Delicious and Authentic Pastelito Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of cold water
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of shortening
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 egg for the dough and 1 more for the glaze
  • 1 cup of guava paste
  • 1/2 cup of cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix cold water and vinegar.
  3. Cut the shortening and butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Gradually add the water and vinegar mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. While the dough is chilling, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Roll out one part of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
  9. Cut the dough into squares and place a small amount of guava paste and cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
  10. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle, pressing the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  11. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the pastries.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough and other ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure the flour, salt, water, vinegar, and sugar.
  • Plastic wrap - To wrap the dough and refrigerate it.
  • Rolling pin - To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet pan to bake the pastries on.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Knife - To cut the dough into squares and trim any excess.
  • Pastry brush - To brush the beaten egg over the pastries for a golden glaze.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the guava paste with a different fruit preserve such as strawberry or pineapple.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a hint of spice.
  • Try using puff pastry instead of homemade dough for a flakier crust.
  • For a savory twist, substitute the sweet filling with cooked ground beef or shredded chicken.
  • Add chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
  • Experiment with different flavors of cream cheese such as strawberry or chocolate.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate or powdered sugar glaze on top of the pastries for extra sweetness.
  • For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil.
  • Make mini pastelitos by cutting the dough into smaller squares and adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Recipe overview

This delightful recipe takes you through the steps of preparing homemade Pastelito, a popular treat in Latin American cuisine. Pastelito are sweet pastries filled with guava paste and cream cheese, providing a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. They are ideal for serving at parties, enjoying as a dessert, or even pairing with your morning coffee. With their flaky crust and scrumptious filling, these pastries are sure to delight your taste buds. Although the process requires a bit of effort, the end result is a batch of delicious, golden brown pastries that are absolutely worth it. Enjoy the process of creating these wonderful treats and the compliments you'll receive when you share them!

Common questions

  1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Can I substitute the guava paste with a different filling? Yes, you can use any fruit jam or preserves as a substitute for the guava paste if desired.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.
  4. Can I freeze the pastries? Yes, once baked and cooled, the pastries can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
  5. Can I use a different shape for the pastries? Yes, you can experiment with different shapes such as circles or rectangles instead of triangles if desired.
  6. Can I add additional spices or flavorings to the cream cheese filling? Yes, you can customize the cream cheese filling by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or even a splash of citrus zest to enhance the flavor.
  7. Can I reheat the pastries? Yes, you can reheat the pastries in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Baking Sheet - Used to bake the pastelitos in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the pastelitos from sticking.
  • Plastic Wrap - Used to wrap and refrigerate the dough before rolling it out.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush the beaten egg over the pastries before baking.
  • Knife - Used to cut the dough into squares and to trim any excess dough.
  • Mixing Bowls - Used to mix the dough and the cream cheese filling.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Flour Sifter - Optional, but helpful for sifting flour and ensuring a smooth dough.

Origin stories

Pastelitos, the sweet and flaky pastries that are a staple in Cuban bakeries, have a rich tradition that mirrors the cultural blend of the Cuban population itself. The pastelito, with its delicious filling wrapped in a delicate puff pastry, traces its origins back to both Spanish and French influences. The Spanish brought their love for pastries filled with meats, cheeses, and fruits to the island, while the French, fleeing the Haitian Revolution, introduced the puff pastry technique. The guava and cream cheese filling, a popular choice today, is a delightful Cuban innovation, a testament to the island's abundant guava fruit. Whether enjoyed with cafecito for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, pastelitos are an integral part of Cuban culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.