Description
Delicious guava and cheese pastries made with flaky puff pastry and creamy fillings. Perfect for appetizers or brunch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets (from 1 package 17.3 to 18.3 ounces / 490 to 520 g) puff pastry, kept cold
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
- 8 ounces (227 g) guava paste, thick and smooth
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar (for cheese filling)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lemon or lime juice (for cheese filling)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh orange or lime juice (for guava filling)
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) orange blossom water (optional)
- (Optional) Toasted unsalted roasted sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, blend 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice, and ½ teaspoon orange blossom water until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This creates a creamy filling that spreads easily inside the pastries.
- Step 2: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a bowl. Rinse the food processor thoroughly to remove any residue before blending the guava paste.
- Step 3: Blend guava paste with 1 tablespoon fresh orange or lime juice in the cleaned food processor until smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface if needed. Cut each sheet into squares. On each pastry square, place about 1 tablespoon of the guava mixture followed by 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling slightly off-center. Use a measuring spoon for consistency.
- Step 5: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg wash. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle and press the edges firmly to seal completely. If the dough tears while folding, gently roll out torn edges with a rolling pin to mend before sealing.
- Step 6: Place the sealed pastries in the refrigerator to chill before baking (exact chilling time not specified but recommended to keep shape).
- Step 7: Remove chilled pastries from the refrigerator and lightly brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish. Be careful not to over-brush to maintain texture and appearance. Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown and flaky. If pastries begin to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning while allowing thorough cooking. If pastries do not brown evenly, check oven temperature 15 minutes into baking and consider lowering it by 25°F (14°C) for more even cooking.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store pastries in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain texture and freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer container; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Use high-quality puff pastry (like Dufour or Pepperidge Farm) and keep it cold until ready to use to maintain flakiness and texture.
- If guava paste is too sticky, lightly dust your workspace with flour before rolling pastry sheets to prevent sticking.
- Seal pastry edges firmly after brushing with egg wash to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Use measuring spoons (1 tablespoon) to evenly distribute filling for consistent flavor balance in each pastry.
- If dough tears during folding, gently mend with a rolling pin instead of discarding.
- Adjust oven temperature if browning is uneven; lowering temperature by 25°F helps achieve uniform baking.
- Reheat pastries in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve flakiness.
- Serve as a standalone appetizer or alongside a fresh green salad.
- Pair pastries with fruit chutney or a simple yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.
- Excellent for brunch spreads, snack platters with coffee or herbal tea.
- Optional topping includes a light glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lime juice or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce or cream cheese frosting for variety.
- Substitute guava paste with fava bean puree to create savory “Fava and Cheese Parchment Parcels.”
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free puff pastry if available.
- Add toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor balance.
- Use thick, smooth guava paste for best flavor and texture; it adds a sweet tropical touch that complements the creamy cheese filling.
- Select full-fat cream cheese and soften at room temperature to facilitate blending and create a smooth filling.
- Keep puff pastry cold until using to prevent excessive softening and ensure a flaky crust.
- Use fresh citrus juice to brighten the cheese and guava flavors.
- Egg wash (one large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) creates a beautiful golden color and seals the pastries securely.
Nutrition
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided