Guava Pastelitos
Oh my goodness, if you’ve never had Guava Pastelitos, you’re in for an absolute treat! These sweet, flaky pastries filled with luscious guava paste are like little bites of heaven. The combination of the buttery, golden puff pastry and the sweet, tropical guava filling is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to impress guests, these pastelitos will always steal the show. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for another one before you even realize it.
Why You’ll Love Guava Pastelitos
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something that transports you straight to paradise with every bite. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They’re sweet enough to satisfy a sugar craving but not overwhelmingly rich.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make something that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Quick and Easy: Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, these pastelitos come together in no time—no need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Love guava but want to try other fillings? You can easily swap in cream cheese, pineapple, or even dulce de leche for a twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: They look as good as they taste! You’ll have everyone coming back for more with these bite-sized wonders.
Ingredients in Guava Pastelitos
These sweet treats come together with just a handful of ingredients. Let’s break it down:
Puff Pastry: The crispy, buttery base that gives these pastelitos their golden, flaky perfection. Don’t worry—you don’t have to make the pastry from scratch!
Guava Paste: The sweet, tropical filling that makes these pastelitos so special. Guava paste is thick, rich, and packed with fruity goodness.
Sugar: A light sprinkle of sugar on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness and a little crunch when baked.
Egg Wash: This helps give the pastry that golden, shiny finish that makes them look extra irresistible.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious pastelitos:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and gives your pastelitos that perfect crispiness.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. You want them thin enough to fold but still sturdy enough to hold the guava filling.
Assemble the Pastelitos: Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. Place a small piece of guava paste in the center of each pastry square.
Seal the Edges: Fold the pastry over the guava paste, pressing the edges to seal. You can create a triangle, rectangle, or square shape—whatever your heart desires!
Egg Wash: Brush each pastelito with a beaten egg wash to give it that gorgeous golden color when it bakes.
Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled pastelitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
Finishing Touches: Let the pastelitos cool slightly before enjoying them. The guava filling will be warm and sweet, so give it a moment to settle before you dive in.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and watch them disappear! Whether it’s with a cup of coffee or on their own, they’re the perfect treat.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 210
(Note: approximate values)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
How to Serve Guava Pastelitos
These pastelitos are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to make your treat even better:
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for the perfect breakfast combo
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the sweetness
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra indulgent touch
- For a dessert twist, drizzle with chocolate sauce or whipped cream
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you don’t have guava paste, you can substitute with other fruit pastes, such as mango or fig.
- Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it to ensure it puffs up beautifully when baked.
- For an extra crispy finish, consider pricking a few holes in the pastry before baking.
- You can freeze the unbaked pastelitos for up to a month—just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
- If you want a creamier filling, mix the guava paste with a bit of cream cheese before filling the pastries.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, but store-bought puff pastry saves you a ton of time and still gives a delicious, flaky result.
2. Where can I find guava paste?
You can usually find it at Latin grocery stores or online. It’s worth the search!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just don’t forget to brush with the egg wash right before baking.
4. Can I use other fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! You can swap guava paste for cream cheese, mango, or even apricot jam.
5. How can I store leftover pastelitos?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.
6. Can I make these into a larger pastry?
Sure! You can turn them into a larger, family-size pastry by rolling out the puff pastry and folding it over the filling, then baking as usual.
7. How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown and puffed up. If they’re still soft and pale, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! There are gluten-free puff pastry options available at most health food stores.
9. How do I avoid the guava paste oozing out?
Seal the edges tightly and avoid overstuffing the pastries with filling. This will help prevent leakage.
10. Can I add spices to the filling?
Totally! A little cinnamon or vanilla can add depth and warmth to the guava filling.
Conclusion
These Guava Pastelitos are the perfect mix of flaky, buttery goodness and sweet, tropical guava flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’re sure to be a hit. Serve them up, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of biting into a homemade pastry that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy every bite!
PrintGuava Pastelitos
Guava Pastelitos are a beloved Cuban pastry featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 8 pastries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 package (1 lb) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
– 8 oz guava paste
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares. Repeat with the second sheet, giving you 8 squares total.
3. Slice the guava paste and cream cheese into 1 oz pieces (about ¼-inch thick).
4. Place one slice of cream cheese and one slice of guava paste diagonally across the center of each puff pastry square.
5. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
6. Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry.
7. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
– For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling.
– If guava paste is unavailable, guava jam can be used as a substitute.
– These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
