Save Flaky homemade pastry filled with a sweet-tart guava jam and creamy cheese, finished with a glossy glaze. These pop tarts are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat, perfect for any time of day.
Save The combination of tropical guava paste and tangy cream cheese creates a sophisticated flavor profile inside a buttery, flaky crust. Whether enjoyed as a morning indulgence or a sweet afternoon snack, these homemade pastries are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 1/3 cup (80 ml) ice-cold water, 1 large egg (for egg wash).
- Filling: 3/4 cup (200 g) guava paste or thick guava jam, 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pink or red food coloring (optional).
Instructions
- Step 1: Dough Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter. Using a pastry blender or fingers, cut butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough comes together. Divide in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Filling and Shaping
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Cut into 8 rectangles (approx. 3x4 inches). Place 1 teaspoon guava paste and 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture in the center of 4 rectangles, leaving a border. Brush edges with beaten egg. Top with remaining rectangles, pressing edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
- Step 3: Baking
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with egg wash. Prick tops with a fork to vent. Bake 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Step 4: Glazing
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Add food coloring if desired. Drizzle or spread over cooled pop tarts. Let set before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crunch, sprinkle pop tarts with coarse sugar before baking to enhance the texture of the flaky homemade pastry.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute guava paste with strawberry or apricot jam for a different fruit variation that pairs equally well with the creamy cheese filling.
Serviervorschläge
These pastries are best enjoyed once the glaze has fully set. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Save With their vibrant pink glaze and creamy tropical center, these Guava Cheese Pop Tarts are a stunning addition to any breakfast table or dessert platter. Enjoy the process of creating these flaky, handheld treats from scratch!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade pastry?
Yes, refrigerated pie crust dough works perfectly as a time-saving alternative. Roll it out and cut into rectangles following the same instructions. The texture will be slightly less flaky but still delicious.
- → What's the best way to store these pastries?
Keep completely cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 3-4 days. The glaze may soften slightly when refrigerated.
- → Can I freeze guava cheese pop tarts?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked assembled pop tarts on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
- → What can I substitute for guava paste?
Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot preserves work beautifully as alternatives. For a closer flavor profile, try passion fruit or mango jam. The filling will be slightly looser but still tasty.
- → Why do my pastries leak during baking?
Overfilling or inadequate sealing causes leaks. Use only 1 teaspoon of each filling and ensure edges are tightly crimped with a fork. Chilling filled pastries for 10 minutes before baking also helps seal the edges.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Use vegan butter sticks for the pastry and dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling. Replace the egg wash with plant milk mixed with a little maple syrup for golden color.