Satisfy your sweet tooth with the delectable Pastelitos, also known as guava and cream cheese pastries, a traditional treat originating from Puerto Rico. These delightful pastries consist of flaky, golden-brown puff pastry enveloping a luscious filling of sweet guava paste and creamy, rich cream cheese. Typically enjoyed as a breakfast item or afternoon snack, Pastelitos are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and have gained popularity worldwide. This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that explore the versatility of Pastelitos, offering a range of options to suit diverse tastes and preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the art of crafting these heavenly pastries, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite.
**Recipes in the Article:**
1. **Classic Pastelitos Guava y Queso:**
- A traditional recipe that captures the essence of Pastelitos, featuring a harmonious blend of sweet guava paste and creamy cream cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
2. **Pastelitos de Nutella y Plátano:**
- A unique twist on the classic Pastelitos, where the traditional fillings are replaced with a luscious combination of rich Nutella and sliced bananas, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
3. **Pastelitos de Manzana y Canela:**
- Infused with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon and featuring a tender filling of sweet apples, this recipe offers a comforting and wholesome variation of Pastelitos, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of spice.
4. **Pastelitos de Chocolate y Coco:**
- Indulge in a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and shredded coconut in these Pastelitos, where every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
5. **Pastelitos de Queso Crema y Fresa:**
- A delightful variation that pairs the creaminess of cream cheese with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating a refreshing and indulgent treat.
6. **Pastelitos de Dulce de Membrillo:**
- Discover the unique flavors of quince paste in these Pastelitos, where the tangy and sweet filling complements the flaky pastry perfectly.
7. **Pastelitos de Calabaza y Especias:**
- Experience the warmth and comfort of pumpkin puree combined with aromatic spices in these Pastelitos, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings.
8. **Pastelitos de Piña y Coco:**
- Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these Pastelitos filled with a luscious combination of sweet pineapple and shredded coconut, offering a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile.
PASTELITOS - GUAVA AND CHEESE PASTRIES
In Caribbean countries, especially Cuba, flaky pastries called Pastelitos are eaten for breakfast, as snacks and for dessert. These delicious pastries can be stuffed with so many types of fillings, from savory beef, chicken or ham to sweet pineapple, mango or guava.Here, puff pastry dough is filled with tropical GOYA® Guava paste and sweetened cream cheese for a traditional, beloved treat. Sprinkle with granulated sugar before cooking for a sweet, crunchy coating, or dust with powdered sugar after the pastries are baked and cooled for a snowy look and sweet taste.
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Step 1 Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Cut guava paste into thin slices (about ¼"-½" thick). Cut slices into 2"-long rectangles (you should have 6 rectangles); set aside. In medium mixing bowl, using spatula, stir together cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until well combined; set aside. Step 2 Transfer frozen puff pastry dough to cutting board, keeping rounds of dough stacked. Using sharp knife, cut off rounded edges to form square shape. Peel off plastic wrap from each layer. Using rolling pin, roll dough squares, one at a time, until ½" larger all around. Step 3 Place square of dough on work surface. Add 1 piece guava paste and heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture. Using pastry brush, brush edges of dough with egg wash. Place second dough square on top of guava and cheese; gently press edges to seal. Brush top of dough with egg wash. Using small sharp knife, make 3 shallow cuts (about 1" long) on top of dough. Sprinkle dough with 1 tsp. sugar, if desired. Transfer pastry to prepared pan. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Transfer pan to refrigerator until dough is chilled. Step 4 Bake pastries until golden brown and puffed, 22-25 minutes. Transfer pastries to cooling rack; cool to room temperature; dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
GUAVA CHEESE TURNOVERS (GUAVA PASTELILLOS)
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Sprinkle the sugar on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll out each sheet of puff pastry to an 8 by 8-inch square. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each sheet into 4 squares.
- Make the turnovers: Set a pastry square in front of you with 1 of the corners pointing toward you. Place 1 piece of cream cheese diagonally over the center of the bottom of the square. Top with a piece of guava paste. Brush the edges of the square with beaten egg. Fold the upper half of the square over the filling to make a neat triangle. Crimp the edges with a fork. Repeat with the remaining turnovers, placing them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet as you go.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.
- While the turnovers are baking, mix the confectioners' sugar with the milk and vanilla, stirring to dissolve any lumps. Set aside.
- Cool the turnovers on a rack for 10 to 15 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over them. Serve warm or at room temperature.
PASTELES DE GUAYABA (GUAVA AND CREAM CHEESE PASTRIES)
This is a childhood favorite that conjures up memories of growing up as a gringa in South Florida and sitting in the open air Cuban Cafes and indulging on these sweet pastries! These pastries are wonderful with a café con leche!! They were a special treat that we were allowed to have on occasion for breakfast. It is actually one of the few things I actually miss about South Florida! The recipe is from Alex Garcia.
Provided by NcMysteryShopper
Categories Breakfast
Time 45m
Yield 16-20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Blend the cream cheese, butter and flour until well mixed; Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch thick square; Cut the rolled dough into 16 to 20 squares.
- A little off center of each square, place 1 tablespoon guava paste.
- Fold the dough over the guava paste, forming a triangle; Press the edges shut.
- Place the pasteles onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle them with a thin layer of sugar.
- Bake until the pasteles are evenly browned, about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403.9, Fat 33, SaturatedFat 20.1, Cholesterol 92.2, Sodium 294.3, Carbohydrate 22.8, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 1, Protein 4.9
MIAMI GUAVA PASTRIES (PASTELITOS)
This is the recipe for traditional Cuban/Puerto Rican pastries that can only be found in some places. Our family goes crazy for them! Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.
Provided by geekchic99
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean
Time 40m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
- Roll puff pastry into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Cut into squares about the length of your hand and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat egg and water together in a bowl; brush each pastry square with egg wash. Stab each square a few times with a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes.
- Mix guava paste and jam together in a bowl until smooth.
- Cut a large, vertical slit into each pastry. Spread 1 tablespoon guava mixture into each slit, making sure guava doesn't squeeze out when closed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.6 calories, Carbohydrate 31.9 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 9.7 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 67.6 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
PASTELILLOS DE GUAYABA (GUAVA CHEESE PASTRIES)
Panaderías in Puerto Rico are magical. Their brightly lit glass cases are lined with fresh-baked bread and rich pastries, begging you to order too many. As a child, I clamored for pastelillos (also called pastelitos) de guayaba. The pastries typically have a flaky crust and are filled with a generous smear of concentrated guava paste - an embodiment of tropical Caribbean flavor - and often with cheese, served glazed or dusted with powdered sugar. In East Harlem, or El Barrio, New York's historic Puerto Rican enclave where I lived for some time, I discovered Valencia Bakery on East 103rd Street, which made a bite-size version with a generous amount of confectioners' sugar, creating a portal between the island and my new home. My recipe is inspired by theirs. These are excellent with coffee, and will keep for several days, benefiting from a reheat in the oven.
Provided by Von Diaz
Categories snack, finger foods, pastries, dessert, side dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 16 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Set out puff pastry to thaw for 40 minutes at room temperature.
- Once pastry is thawed, line a 12-by-17-inch baking sheet with 2 pieces of parchment paper. (The double layer helps to protect your pan when you're cutting the puff pastry.) Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Prepare your egg wash by whisking egg and milk together. Keep it handy.
- Lay one layer of puff pastry on top of parchment paper on the baking sheet. Make a 4-by-4 grid of guava stacked with cheese, spaced evenly, leaving about 1 inch of space in between. Top with the second puff pastry sheet.
- Using a pizza cutter, slice the puff pastry into 16 equal pieces, touching the top lightly to determine where to slice. It's OK if you don't do a perfect job; these are especially good when the guava spills out and caramelizes along the edges. (And don't worry too much about getting the cut exact, or pieces being odd sizes. It gives them character.)
- Working quickly, use a fork to crimp all four edges twice on each side, then arrange them evenly on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush the tops and edges lightly with the prepared egg wash and place baking sheet in the center of the oven.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until pastelillos are beautifully golden brown, flaky and puffy.
- Out of the oven, let pastelillos rest for at least 10 minutes before eating. (Guava is molten hot and will burn your mouth, badly.)
- Once they've cooled, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar to taste. They can be eaten warm or at room temperature, and will keep for several days in an airtight container. Heat leftovers in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees to bring back their crispness.
Tips:
- For the best results, use ripe guavas. This will give your pastelitos a more intense flavor.
- If you can't find guava paste, you can make your own by simmering guavas with sugar and water until the mixture thickens.
- Be sure to drain the cream cheese well before using it in the filling. This will help prevent the filling from being too runny.
- If you don't have a pastry brush, you can use a spoon to spread the egg wash over the pastelitos.
- To make sure your pastelitos are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they're done.
Conclusion:
Pastelitos are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry, sweet guava filling, and creamy cheese filling, they're sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give pastelitos a try. You won't be disappointed!
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