Crispy Cuban Pastelitos with Sweet Guava Paste and Cream Cheese
These authentic Cuban pastries feature flaky puff pastry filled with tropical guava paste and tangy cream cheese. A sweet-savory combo with a golden crust, perfect for snacking or breakfast. Simple to assemble and bake, with optional sugar garnish for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 9 pastelitos 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
11 ounces guava paste, cut into 9 slices
6 ounces cream cheese, cut into 9 slices
1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon demerara sugar, for decoration (optional)
Instructions
Prepare fillings: Cut guava paste into 9 slices using plastic wrap or parchment paper to minimize stickiness. Slice chilled cream cheese into 9 pieces.
Shape pastry: Unfold both puff pastry sheets. Cut into 9 squares by dividing each sheet into thirds, then halves.
Assemble: Place one guava slice and one cream cheese slice on each pastry square. Brush edges with beaten egg to seal.
Seal and vent: Cover with another pastry square, press to seal. Brush with egg, cut 2-3 slits, and sprinkle demerara sugar if using.
Chill and bake: Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Bake at 400°F (205°C) until golden (15-20 minutes).
Rest and serve: Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Serve immediately and add powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Prevent sticking: Work on parchment paper for easier pastelito handling.
Flavor tweaks: Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-savory balance.
Storage: Preassembled pastelitos can be frozen raw and baked later from frozen (add 10 mins to bake time). Use halal-certified puff pastry if avoiding animal-based fats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastelito
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg