Guava Pastelitos

Guava Pastelitos are flaky, golden pastries filled with sweet and tangy guava paste, often paired with creamy cheese for extra richness. A beloved Cuban treat, these pastelitos are commonly enjoyed with coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, they’re easy to prepare and deliver that irresistible combination of crispy, chewy, sweet, and creamy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Guava Pastelitos are simple to make, deeply flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The puff pastry bakes into buttery, crisp layers that contrast beautifully with the gooey, slightly tart guava filling. Whether you enjoy them plain or with cream cheese, these pastries are crowd-pleasers that evoke nostalgic bakery vibes. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Guava paste (cut into small cubes)
• Cream cheese (optional, softened)
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into equal-sized rectangles or squares.
3. Place a small piece of guava paste in the center of half the pastry pieces.
4. If using cream cheese, add a small spoonful on top of the guava.
5. Top each filled piece with another rectangle of puff pastry.
6. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
7. Cut a small slit on top of each pastelito to allow steam to escape.
8. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if using.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 pastelitos.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

• With cheese: Add cream cheese or queso blanco for a classic Cuban-style filling.
• Tropical twist: Use mango or pineapple preserves instead of guava paste.
• Mini version: Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
• Glazed top: Drizzle with a simple sugar glaze instead of powdered sugar.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the guava filling.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pastelitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry. Pastelitos can also be frozen (baked or unbaked) and reheated directly from frozen.

FAQs

What is guava paste?

Guava paste is a thick, sweet, and slightly tangy fruit preserve made from guava and sugar. It’s common in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Can I use guava jelly instead of paste?

Guava jelly is softer and may leak during baking. Guava paste holds its shape better and is preferred for pastelitos.

Where can I buy guava paste?

You can find guava paste in the Latin section of most grocery stores or at international markets.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

No, cream cheese is optional but adds a creamy contrast to the sweet guava.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate unbaked pastelitos for a few hours, then bake fresh when ready.

Can I freeze pastelitos?

Yes, freeze them before or after baking. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen for best results.

Are these served hot or cold?

They’re best slightly warm or at room temperature but can be enjoyed cold too.

Can I use pie dough instead of puff pastry?

Puff pastry gives the classic flakiness, but pie dough works if you prefer a more tender texture.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill, and seal edges well with a fork. Chilling the assembled pastries before baking also helps.

Can I use other fillings?

Yes! Try other fruit pastes or thick jams like fig, mango, or even chocolate-hazelnut spread.

Conclusion

Guava Pastelitos are a delicious and easy-to-make pastry that brings bold tropical flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether served with a morning coffee or as a sweet treat after dinner, these flaky, fruity delights are guaranteed to impress. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

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