Bringing Back Guava Cake in San Jose

Pink, fluffy, and sweet — but not too sweet — guava cake is the stuff dreams are made of. This cake has long been part of many celebrations for families in the South Bay, and its popularity is spreading.

At a recent farmers market in San Jose’s Japantown, Jay and Gail Schwartz are giddy with anticipation after picking up two mini guava cakes from Sue’s Bites and Delights. They’ve made the drive over the hill from Santa Cruz to get the cakes for their anniversary, because the confections remind them of their original wedding cake, from Aki’s Bakery in San Jose.

“It was for important or special occasions,” says Gail, a longtime Santa Cruz resident. “We’ve been coming here for decades, and it’s always been so good. I’ve never had a cake like Aki’s. They’re very light, and the frosting was great. The filling was incredible.”

If the cake tastes familiar, maybe it’s in the DNA. Sue’s Bites and Delights owner Darryl Tom is the grandson of Aki and Suyeko “Sue” Toyoshima, original owners of Aki’s Bakery in San Jose.

Read the full article at the San Jose Mercury News