Coconut and Guava Tres Leches Cake
A moist sponge cake soaked in a tropical blend of coconut milk and condensed milk, topped with guava glaze for a luscious Latin-inspired dessert. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, large, separated eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 4 large, separated eggs
- 1 cup, divided granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup guava paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 4 large egg yolks with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Gently fold the flour mixture into the yolk mixture until just combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat 4 large egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually adding the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Step 5: Fold the egg whites carefully into the batter in three additions, preserving as much air as possible.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: While the cake bakes, combine 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup coconut milk, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl.
- Step 8: Remove cake from oven and let cool 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake with a fork and slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Step 9: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup guava paste with 1/4 cup water over low heat until smooth and pourable. Let cool slightly.
- Step 10: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over the soaked cake and drizzle guava glaze on top before serving chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut and Guava Tres Leches Cake take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Coconut and Guava Tres Leches Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut and Guava Tres Leches Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Coconut and Guava Tres Leches Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Coconut and Guava Tres Leches Cake?
Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
