Guava and Cream Cheese Pastry

We came across guava pastes at the supermarket and instantly thought of our favorite Guava and Cream pastry at Porto's Bakery in Southern California. Inspired by Porto's we combined shortcrust pastry with guava paste and cream cheese to make the tasty and fruity dessert. The Cuban name of this dessert is Pastelitos de Guayaba and it is just a wonderful delight with a nice cup of rich coffee.

Instead of using puff pastry, I use the shortcrust pastry since it is simpler to make and it also gives a nice crumbly, crusty texture around the guava and the cream cheese filling.

---

Ingredients:

Shortcrust:

Filling:

• 200 grams Guava Paste
• 80 grams (1/3 cup) Cream cheese
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• Optional: 1/2 egg for the cream cheese filling

Steps:

1. Make the shortcrust pastry first, allowing at least 30 minutes to rest the dough before using it. For better results prepare the pastry one day prior to use. Follow instructions here >>>
2. Preheat oven to 375 F, prepare a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Before rolling out the shortcrust pastry, prepare the guava paste and the cream cheese filling.
4. Guava paste: It cannot get easier than this - cut the paste into 1/4 inch thick slices.
5. Cream cheese filling: In a small bowl combine the cream cheese and the lemon juice. Optional: To further soften the cream cheese mixture add half an egg and combine.
6. Roll out the shortcrust pastry into a rectangle and place it on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Paste the cream cheese mixture in the center of the shortcrust pastry and then place the guava paste slices on top. Finally, fold the sides of the shortcrust pastry to cover the fillings.

• 

• 

8. Bake in the oven for 30 -35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Move to the rack to cool and then lightly dust the pastry top with powdered sugar. Enjoy!