Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos

Flaky, golden pastries filled with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese, these classic Cuban treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Known as pastelitos, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

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These pastelitos bring the bakery experience into your home with minimal effort. Whether you are serving them for a morning treat or a late-night snack, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• Pastry: 1 package (about 400 g) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Filling: 150 g guava paste, cut into thin slices; 100 g cream cheese, softened
• Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles (16 total).

Step 3

Place half the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

On each rectangle, place a thin slice of guava paste and about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, leaving a border around the edges.

Step 5

Brush the edges with a little water. Top each with another rectangle of pastry, pressing the edges to seal.

Step 6

Use a fork to crimp the edges and gently score the tops with a knife for steam to escape.

Step 7

Brush the tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar if using.

Step 8

Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and puffed.

Step 9

Let cool slightly before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the pastry rises correctly, make sure the puff pastry remains cold until it goes into the oven. Using a sharp knife to score the tops is essential for allowing steam to escape, which keeps the pastry from becoming soggy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version of this dessert, you can substitute the standard filling with low-fat cream cheese. If guava paste is difficult to find, quince paste serves as an excellent alternative that provides a similar fruit profile.

Serviervorschläge

These pastelitos are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For the most authentic experience, serve them alongside a cup of strong Cuban coffee, which perfectly complements the sweet and creamy filling.

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With their golden-brown crust and oozing sweet centers, these Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos are a simple yet impressive way to enjoy traditional Cuban flavors at home. Each serving contains approximately 235 calories, making it a perfectly portioned indulgence.

Make crepes, pancakes, tortillas, and omelets evenly with quick heating and precise temperature control.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What is guava paste?

Guava paste is a thick, sweet preserve made from cooked guava fruit and sugar. It has a dense, jelly-like texture and an intense tropical flavor. You can find it in Latin grocery stores, the international aisle of many supermarkets, or online.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastelitos up to 24 hours before baking. Keep them refrigerated on the baking sheet, covered loosely, then brush with egg wash and bake when ready. They're also delicious reheated in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes.

→ What can I use instead of guava paste?

Quince paste (membrillo) makes an excellent substitute with a similar texture and flavor profile. You could also use thick apricot preserves or fig jam, though the taste will differ from the traditional Cuban version.

→ Why do I need to score the pastry tops?

Scoring the tops creates small vents that allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the pastries from puffing up too much or bursting at the seams, and helps them bake evenly with a crisp, flaky texture.

→ How do I store leftover pastelitos?

Store cooled pastelitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days, though the pastry may soften slightly. Reheat in a warm oven to restore crispness.

→ Can I freeze these pastries?

Yes, freeze unbaked pastelitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked pastelitos can also be frozen for up to 1 month.