Easy Homemade Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso: Your Guide to Perfect Cuban Guava and Cheese Pastries

There are some culinary delights that transcend mere preference and become a deep-seated obsession. For me, Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso, or Guava and Cheese Pastries, are precisely that. My love for these exquisite Cuban treats dates back to my earliest memories, a sweet nostalgia woven into the fabric of family traditions. Growing up, these flaky, sweet-and-savory pastries were a staple, always procured from our favorite local Cuban bakery. The idea of making them at home felt daunting, a task reserved for seasoned bakers, especially with the intricate puff pastry.

However, I’m here to let you in on a secret: achieving bakery-quality pastelitos in your own kitchen is far simpler than you might imagine, thanks to a convenient shortcut – store-bought puff pastry. Trust me, the results are indistinguishable from those cherished bakery versions. If you’ve ever spent a summer in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, and haven’t had the pleasure of tasting these little darlings, you’ve been missing out! They are a quintessential part of the South Florida experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend seeking one out on your next visit. While fantastic at any temperature, I find them absolutely heavenly served warm, ideally alongside a rich, robust cup of coffee. They strike the perfect balance between a sweet breakfast treat and a delightful after-dinner dessert.

The Irresistible Charm of Cuban Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso

These Cuban pastries are more than just a sweet treat; they are a cultural icon. The name “pastelito” simply means “little pastry,” and they are beloved for their delicate, flaky exterior and their wonderfully rich, contrasting fillings. The combination of sweet, tropical guava paste and tangy, creamy cream cheese creates a flavor profile that is truly unique and addictive. Encased in golden, buttery puff pastry, each bite offers a delightful texture and taste experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a baking novice, this recipe is designed to help you recreate the authentic flavors of Cuba right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Why Choose This Easy Recipe?

Simplicity: Using store-bought puff pastry drastically cuts down on prep time and complexity, making this a beginner-friendly recipe.
Authentic Taste: Despite the shortcut, these pastelitos taste just like those from traditional Cuban bakeries.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast with coffee, a midday snack, or a delightful dessert after any meal.
Impressive Results: The beautiful golden-brown pastries will impress family and friends, making them think you spent hours in the kitchen!

pastelitos de guayaba y queso on a white plate.

5 from 2 votes

Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso (Guava & Cheese Pastries)

By

Julie Maestre

These Cuban pastries are filled with guava and cheese. They’re great with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after a meal.

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

25 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:

8
servings

Save Recipe
Saved Recipe

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢

1
package puff pastry
▢

8
ounces
guava paste
▢

8
ounces
cream cheese

Simple Syrup

▢

1/4
cup
sugar
▢

1/4
cup
water

Egg Wash

▢

1
egg
▢

1
tbsp
water

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Thaw the puff pastry according to packaging instructions. This typically involves letting it sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
For the simple syrup, add the water and sugar to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
Remove the water and sugar mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. This step can be done in advance.
Lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold each sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out with a rolling pin to make it about an inch larger on all sides. This helps to create more room for the filling and ensures consistent thickness.
Cut each pastry sheet into 4 equal squares. In the center of each square, place a thin slice of guava paste and a slice of cream cheese. Ensure the fillings are centered to allow for proper sealing.
Prepare the egg wash by whisking one egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash. Fold the pastry in half diagonally to form a triangle and gently press the edges together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
Arrange the prepared triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish. Make a small slit in the center of each pastry with a sharp knife; this allows steam to escape, preventing them from puffing up too much and bursting.
Bake the triangles in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Once baked, remove from the oven. While still warm, generously brush the tops of the pastelitos with the cooled simple syrup. This adds a beautiful sheen and an extra touch of sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Tips for Perfect Pastelitos Every Time

Making these guava and cheese pastries is quite straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure the best results:

Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Don’t rush the thawing process. If it’s too cold, it will crack when you unfold it. If it’s too warm, it will become sticky and difficult to handle. Follow package instructions closely for best results, usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
Don’t Over-Handle the Dough: Puff pastry relies on layers of butter and dough to create its flaky texture. Over-handling it can warm the butter and prevent it from puffing up correctly. Work quickly and efficiently.
Even Filling Distribution: Ensure your slices of guava paste and cream cheese are roughly the same size and centered on the pastry squares. This helps prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
Secure Sealing: After brushing with egg wash and folding, press the edges firmly. Using a fork to crimp them adds an extra layer of security and a professional look.
The Slit is Crucial: The small slit on top isn’t just for aesthetics; it allows steam to escape, preventing the pastries from over-inflating and potentially tearing during baking.
Simple Syrup Application: Brushing the warm pastries with simple syrup right out of the oven gives them a beautiful shine and an additional layer of sweetness that truly makes them irresistible.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic guava and cheese combination is legendary, you can experiment with other fillings to suit your taste:

Just Guava: For a purely sweet treat, omit the cream cheese and use only guava paste.
Cream Cheese Only: If you prefer a less sweet pastry, fill them solely with cream cheese.
Other Fruit Preserves: Try using other fruit preserves like mango, pineapple, or even apple for a different fruity twist.
Savory Options: For a savory take, consider fillings like seasoned ground beef (picadillo), ham and cheese, or even spinach and feta.

Serving Suggestions

Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent addition to:

Breakfast or Brunch: A perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea.
Dessert: A light yet satisfying end to any meal.
Snack: A delightful pick-me-up any time of day.
Parties and Gatherings: They are always a crowd-pleaser and easy to serve.

Storage and Reheating

These pastries are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Course:
Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine:
Cuban

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:
317

Keyword:
Guava and Cheese Pastries, Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso

What is guava paste?: Guava paste (pasta de guayaba) is a very thick, sweet, and tangy fruit preserve made from guava fruit. It’s solid enough to slice and is a popular ingredient in Latin American desserts. You can typically find it in the international aisle of most supermarkets or at Latin American grocery stores.
Can I make puff pastry from scratch?: Absolutely! While this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience and speed, you can certainly make it from scratch if you prefer. Be aware that homemade puff pastry is a time-consuming process involving many folds and chilling steps, but the result is incredibly rich and flaky.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?: To minimize leaking, ensure your guava paste and cream cheese slices are not too thick and are placed squarely in the center of the pastry. When sealing the edges, press them firmly together, and consider using a fork to crimp them securely. The egg wash on the edges also acts as a “glue.”
Can I prepare these in advance?: You can prepare the pastelitos up to the point of baking. Assemble them, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and proceed with baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What’s the best way to get a golden-brown finish?: The egg wash (egg mixed with water) brushed generously over the top of the pastries before baking is key to achieving that beautiful golden-brown, shiny crust. Don’t skip this step!

Embrace the Cuban Flavor: Your Homemade Pastelitos Await!

These Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso are more than just a recipe; they are a taste of Cuban heritage, a simple pleasure that brings joy with every bite. The combination of the crisp, buttery puff pastry, the sweet and aromatic guava, and the creamy, slightly tart cheese is truly a match made in culinary heaven. While bakeries throughout Miami and other Cuban communities have perfected these pastries over generations, recreating them at home with this straightforward recipe allows you to experience that same authentic flavor and flaky perfection with ease.

Imagine a lazy Sunday morning, the aroma of freshly baked pastries filling your kitchen, and a warm pastelito in hand, perfectly paired with your morning coffee. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a delicious reality waiting for you to create. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to fall head over heels for these irresistible Guava and Cheese Pastries. They are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. Enjoy every golden, sweet, and savory bite!