These Guava Cream Cheese Pastries are a wonderful treat combining sweet guava and creamy cheese in a flaky pastry. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack!
Every bite feels like a mini celebration! I love how the sweet and tangy guava pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese. It’s hard to eat just one—trust me, I’ve tried! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of your pastries, giving them a light and flaky texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, but the texture will be different. Store-bought is perfectly fine and saves time.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth filling. For a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar flavor. Vegan cream cheese can also be used for a dairy-free version.
Guava Paste: Guava paste adds a sweet, tropical flavor. If guava paste isn’t available, you can substitute with mango or apricot preserves for a different yet delightful taste.
Powdered Sugar: This is used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture. If you want less sweetness, you can reduce the amount. Alternatively, using coconut sugar can provide a more natural sweetness with a hint of flavor.
How Do I Roll Out Puff Pastry Without Tears?
Rolling out puff pastry might seem tricky, but it’s quite manageable! First, make sure your pastry is well-thawed and slightly chilled for best results. Here’s how to go about it:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Unfold the pastry carefully to avoid tearing. If there are creases, gently roll over them with your rolling pin.
- Roll out the pastry to smooth and enlarge it, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for cutting neat rectangles. Keep the size consistent for even baking.
This technique helps maintain the flakiness of your pastry and makes handling easier. Don’t rush, and enjoy the process!
How to Make Guava Cream Cheese Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pastries:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup guava paste, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Flour (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Just a short wait while they bake, and soon you’ll have delicious pastries ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking later on.
2. Roll Out The Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out gently. This helps to smooth out any creases. Once rolled out, cut the pastry into rectangles, about 3×5 inches each. You should get several rectangles from one sheet.
3. Make The Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or a mixer to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious filling!
4. Assemble The Pastries:
Now it’s time to fill the pastries! Take a tablespoon of the creamy filling and place it in the center of each pastry rectangle. Next, add a small piece of guava paste on top of the cream cheese. It’s going to be a yummy surprise when they bake!
5. Seal Up The Pastries:
Carefully fold each pastry rectangle over to create a pocket, enclosing the filling. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers to ensure nothing leaks out during baking.
6. Prepare The Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash, which gives the pastries a beautiful golden color. Brush the tops of your stuffed pastries with this mix, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’d like.
7. Bake To Perfection:
Place your prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The smell will be irresistible!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. These pastries taste wonderful warm or at room temperature, so dig in and enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes! While cream cheese is traditional for a creamy texture, you can substitute it with mascarpone for a richer flavor, or even ricotta cheese for a fresh taste. If using ricotta, consider adding an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar for sweetness, as it’s less sweet than cream cheese.
How Do I Store Leftover Pastries?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Pastries Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and cut your puff pastry shapes in advance. Store the pastry shapes in the fridge for up to 24 hours and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Just fill, seal, and bake when you’re ready!
What Can I Use Instead of Guava Paste?
If guava paste isn’t available, you can use other fruit pastes like mango or apricot. Alternatively, you can also use fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or peaches, but pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture in the pastries.
