Pin It These Guava Cheese Pop Tarts bring together the nostalgic comfort of childhood breakfast pastries with sophisticated tropical flavors. The combination of sweet-tart guava and creamy cheese nestled between layers of buttery, flaky homemade pastry creates a treat that's both familiar and excitingly new. Each bite offers the perfect balance of textures—crisp, tender pastry giving way to luscious filling—finished with a pretty pink glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Pin It While traditional pop tarts might remind you of rushed weekday breakfasts, these homemade guava cheese versions deserve to be savored slowly. The Latin-inspired filling pays homage to the beloved combination found in pastries like pastelitos de guayaba, bringing a touch of tropical indulgence to your table. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature with coffee or tea, these pop tarts transform an ordinary moment into something special.
Ingredients
- For the Pastry: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 1/3 cup (80 ml) ice-cold water, 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- For the Filling: 3/4 cup (200 g) guava paste or thick guava jam, 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pink or red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter. Using a pastry blender or fingers, cut butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough comes together. Divide in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Shape the pop tarts
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Cut into 8 rectangles (approx. 3x4 inches/7.5x10 cm). Place 1 teaspoon guava paste and 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture in the center of 4 rectangles, leaving a border. Brush edges with beaten egg. Top with remaining rectangles, pressing edges to seal. Crimp with a fork. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with egg wash. Prick tops with a fork to vent. Bake 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Glaze
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Add food coloring if desired. Drizzle or spread over cooled pop tarts. Let set before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Working with butter pastry can be tricky in warm environments. If you find your dough becoming sticky during rolling, simply return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before continuing. When cutting your rectangles, try to work efficiently so the dough stays cool. A metal bench scraper can help you transfer the delicate pastry pieces to your baking sheet without stretching them.
Varianten und Anpassungen
While the guava-cheese combination is delightful, you can substitute the guava paste with strawberry or apricot jam for different flavor profiles. For a more tropical version, try mango jam or passion fruit curd. If cream cheese isn't your preference, ricotta mixed with a bit of sugar makes an excellent alternative. For a simpler, kid-friendly version, you can omit the cream cheese layer entirely and just use fruit preserves.
Serviervorschläge
These pop tarts make a stunning addition to a brunch spread, especially when arranged on a cake stand or decorative platter. Serve them slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a special breakfast, pair with fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple and a cup of Cuban-style coffee to complement the Latin-inspired flavors of the filling.
Pin It These homemade Guava Cheese Pop Tarts may require a bit more effort than opening a foil package, but the results are infinitely more satisfying. The contrast between the flaky, buttery crust and the sweet-tangy filling creates a treat that bridges the gap between casual breakfast and sophisticated pastry. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, though they're at their absolute best within 24 hours of baking. A quick reheat in the toaster oven will restore their just-baked texture if desired.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a flaky pastry crust?
Use cold butter cut into flour until coarse crumbs form, then add cold water sparingly. Chilling the dough before rolling helps layers develop for flakiness.
- → Can I substitute guava paste with other fillings?
Yes, strawberry or apricot jam can be used for a similar sweet-tart flavor contrast with the cheese filling.
- → What is the best way to seal the edges of the pastries?
Brush edges with beaten egg and press together firmly, using a fork to crimp and secure the seal to prevent filling leakage.
- → How should the glaze be prepared?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Add food coloring if desired, then drizzle or spread over cooled pastries.
- → How long can these pastries be stored?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.