Sweet Guava and Cream Cheese Empanadas
These delightful Sweet Guava and Cream Cheese Empanadas are a nostalgic treat that brings the flavors of South Florida right to your kitchen. Inspired by the vibrant Cuban culture of the region, each bite offers a perfect balance of the tangy sweetness of guava paste combined with the rich creaminess of the cheese wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry. Whether served for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of café con leche or enjoyed as a sweet snack during the day, these pastries are sure to evoke fond memories and warm your heart. The recipe comes from the culinary expertise of Alex Garcia and is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply to indulge in a taste of your childhood.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream cheese
1 lb (softened)
Butter
1 lb (softened)
Flour
1 lb (all-purpose)
Guava paste
1 1/2 lbs (sliced or cubed)
Sugar
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, softened butter, and flour together until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
2
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a square shape about 1/4 inch thick.
5
Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the rolled dough into 16 to 20 equal squares.
6
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of guava paste slightly off-center on each square of dough.
7
Fold the square of dough over the guava paste to create a triangle shape, ensuring the filling is sealed within.
8
Press down on the edges firmly to seal the pastries. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.
9
Arrange the pasteles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the tops.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and puffed.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Guava and Cream Cheese Empanadas?
They are a nostalgic pastry treat that combines the tangy sweetness of guava paste with rich creaminess, wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry inspired by Cuban culture.
What are the primary filling ingredients for these empanadas?
The main fillings are guava paste and cream cheese.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 ingredients: cream cheese, butter, flour, guava paste, and sugar.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour.
How should the butter and cream cheese be prepared for the dough?
Both the butter and the cream cheese should be softened before being blended together.
How is the pastry dough created?
In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, softened butter, and flour together until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
How long does the dough need to be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The chilled dough should be rolled into a square shape about 1/4 inch thick.
What shape should the rolled dough be cut into?
The dough should be cut into equal squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
How many empanadas does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 16 to 20 equal squares.
How much guava paste should be placed on each square?
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of guava paste on each square of dough.
Where should the filling be placed on the dough square?
The guava paste should be placed slightly off-center on each square.
What shape are the empanadas folded into?
The dough is folded over the guava paste to create a triangle shape.
How do you seal the edges of the empanadas?
Press down on the edges firmly to seal the pastries.
What is a decorative way to finish the edges?
You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
The baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper.
What is added to the top of the pastries before baking?
A light layer of sugar is sprinkled over the tops of the pasteles.
How long do the empanadas need to bake?
They should bake for about 25 minutes.
How can you tell when the empanadas are done?
They are finished when they are golden brown and puffed.
Should the empanadas be served immediately?
They should be allowed to cool slightly before serving.
Who is the chef associated with this recipe?
The recipe comes from the culinary expertise of Alex Garcia.
What regional culture inspired this dish?
It is inspired by the vibrant Cuban culture of South Florida.
When is a good time to serve these pastries?
They can be served for breakfast, as a sweet snack during the day, or for special occasions.
What drink is suggested as a pairing?
They are traditionally enjoyed with a steaming cup of cafe con leche.
How should the guava paste be prepared?
The guava paste should be sliced or cubed.
What is the ratio of flour to butter in the dough?
The recipe uses 1 lb of butter and 1 lb of flour.
What is the consistency of the dough after blending?
The mixture should form a smooth dough.
Is the surface for rolling the dough specific?
Yes, the dough should be rolled out on a lightly floured surface.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
It offers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and rich creaminess.