For those that know me best, it’s no big secret that I don’t miss living in South Florida- and neither does my husband. Sometimes a place just isn’t “home” and that’s what we struggled with there…BUT one of the few things that we DO miss is the endless opportunities for delicious Cuban food.
Cuban food…if you’ve never had it…is exceptionally good. And our go-to date-night Cuban restaurant from days gone by? Definitely Havana in West Palm Beach.
While living in South Florida, I had a client that always brought Cuban pastries to morning meetings- and they were just as irresistible as a Krispy Kreme. I definitely miss the pastries more than the meetings, so I decided to try making them myself…
And guess what? They are DARN good AND incredibly easy to make!! Very few ingredients, and very little “work”. The star of the show? Guava paste. This post contains affiliate links for your baking convenience.
The makings of something tasty…
Ingredients
- One box frozen puff pastry
- Guava paste
- Cream or Mascarpone Cheese (optional)
- One egg (for egg wash)
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Preheat oven to 375°F, and make sure to lower a rack to the center or one slot under center.
Thaw box of puff pastry according to box instructions (doesn’t take too long).
So, guava paste…if you’ve never had it, well, I think you’re in for a treat! It’s like an exotic gummy bear and can usually be found in the international food aisle (or near the gourmet cheeses- my Publix has it both places). For this recipe, slice off ¼” thick rectangular wedges and set aside. And by all means, shave off a bit to snack on.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and unroll one roll of puff pastry onto parchment. Place guava wedges on pastry, spaced approximately 1” apart.
Guava paste, reporting for yummy duty!
Now- the cheese is totally optional. I prefer pastries without it (and I’m obsessed with all things cheese), but some people love it! You can spread a healthy dose of Mascarpone over the guava paste wedges…or slice a wedge of cream cheese and lay it on top (or under) the guava.
Some with, and some without.
Whisk an egg together and brush the pastry between your guava/cheese wedges. Then place the other roll of puff pastry over the top, pushing down between guava wedges and along the edges…almost like ravioli.
Under a blanket of dough…
Using a pizza cutter, pre-slice your pastries as you see fit, and brush egg wash across the top. Add little ventilation slices across each “ravioli” and sprinkle top with granulated sugar. That’s it!
Ready for baking!
Bake in pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden on top and perfectly puffed. No harm if you raise the oven temp a little towards the end. Then, allow to cool ever so slightly before enjoying!!
DELICIOUS! Excuse me while I go bake some more…
Consume on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
This looks wonderful and I love that it’s so simple to make. The hardest part would be finding the guava paste.
Yum! I just had some of these last week (the Puerto Rican version, but I bet they taste similar). I love how simple your recipe is to follow. Looking forward to trying your recipe!
I’ve got everything to make these! Thanks for the recipe!
There is a spanish restaurant nearby that my boyfriend and I love to have lunch at, and I always have to get a quesito. Lately, I have been thinking about trying my hand at some with some different ingredients than you used, but same concept. I think I will start with yours! I can’t wait to whip up a batch, mmm!
These look delicious and so easy! We baby-mooned in Jupiter and absolutely loved it (to the point that I would totally consider someday moving to the West Palm Beach area in the future). I’ll have to check that restaurant out the next time we’re in town!
What delicious looking pastry! I think I can taste it now….Maybe I will make some since I have some puff pastry in my freezer. Have a great day!
Thank you so much- you will love them!!
We’re opposites – I love living in Florida (but central, not south) and really dislike Cuban food, but then, I’ve never had their pastries. No cheese for me, either.
These are amazing!! I live in South Florida and these are just as good as ones bought at the Cuban bakery! I’ll definitely be saving this recipe!
Thanks, Stacy!!
My mom, who doesn’t even normally like pastries, had a second helping! It was super easy & very yummy!! I used cream cheese.
Watch out, though. The filling will still be crazy hot!
It’s such a simple combo but SOOOOO good, I love that she loved it! 🙂 and YES, you are so right about the filling.