Save to Pinterest Indulge in the delightful combination of flaky, golden puff pastry filled with luscious guava paste and creamy melted cheese. These pastries offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day.
Save to Pinterest Guava cheese pastries, inspired by Latin American flavors, are a crowd favorite due to their incredible texture and simple preparation. The contrast between the crispy layers of dough and the warm, gooey filling creates a gourmet experience with very little effort.
Ingredients
- Pastry
- 1 sheet (about 250 g) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Filling
- 150 g guava paste, cut into 8 equal pieces
- 100 g cream cheese, cut into 8 equal pieces (or use mozzarella for a stretchier texture)
- Optional Garnish
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Cut into 8 equal rectangles.
- Step 3
- Place a piece of guava paste and a piece of cream cheese (or mozzarella) in the center of each rectangle.
- Step 4
- Fold each rectangle over the filling to form a square or triangle. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Step 5
- Transfer pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Step 6
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Step 7
- Cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use essential tools like a rolling pin, baking sheet, and pastry brush. This recipe contains wheat, egg, and dairy, so check your puff pastry labels for traces of nuts or soy. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 11g of fat, and 26g of carbohydrates.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can customize the filling by adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. If you prefer a tangier flavor profile, swap the cream cheese for goat cheese. For those who enjoy a stretchier texture, mozzarella is an excellent alternative to cream cheese.
Serviervorschläge
These pastries are best served warm, either dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar or plain. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a sophisticated yet simple addition to any brunch or afternoon snack spread.
Save to Pinterest With their golden-brown crust and sweet, molten center, these guava cheese pastries are a guaranteed success. Simple to assemble and quick to bake, they bring a touch of tropical elegance to your home baking collection.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh guava instead of guava paste?
Guava paste is recommended because it has a concentrated, thick consistency that holds its shape during baking. Fresh guava would release too much liquid and make the pastries soggy. If you only have fresh guava, cook it down with sugar until it reaches a thick, spreadable texture before using.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Cream cheese offers a mild, creamy flavor that balances the sweet guava perfectly. For a stretchier, more melty texture, try mozzarella. Goat cheese adds a tangy kick for those who enjoy stronger flavors. Queso fresco is another authentic option that crumbles beautifully and provides a nice saltiness.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash just before baking. You can also freeze unbaked pastries—place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → Why did my pastries not puff up?
This usually happens if the puff pastry gets too warm before baking. Keep your pastry chilled until you're ready to fill and bake. Work quickly when assembling, and don't overload the filling—too much can weigh down the pastry layers. Also ensure your oven is fully preheated to 200°C (400°F) before putting them in.
- → Can I make these without puff pastry?
While puff pastry gives the best flaky results, you can use other doughs. Empanada dough works well for a heartier, more traditional Latin American version. Phyllo dough creates a lighter, crispier pastry but requires brushing with butter between layers. Pie crust makes a sturdier, cookie-like option, though it won't have the same dramatic puff.