Puerto Rican Pastelillos de Guayaba – Guava Turnovers

Discover how to make authentic Puerto Rican pastelillos de guayaba. This easy recipe combines flaky puff pastry, sweet guava paste, and powdered sugar. It is the perfect tropical treat, dessert, or snack!

If you’ve ever visited Puerto Rico, you may have come across a delicious pastry called pastelillos de guayaba, or guava turnovers. These sweet treats are made with flaky puff pastry dough and a generous filling of guava paste, giving you a taste of tropical paradise with every bite. I grew up eating these delicious pastries and are one of my favorite tropical desserts.

What Are Pastelillos de Guayaba?

Pastelillos de guayaba are a type of Puerto Rican pastry filled with guava paste. The contrast between the buttery, flaky puff pastry and the sweet, slightly tangy guava filling creates a simple dessert yet full of flavor. Often enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these pastries are a beloved snack or dessert in Puerto Rican households. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home!

Based on my research they originated in Cuba and are very popular in the Dominican Republic as well. Although they have different versions with cream cheese or without powdered sugar. Whether you’re craving a traditional Puerto Rican dessert or want to bring a bit of the Caribbean to your kitchen, this recipe for authentic pastelillos de guayaba is the perfect choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make your pastelillos de guayaba, you’ll only need a few ingredients:

• 1 package of puff pastry sheets – store-bought works great
• 1 block of guava paste – about 8 ounces
• 1 egg – for egg wash, use almond milk for vegan
• Powdered sugar – for dusting

Step-by-Step Recipe for Puerto Rican Pastelillos de Guayaba

This is the way I make these pastelillos, and personally, it works great for me. The traditional way is to place the guava between two puff pastry squares and then bake. But honestly, I prefer to bake the puff pastry first and fill it with guava after baking. You can make them whichever way works for you.

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by thawing out your puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. Puff pastry is key to achieving the signature flaky texture of the pastelillos. Once thawed, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to ensure it’s smooth and ready for cutting.

Step 2: Cut the Pastry into Squares

Carefully using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 4-inch squares.

Step 3: Bake the Pastelillos

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C. Place the pastelillos (puff pastry squares)  on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Brush with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and puffed up. See the video for reference.

Step 4: Prepare the Guava

Cut guava into small cubes and place it inside a microwave-safe bowl. Add a few tablespoons of water and heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds at a time to soften the guava paste. Be careful not to burn it and add water as needed.

Step 5: Slit Cut Puff Pastry Squares

After baking, wait for the pastelillos to be slightly cool, and carefully using a sharp knife slit open one side of each pastelillo. Be gentle so you don’t break the baked puff pastry.

Step 6: Add the Guava Filling

Place guava paste inside a piping bag or use a small spoon to fill your pastelillos. Fill as you like but be careful not to overfill.

Step 7:  Powdered Sugar

Once baked, let the pastelillos cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Using pre-made puff pastry makes this recipe a breeze.
• Traditional Flavors: The combination of guava and puff pastry is a classic Puerto Rican dessert that will transport you straight to the island.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these at parties, and gatherings, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with coffee.

Tips for Perfect Pastelillos de Guayaba

1. Use Quality Guava Paste: The star of this recipe is the guava paste, so make sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add more guava, too much filling can cause the pastries to leak. Stick to about 1–2 tablespoons per pastry.
3. Serve Warm or Room Temperature: These pastries are delicious warm out of the oven, but they also hold up well at room temperature.
4. I have another method for making these pastelillos, you can see the video tutorial on my Instagram feed.

How to Store Pastelillos?

They won’t last long, but if you have to store them, I recommend you place them inside a tray and cover them with aluminum foil. They are good at room temperature for about 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate inside a covered bowl but keep in mind that they will lose the crispness.

Closing Thoughts 

Making pastelillos de guayaba at home is an easy way to enjoy a taste of Puerto Rican tradition. With their sweet guava filling, flaky pastry, and a sweet touch of powdered sugar, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe today and let me know how you like it!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your creations!

Make these Puerto Rican recipes:

Vegan Quesitos Puerto Rican Cream Cheese Pastries

Bizcocho Mojadito Puertorriqueño – Ponqué

Panetela de Guayaba – Puerto Rican Recipe