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Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of the tropics with Pasteles de Guayaba. These delectable pastries are a traditional treat in many Latin American countries, featuring a delicious guava filling wrapped in a tender, flaky dough. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey as we share a step-by-step recipe for making Pasteles de Guayaba from scratch. Get ready to experience the delightful combination of guava and pastry that will transport your taste buds to the tropics.
Pasteles de Guayaba, or Guava Pastries, are a delightful Cuban pastry with a story as rich and diverse as the flavors they hold:
- Cuban Heritage: These pastries have their origins in Cuban cuisine, where guava is a beloved fruit. The combination of guava and cream cheese is iconic in Cuban desserts.
- Influence of Spanish and Indigenous Cultures: Cuban cuisine has been shaped by various influences, including Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino traditions. Pastries like Pasteles de Guayaba showcase the fusion of these culinary influences.
- Popularity Beyond Cuba: Guava pastries have gained popularity not only in Cuba but also in other Latin American countries and the United States, where they are enjoyed as a sweet treat, especially in Cuban–American communities.
Pasteles de Guayaba
Pasteles de Guayaba are sweet pastries filled with guava paste, also known as guayabate. The pastry dough is tender and flaky, providing the perfect balance to the sweet and slightly tangy guava filling. These pastries are loved for their tropical flavors and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after a satisfying meal. Whether you're familiar with this delightful treat or new to its flavors, making Pasteles de Guayaba at home will allow you to savor the authentic taste of this beloved Latin American pastry.
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls: Buy On Amazon
- Rolling pin: Buy On Amazon
- Baking sheet: Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
- Knife or pastry wheel: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Pastry brush: Buy On Amazon
- Fork: Buy On Amazon
- Measuring cups and spoons: Buy On Amazon
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For the Filling:
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and cohesive.
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Take one portion of the chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 1/8-inch thick.
Cut the rolled dough into 3x3-inch squares using a knife or a pastry wheel.
Place a small cube of guava paste in the center of each square.
Fold the dough over the guava paste, forming a triangle shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pastry.
Repeat steps 7-10 with the remaining dough and guava paste.
Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one.
Brush the tops of the pastries with a beaten egg or milk to give them a golden color when baked.
Bake the Pasteles de Guayaba in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 318.44kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.03g24%
- Saturated Fat 9.24g47%
- Cholesterol 39.17mg14%
- Sodium 68.05mg3%
- Potassium 32.29mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 42.87g15%
- Dietary Fiber 1.57g7%
- Sugars 11.09g
- Protein 2.84g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle spice flavor.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as cream cheese or dulce de leche, to create a variety of flavors.
- If guava paste is not readily available, you can use guava jelly as a substitute.
- Dust the finished pastries with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve Pasteles de Guayaba warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy Pasteles de Guayaba as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve them as a dessert after a Latin American-inspired meal.
- Create a dessert platter by pairing the pastries with fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Allergen Information:
Dairy: Traditional Pasteles de Guayaba contain cream cheese, so those with dairy allergies should look for dairy-free alternatives or consider omitting the cream cheese filling.
Gluten: The pastry dough is typically made with wheat flour, so individuals with gluten sensitivities or allergies may want to use gluten-free pastry dough or alternative flours.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Pairing a beverage with Pasteles de Guayaba can enhance the flavors of this sweet pastry:
- Café Cubano: A strong and sweet Cuban espresso is a classic choice to accompany guava pastries, as the bitterness of the coffee balances the pastry's sweetness.
- Café con Leche: A café con leche, which is a combination of Cuban coffee and steamed milk, is another excellent choice.
- Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pastries.
Storage and Leftovers:
To preserve the freshness of Pasteles de Guayaba and enjoy them later, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the pastries within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the pastries in an airtight container and refrigerate. This can extend their freshness for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you have a surplus of guava pastries, they can be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen pastries can be reheated in a preheated oven to enjoy later.
