Guava is having a a much deserved moment and these guava and cream cheese pastries are a classic flavor combo.
Pastelitos de guayaba y queso, as they are known in many Latin countries including Cuba, Puerto Rico and Colombia, are a sweet and savory treat made with guava paste, cream cheese or melty cheesy (in Colombia) and encased in puff pastry.
If you love Latin cuisine, try my empanadas.
Why you will love these
If you have tried any Cuban bakery like Porto's in LA or La Carreta in Miami, you probably have seen these pastelitos. They are a staple in Cuban cuisine.
They are sweet and savory and the puff pastry is the perfect vehicle to hold the creamy filling.
These are perfect appetizers or mid afternoon pick-me-up treats. Add a cup of coffee and you will have the perfect snack.
Ingredients
- Guava: You can find guava spread at Trader Joe's right now. It is a seasonal item and it is absolutely the best! It is organic, perfectly sweeten and the consistency is just-right for these pastries. You can also find guava paste online or in a well-stocked grocery store.
- Cream cheese: Use cream cheese for a classic Cuban-style pastry or use a melty cheese such as mozzarella for a Colombian-style guava and cheese pastelito.
- Puff pastry: This layered butter pastry gives you that golden, crackly bite with a tender inside that holds the creamy sweet and savory filling.
- Coarse sugar: I like to add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top but it is optional.
Step by step instructions
Here is an overview of the recipe. Quantities and further details are in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Thaw the puff pastry on the countertop per package instructions.
Bring the cream cheese to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Cut it into pieces for faster temperature drop.
Preheat the oven and start assembling the pastries.
Cut the puff pastry sheet into 9 pieces. Add a square of cream cheese and top with a dollop of guava. Sprinkle coarse sugar.
Bake the pastries until golden brown. Allow them to cool down and dig in.
Serving Suggestions and Swaps
Like I mentioned before these guava pastelitos are a cup of coffee's best friend. I love a good espresso or americano to enjoy these treats.
You can swap the cream cheese for a melty cheese like mozzarella or some brie if you'd like a bit of nutty flavor added into the mix.
Storage and reheating
You can store these pastries in an air tight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
The best way to reheat these is the air fryer or the oven. If using the air fryer, reheat at 250°F for 6 minutes. In the oven, set at the lowest temperature and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes.
These pastries freeze well if stored in a vacuum sealed bag.
If you make these recipe I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries
Ingredients
- 1 puff pastry sheet 245 grams, thawed per package instructions
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into 9 squares
- ¼ cup guava spread or 9 squares of guava paste
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar Optional garnish
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat at 350°F.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal-size squares.1 puff pastry sheet
- Slice the cream cheese into 5 equal size pieces and then cut each one in half.4 ounces cream cheese
- Place a square of cream cheese on top of a square of puff pastry and add a dollop of the guava spread (about ½ tablespoon).¼ cup guava spread
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry towers the center, pinching the sides as best as you can to enclose the filling.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar if desired.1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Bake the pastries on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove to a cooling rack or plate, let cool down for 5-8 minutes and enjoy.
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