Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries)

Name: Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 package puff pastry (thawed for 20 minutes); 1 block guava paste (thinly sliced); confectioners sugar (sprinkled)

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Puerto Rican Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) is a delectable treat that are perfect as a scrumptious dessert, breakfast or snack. Made in under 20 minutes with just 3 simple ingredients!

Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) served on a white platter surrounded by blueberries and strawberry slices.

Just like quesitos (cream cheese puff pastries) are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, so are Pastelillos de Guayaba. These guava pastries strike the perfect balance between sweet and flaky goodness. These golden pastries are filled with a luscious guava paste, giving them a unique flavor that's both tangy and sweet. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, dessert, or paired with a warm cup of coffee, these guava pastries are a delightful way to experience a taste of Puerto Rico! These are truly my favorite Puerto Rican pastry ever!

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What is Guayaba and What Does it Taste Like?
Reasons to Love this Recipe
Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
Instructions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
Other Desserts You Will Love
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What is Guayaba and What Does it Taste Like?

Guayaba, known as guava in English, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. It has a unique flavor that is often described as a cross between a strawberry and a pear, with a hint of citrus. The fruit is typically round or oval, with a green or yellowish skin and pink or white flesh filled with small seeds.

Guava fruit sliced on a wooden cutting board.

Guayaba is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it both delicious and nutritious. In Puerto Rican cuisine, guayaba is commonly used in desserts, snacks, jams, drinks and guava paste (known as pasta de guayaba), which is the key ingredient in Pastelillos de Guayaba. The paste is sweet, thick, and slightly sticky, with an intense guava flavor, making it a perfect filling for even sauces like our guava bbq sauce that glazes these brochetas de pollo (chicken skewers).

Reasons to Love this Recipe

Simple Ingredients: All you need for this recipe is twenty minutes and three ingredients. Puff pastry, guava paste, and confectioners sugar, making these pastries easy to make for anyone.

Quick and Easy: The recipe is straightforward and doesn't require much time, making it perfect for both novice bakers and those looking for a quick treat.

Versatile: These can be enjoyed any time of day, whether as a breakfast pastry, an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to a meal.

A Loved Treat: Their flaky crust and sweet, tangy filling make them universally appealing, so they're great for sharing at gatherings or parties.

Cultural Connection: This recipe offers a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine and is a great way to introduce friends to a delicious island decadent pastry.

Customizable: While guava is the traditional filling, you can experiment with other fruit pastes or fillings to create your own twist on this classic.

Ingredients

Puff pastry – Find puff pastry in the frozen section of your grocery store.

Guava paste – You can find it in the Latin section of your grocery store.

Confectioners’ sugar – If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, you can enjoy these without the powdered sugar.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

Puff Pastry: If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use pie crust or phyllo dough for a different texture.

Guava Paste: Substitute the guava paste with other fruit pastes like mango or fig.

Egg Wash: If you want an egg-free option, brush the pastry with milk or a mixture of water and honey for a golden finish.

Confectioners’ Sugar: Swap the confectioners’ sugar for a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a different flavor profile.

Variations:

Cheese Filling: Add a layer of cream cheese alongside the guava paste for a creamy, sweet-salty combination. This combination is very popular in Puerto Rico.

Confectioners’ Sugar: To reduce your sugar intake, you can skip the powdered sugar and simply brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, on top of the guava paste before sealing the pastry for added crunch and flavor.

Spiced Guava: Mix a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice into the guava paste for a warm, spiced variation.

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pastries for a decadent touch.

Mini Pastelillos: Make bite-sized versions by cutting the pastry into smaller squares or circles, perfect for serving at parties or as a small treat. One of my favorite ways to serve these!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375° F degrees. Thaw the puff pastry and cut the guava paste into thin slices.

Puff pastry layer on a cutting board topped with guava slices.

Step 2: Lay one puff pastry sheet on a cutting board and top with guava paste. Three guava pieces across and three guava pieces down in columns.

Second layer of puff pastry added to the pastry.

Step 3: Top with the other puff pastry sheet.

The puff pastry topped with the second layer of puff pastry and cut into squares.

Step 4: Cut the puff pastry into 9 squares.

Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) on a baking sheet to bake.

Step 5: Place the individual squares on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes at 375° F degrees or until beautifully golden, flaky and puffy.

Baked Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Remove the pastelillos from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes.

Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries) dusted with powdered sugar.

Step 7: After a few minutes, transfer the pastelillos to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they have cooled sprinkle confectioners sugar on top.

Expert Tips

Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the guava paste evenly, ensuring each pastelillo has the right balance of filling.

Egg Wash: Brush the tops with an egg wash (a mix of beaten egg and a little water or milk) to give the pastries a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen.

Bake on Parchment: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cool Before Serving: Let the pastelillos cool before adding the powdered sugar, as it will melt if they're too hot. Allowing them to cool also helps the guava filling to set properly.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these pastries ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastelillos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator unbaked for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply bake them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze Pastelillos de Guayaba?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked pastelillos. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I can’t find guava paste?

If you cannot find guava paste in your area, you can substitute it with other fruit pastes like mango or fig. You can also use a thick jam or fruit preserve, though the flavor will differ slightly. You can also order guava paste online.

How do I store leftover pastelillos?

Store leftover pastelillos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven before serving, cool and sprinkle a little more confectioners sugar.

How do I prevent the pastelillos from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy pastelillos, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow air circulation and allow to cool on a cookie wire rack.

How do I store leftover guava?

Simply wrap in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Other Desserts You Will Love

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