There’s something magical about the smell of golden puff pastry rising in the oven—flaky, buttery layers transforming into airy perfection. Now imagine that with the warm, tropical sweetness of guava melting right into each bite. That’s exactly what you get with these Guava Puff Pastries—a treat that’s simple, nostalgic, and seriously addictive.

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Whether you grew up eating guava paste or you’re discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a celebration of sweet simplicity. It’s one of those little kitchen wins that requires minimal effort but delivers big-time satisfaction. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Why You’ll Love Guava Puff Pastries

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine pulling these pastries out of the oven as guests arrive—warm, gooey, and ready to impress.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Puff pastry and guava paste are pantry staples that work together like a dream.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you can roll and fold, you’ve got this!

Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Try cream cheese, Nutella, or even a bit of spicy pepper jelly for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. That combo of crispy pastry and sweet filling? Irresistible.

Ingredients in Guava Puff Pastries

Here’s what makes these pastries such a treat—just a few simple ingredients, each bringing a little magic to the mix:

Puff Pastry Sheets: Light, flaky layers that puff up beautifully in the oven. They’re the perfect vessel for all that fruity goodness.

Guava Paste: Thick, sweet, and slightly tangy—this is the heart of the recipe. It melts into the pastry like a tropical jam.

Egg (for egg wash): Helps give your pastries that gorgeous golden shine on top.

Optional Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness and gives them a pretty, bakery-style finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This gets everything nice and hot for that signature puff.

Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into even squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.

Add the Filling: Place a slice of guava paste in the center of each square. You can go generous here—the more gooey filling, the better.

Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over into triangles or rectangles, pressing the edges down with a fork to seal. Make sure none of that delicious filling escapes!

Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly beat an egg and brush it over the tops of your pastries. This gives them that beautiful golden color.

Bake to Perfection: Place pastries on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

Finishing Touches: Let them cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!). Then, if you’d like, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea—or sneak one straight from the tray. No judgment.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 210

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

How to Serve Guava Puff Pastries

These pastries are little bites of joy that pair beautifully with both sweet and savory sides:

Morning Coffee: Enjoy them warm alongside your favorite coffee or espresso for a tropical twist on your morning routine.

Brunch Platter: Add them to a brunch spread with fresh fruit, cheeses, and croissants.

With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a dreamy dessert.

Party Treats: These make excellent finger food at baby showers, brunch parties, or holiday gatherings.

Gift-Worthy: Wrap a few in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Assemble the pastries and store in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or chili powder to the guava paste for a flavor twist.

Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based puff pastry and a flaxseed egg wash to make this recipe vegan.

Storage Tips: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crispiness.

Double the Batch: These disappear fast—make a second tray to freeze for another time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another fruit paste instead of guava?
A1: Absolutely! Try fig, apricot, or quince paste for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep and refrigerate them unbaked. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Q4: Can I freeze Guava Puff Pastries?
A4: Yes! Freeze them unbaked or baked. Just thaw and reheat in the oven until warm.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A5: Pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up.

Q6: Can I add cream cheese to the filling?
A6: Definitely! Guava and cream cheese are a match made in heaven.

Q7: What if I don’t have egg for the wash?
A7: Use milk or cream instead. You’ll still get a lovely golden color.

Q8: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A8: Yes, if you’re feeling ambitious! Homemade puff pastry makes these extra special.

Q9: Are these pastries overly sweet?
A9: Nope! The guava paste gives just enough sweetness without going overboard.

Q10: Can kids help make this recipe?
A10: Totally! It’s a fun, simple recipe that’s great for little hands to help with.

Final Thoughts

These Guava Puff Pastries are the kind of treat that makes everyday moments feel like a celebration. They’re easy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect whether you’re sharing them or savoring one all to yourself. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite go-to dessert. Happy baking, friend!

Guava Puff Pastries

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 9 pastelitos
Category: Dessert, Snack, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Cuban, Latin American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Guava Pastelitos are sweet, flaky pastries with buttery puff pastry and a gooey guava filling. A Latin bakery favorite you can now make at home in under 30 minutes! Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they’re a tropical treat that never disappoints.

Ingredients

1 (14- to 17.5-ounce) package frozen puff pastry (preferably Pepperidge Farm), thawed but still cold
1 large egg, beaten
11 ounces guava paste, cut into 18 pieces
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for glaze)
2 tablespoons hot water (optional, for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the egg in a small bowl.
Roll out 1 puff pastry sheet into a 9-inch square if needed. Cut into 9 (3-inch) squares. Repeat with the second sheet (or roll out a single 9×18-inch sheet and cut into 18 squares).
Place 9 squares on the baking sheet. Add 2 pieces of guava paste to the center of each.
Brush the edges with egg wash. Top with remaining squares and seal edges with a fork.
Brush tops and edges with egg wash. Use a small knife to cut a 2-inch slit across each one.
Bake for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake another 10–15 minutes until puffed and golden.

Optional: Mix sugar and hot water to create a glaze. Brush on top after baking. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

These can be served warm or at room temperature.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pastelito
Calories: 270
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg