Discover the delightful world of pastelitos, a beloved treat that encapsulates the joy of Latin American culinary tradition. Packed with flavor and sporting a flaky, golden crust, pastelitos are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or infusing a regular day with a touch of indulgence. Crafted to perfection with a combination of tantalizing ingredients, this pastelitos recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to recreate again and again in your kitchen.
Growing up, pastelitos were a staple at every family gathering. My abuela’s kitchen was always filled with the aroma of these delectable pastries. She crafted each batch with love, insisting that the secret to perfect pastelitos was in the minuscule hand-made dough folds and the flavorful filling she made from scratch. Every bite of her pastelitos was a journey back to those joyful weekends spent with family, filled with laughter and the inevitable flour fights. Even now, I cherish recreating this recipe, knowing it brings a piece of that joy to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pastelitos recipe stands out for its perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet flair. Each pastelito boasts:
- Flaky Perfection: The dough crisps up beautifully, giving you that satisfying crumbly texture.
- Versatile Filling: Opt for traditional guava or play with contemporary flavors like chocolate and cheese.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the sweetness or try savory versions to expand your culinary horizons.
- Beginner-Friendly: Clear steps make it easy for new bakers to impress their guests.
- Quick Delight: From prep to finish, these are ready in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients Notes
The key to perfect pastelitos lies in fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Guava Paste: Available in most Latin food aisles, guava paste is the heart of traditional pastelitos. Check for freshness for the best flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending and smooth filling.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: Store-bought puff pastry saves time. Opt for butter-based varieties for a richer flavor.
- Egg Yolk Wash: This gives the pastelitos their signature golden sheen.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by rolling out your Puff Pastry sheets on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
Step 2
Cut the rolled-out pastry into even squares, about 3 inches each. This size is ideal for maintaining structure and flavor balance in each pastelito.
Step 3
Place a dollop of cream cheese in the center of each square, topped by a slice of guava paste. Be cautious not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to burst during baking.
Step 4
Fold the pastry diagonally to create a triangle, gently pressing the edges with a fork to seal. This prevents filling spillage, ensuring a neat and delicious end product.
Step 5
Transfer the pastelitos to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg yolk wash for that irresistible golden finish and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
Storage Options
Once your pastelitos have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer preservation, layer them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking, and freeze for up to one month. Reheat frozen pastelitos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Variations & Substitutions
For those catering to different dietary needs or palates:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free pastry flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan cream cheese to make the filling lactose-friendly.
- Savory Twist: Swap guava for a hearty filling like spinach and feta, transforming pastelitos into classy appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Pastelitos are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a breakfast treat with a steaming cup of coffee, or pair with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for an exquisite dessert. They also fit beautifully into a brunch buffet alongside mimosas and fresh fruits. Pack them as a sweet afternoon snack for kids, or prepare them as finger food for a sophisticated evening soiree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare pastelitos in advance?
Yes, you can prepare pastelitos up to the baking step and refrigerate them overnight. Just bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other fillings can I use besides guava and cheese?
Pastelitos are incredibly flexible. You could experiment with nut butters, dulce de leche, or even chopped nuts for texture. For a savory option, consider fillings like caramelized onions with goat cheese.
How can I prevent the pastelitos from leaking?
Ensuring a tight seal with a fork, not overfilling the pastries, and using a correctly preheated oven are key factors in preventing leaks. Also, using parchment paper prevents sticking and helps pastries hold their shape.
Pastelitos Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold, diced
- 4 oz guava paste cut into small cubes
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 1 large egg beaten, for egg wash
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Roll out the dough and cut into small squares. Place a guava paste piece in the center of each square.
- Fold the squares into triangles and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
