Save Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos are a classic Cuban delicacy, offering a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. These flaky, golden-brown pastries are generously filled with the tropical sweetness of guava paste and the rich, velvety smoothness of cream cheese, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a delightful dessert.
Save These pastelitos bring the warmth of a Havana bakery right into your kitchen. By using pre-made puff pastry, you can enjoy these sophisticated sweets without the hours of labor usually required for such delicate pastries. The combination of sweet fruit and savory cheese is a time-honored tradition that never fails to impress.
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
For those looking for a lighter version of this treat, you can easily substitute the standard cream cheese with a low-fat variety without compromising the delightful flavor profile.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you cannot find guava paste at your local store, quince paste serves as a wonderful alternative, providing a similarly sweet and dense fruit filling that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Serviervorschläge
These pastries are versatile and can be served either warm or at room temperature. For an authentic experience, enjoy your pastelitos alongside a steaming cup of strong Cuban coffee.
Save With their golden hue and irresistible aroma, these Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos are sure to become a favorite in your household. Simple to prepare but elegant to serve, they are the perfect way to bring a little bit of tropical sunshine to your table.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What are pastelitos?
Pastelitos are traditional Cuban pastries made with puff pastry and various sweet or savory fillings. The most popular version combines guava paste with cream cheese, creating a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors wrapped in flaky, golden pastry layers.
- → Can I use homemade puff pastry?
While store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time, you can certainly use homemade puff pastry dough. Just ensure it's rolled to about 1/8-inch thickness for the best texture and baking results.
- → How do I store pastelitos?
Store cooled pastelitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness.
- → Why did my filling leak out?
Filling leakage usually occurs due to improper sealing. Ensure you brush the pastry edges with water before topping with the second rectangle, press firmly to seal, and crimp edges thoroughly with a fork. Also avoid overfilling—stick to about 1 tablespoon each.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pastelitos completely, then refrigerate on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking cold. You can also freeze assembled unbaked pastelitos and bake directly from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to baking time.
- → What can I substitute for guava paste?
Quince paste (membrillo) is the closest alternative, offering similar texture and sweetness. You can also use fig paste, thick apricot preserves, or dulce de leche for different flavor profiles while maintaining the traditional pastelito experience.