Growing up in South Florida, Cuban pastelitos de guayaba (guava pastries) were a go to dessert at any Cuban bakery. A couple of these with some coffee after a freshly made Cubano hit the spot perfectly. You would be surprised to know that these come together with only 5 simple ingredients! Even after living in Northern Virginia for 15 years, these sweets bring me right back to where I grew up.
The Recipe
Puff pastry is one of those ingredients home cooks and chefs alike believe are too much of a pain to make homemade. So frozen puff pastry from your local grocer is perfect for this recipe. Thick turbinado crystals sprinkled over the pastries helps give them a more hearty mouthfeel, lightly sweetens the pastry, and provides a nice aesthetic. I usually t am able to find guava paste in my local grocery store in the ethnic aisle. The best part is that I picked up 14 ounces of Iberia guava paste for just $1.16! After seeing how delicious and simple these Cuban pastelitos de guayaba are, you will surely add them to your favorite dessert rotation.
Guava
Technically a berry, guava is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. The most common species of guava is known as the apple guava. Guava contains high levels of pectin which makes it a great fruit to use in candies, preserves, jellies, and jams. The fruit is high in dietary fiber and Vitamin C as well.