Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos (Printable Version)

Golden flaky pastries filled with sweet guava paste and cream cheese, perfect for Cuban breakfast or dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pastry

01 - 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed (approximately 14 oz)

→ Filling

02 - 5.3 oz guava paste, cut into thin slices
03 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Topping

04 - 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles, yielding 16 total pieces.
03 - Place 8 pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - On each rectangle, layer a thin slice of guava paste and approximately 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese, leaving a clear border around all edges.
05 - Brush the borders with water. Top each filled rectangle with a second pastry rectangle and press edges firmly to seal.
06 - Use a fork to crimp the sealed edges. Gently score the tops with a knife to allow steam escape during baking.
07 - Brush the tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
09 - Allow pastelitos to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet guava and tangy cream cheese.
  • Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought puff pastry for a 35-minute total turnaround.
  • Versatile: Ideal as a vegetarian-friendly breakfast, snack, or dessert.
02 -
  • Seal the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the guava paste from leaking during the baking process.
  • Check your puff pastry packaging to confirm it is dairy-free if you are catering to specific dietary needs beyond vegetarianism.
  • A light sprinkle of sugar on the egg wash adds a delightful crunch to the finished pastry.
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