overmix. This will help to ensure that the cake is moist and tender.

Don’t overbake

Pound cakes can be tricky to bake, as they can easily become dry and tough. Keep a close eye on the cake while it is baking and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Then, let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Final Thoughts

Guava pound cake is a delicious and unique dessert that more people should try. What sets guava pound cake apart from traditional pound cake is its tropical flavor, which comes from the addition of ripe guava. The flavor of guava is sweet, tangy, and fragrant, making it a perfect addition to a pound cake.

Beyond its delicious taste, guava is also a nutritious fruit that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Guava is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health, as well as fiber, which is important for digestive health. It also contains potassium, which is important for heart health, and other nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, and calcium. By using guava in pound cake, you can add some nutritional value to your dessert without sacrificing flavor.

Another reason to try guava pound cake is its cultural significance in Latin American and Caribbean countries. In these regions, guava pound cake is often served at special occasions such as weddings and birthdays, and it is a symbol of hospitality and generosity. Sharing guava pound cake with others is a way to show your appreciation and warmth towards your guests.