Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos (Printable)

Flaky puff pastry filled with sweet guava and creamy cheese for a classic Cuban treat

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles, yielding 16 total rectangles.
03 - Place 8 rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - On each rectangle, place a thin slice of guava paste and approximately 1 tablespoon of 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 the edges firmly to seal.
06 - Crimp the edges with a fork and gently score the top surface with a knife to allow steam to 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 pastries to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Flaky and golden textures with a perfect sweet-savory balance.
  • Simple preparation using store-bought puff pastry for a quick treat.
  • A classic Cuban bakery staple you can enjoy fresh at home.
02 -
  • Ensure the edges are sealed tightly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during the bake.
  • Scoring the top with a sharp knife not only lets steam escape but also creates a professional look.
  • Use a pastry brush for the egg wash to get an even, golden finish on every corner.
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