Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos (Printable)

Flaky puff pastry filled with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese, these golden Cuban treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Pastry

01 - 1 package (14 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed

→ Filling

02 - 5.3 oz guava paste, cut into thin slices
03 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Topping

04 - 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional for sprinkling

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles for a total of 16 pieces.
03 - Place 8 pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - On each rectangle, layer a thin slice of guava paste and approximately 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese, leaving a clear border around all edges.
05 - Brush edges with water. Top each filled rectangle with remaining pastry pieces and press firmly to seal edges completely.
06 - Use a fork to crimp all edges for a decorative finish. Gently score the tops with a knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
07 - Brush beaten egg over all pastry tops. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
09 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and a total time of 35 minutes, these are incredibly simple to whip up.
  • Classic Cuban Flavor: Authentic combination of sweet guava and tangy cream cheese.
  • Perfect Texture: The puff pastry provides a light, shatteringly crisp exterior.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: A sweet treat that fits a vegetarian diet.
02 -
  • Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it is easy to portion.
  • Don't forget to brush the edges with water; this acts as a glue to keep the filling contained.
  • Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to create that signature decorative border and a tight seal.
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