How to make a Guava Pastry

Calendar icon Published: Nov 28th 2021 by Narandradath Jaikaran
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 17th 2024
Read time: 5 mins
Cuisine:
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Guava Pastry in a plate in a white background

Puff Pastry is one of the favorite pastries worldwide because of its crunchy and airy texture. To combine puff pastry whilst accommodating your favorite sweet fruit fillings, we have the perfect recipe for you; it's Guava Pastry

Guava is a naturally sweet fruit with a flavor mixture of strawberry and pear and can be found in the world's tropical regions. For example, in the Caribbean, guava can be found in jams, jellies, and an extra special treat known as guava cheese. 

Guava Cheese is a unique dish made with fresh guavas mashed, sweetened, cooked, and reduced to a thick paste that hardens into a gelatinous cheese-like texture. 

This recipe will show you how to make Guava Pastry using guava cheese for an extra special sweet treat. This is a great dish to serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

  • You can either use homemade puff pastry or a store-bought one to whip up a batch of pastries in no time.
  • The puff pastry bakes up golden brown and flaky, creating a perfect textural contrast to the filling.
  • You can get creative! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a warm touch, or brush the pastries with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

This recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste! Here are some ideas:

  • No Puff Pastry? No problem! You can substitute phyllo dough for a slightly crispier and less flaky pastry. However, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly as phyllo dough cooks faster.
  • Guava Glory: Love guava? Swap the guava paste for sliced fresh guava for a more natural texture. Just be sure to remove the seeds before using them.
  • Fruity Fun: Feeling adventurous? Explore other fruit fillings like mango, pineapple, or even a combination! Experiment with different fruit pastes or jams for a unique twist.
  • Vegan Twist: Opt for vegan puff pastry and cream cheese alternatives to create a plant-based version of this delicious pastry.

  • Puff Pastry - Puff pastry is the star of the show, forming the base and structure of these guava pastries. This flaky pastry is made with a dough that alternates layers of butter and flour. When baked, the steam created by the water in the dough expands between the layers, separating them and causing the pastry to puff up dramatically.
  • Guava Paste - Guava paste adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to these pastries. It’s made from the tropical guava fruit, native to Central and South America. Guavas are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and have a characteristic sweet and slightly tart flavor.
  • Full Cream Milk - Full cream milk adds a touch of richness and creaminess to the pastries. Its higher fat content enhances the flavor and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Large Grain White Sugar - This sugar provides additional sweetness to the pastries, balancing its tanginess. The coarser crystals might add a delightful textural surprise. Regular white sugar or powdered sugar can be substituted.

How to make Guava Puff Pastry?

The process is simple: just roll out some cold dough, add guava filling, and fold it up. Brush with milk to make it stick and sprinkle with sugar for a sweet crust. Then bake it and enjoy warm, delicious pastries!

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely! Thaw the puff pastry completely in the refrigerator before using. Follow the package instructions for thawing times.

Can I make these pastries ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the pastries and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake from chilled. They might take a few extra minutes to cook through.

How can I reheat leftover pastries?

Leftover pastries can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. You can also toast them in a toaster oven for a quick refresh.

What other ways can I enjoy guava paste?

Guava paste is a versatile ingredient! Spread it on toast, crackers, or enjoy it with cheese. You can also use it as a filling for cakes, turnovers, or empanadas. It even adds a delicious twist to yogurt or oatmeal.

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Average: 5 (6 votes)
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
90 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
120 mins
Serves
12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1000g Puff Pastry (chilled)

  • 1 pack Guava Paste

  • 1/2 cup Full Cream Milk

  • 150 g large grain White Sugar

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

Using chilled pastry, roll out half of the pastry using a rolling pin, to 3mm thick on a lightly floured surface.

Cut out 100 mmx100 mm square pieces (6 pieces).

Thaw out the guava paste and cut into 40mm x 75 mm pieces about 4mm thick.

Place guava paste on the lower half of the pastry square.

With a pastry brush, wet the perimeter of the pastry. Fold the top half over the guava and half of the pastry. Using a steel fork, firmly indent the free edges all around, checking that there is good bonding.

For styling, with a pair of scissors, cut two 25mm on top of the pastry.

Preheat oven to 375F. Center shelf in place.

Grease the baking sheet in readiness for pastry.

Transfer the guava pastry to a baking sheet. Brush the pastry with milk. Sprinkle sugar over the top.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

The finish should look like a risen flaky pastry and guava oozing through the top in a golden-crusted shell.

Best eaten warm with your favorite tea or coffee.

Narandradath Jaikaran
Author:
Cake Engineer & Bakery Consultant

More posts by Narandradath Jaikaran

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