Save Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos are a cornerstone of Cuban bakeries, loved for their irresistible combination of tropical sweetness and rich, tangy creaminess. These golden-brown pastries offer a perfect texture contrast, with layers of buttery puff pastry that shatter delightfully with every bite, revealing a vibrant heart of guava and cheese.
Save Making these pastelitos at home allows you to enjoy them at their absolute best—warm and fresh from the oven. Whether you are hosting a brunch or simply craving a sweet escape, these treats bring an authentic taste of Havana right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
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)
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 your pastelitos rise beautifully, keep the puff pastry as cold as possible until you are ready to assemble. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges, and always remember to check the packaging for potential allergens like gluten, dairy, or egg before you begin.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of this recipe, feel free to substitute the standard cream cheese with a low-fat variety. If guava paste is unavailable at your local store, quince paste serves as a wonderful alternative that provides a similar fruity sweetness.
Serviervorschläge
These pastelitos are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For the most traditional experience, serve them alongside a steaming cup of strong Cuban coffee to balance the sweetness of the guava.
Save With their golden crust and luscious filling, these Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you master this simple recipe, it will surely become a recurring favorite for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What are pastelitos?
Pastelitos are traditional Cuban pastries made with puff pastry and various fillings. The most popular version combines guava paste with cream cheese, creating a sweet and creamy filling wrapped in flaky, golden pastry layers.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What can I use instead of guava paste?
Quince paste (membrillo) makes an excellent substitute with similar texture and tartness. You could also use fig paste, apricot preserves, or mango paste. Each will give a slightly different flavor while maintaining the traditional sweet-tart profile.
- → Why do I need to score the pastry tops?
Scoring the pastry creates small vents that allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the pastries from puffing up too much and helps maintain their shape while ensuring the pastry cooks through evenly.
- → How do I store leftover pastelitos?
Store cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To recrisp, warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5-10 minutes.
- → Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry is convenient and excellent, homemade puff pastry will yield exceptional results. Just ensure it's well-chilled before rolling and cutting to maintain those essential flaky layers.