As a proud Cuban, guava and cheese pastelitos are not just a treat but a way of life, and for as long as I can remember, these golden, flaky, irresistible pastries have been a constant and cherished part of my everyday world. Growing up in a Cuban household with a dad who was an incredibly talented and passionate chef in Cuba meant that food was always at the center of everything, and pastelitos were always one of those special treats that brought so much joy and happiness to our family.

To this day, I enjoy a guava and cheese pastelito at least one to two times a week because honestly, life is simply better with a pastelito in your hand and I make absolutely no apologies for that. My deep love and passion for these iconic pastries led me to an incredible opportunity to work alongside a beloved Cuban bakery right here in Miami, where I was able to learn firsthand the art and craft of making authentic Cuban pastries the traditional way, straight from the hands of the people who have been perfecting them for generations.

That incredible experience, combined with a lifetime of eating and loving pastelitos and the rich culinary heritage passed down to me through my dad, is what allows me to confidently say that this is the most authentic, delicious, and true to tradition Cuban guava and cheese pastelito recipe you will ever find.

Why you'll love these guayaba y queso pastelitos

The ultimate sweet and savory combination - The pairing of sweet, fruity guava paste and rich, creamy cream cheese tucked inside a flaky pastry shell is one of the most iconic and irresistible flavor combinations in all of Cuban cuisine.
That perfectly flaky, buttery pastry - The light, golden, impossibly flaky puff pastry shell that wraps around the filling shatters beautifully with every single bite, making each pastelito an absolutely satisfying and indulgent experience.
They are deeply nostalgic - For anyone who grew up in a Cuban household or spent time in Miami, biting into a guayaba y queso pastelito is like an instant trip back in time, filled with warm memories of family, culture, and home.
They are incredibly versatile - Pastelitos are perfect as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, a party appetizer, or a dessert, making them a go-to option for absolutely any occasion or time of day.
They are universally loved - Whether you grew up eating pastelitos or are trying them for the very first time, their incredible flavor and texture make them instantly lovable to people of all backgrounds and taste preferences.

What is a Cuban pastelito de guayaba y queso?

"Pastelito" translates to "little pastry" or "little cake" in English, which is the perfect description for these small, handheld Cuban treats.
Pastelitos come with all sorts of filling, simple guava filling, coconut and even spinach.

The filling

The filling consists of two iconic ingredients: sweet, vibrant guava paste and rich, creamy cream cheese.
The guava paste brings a tropical, floral, and intensely sweet fruity flavor while the cream cheese adds a cool, tangy, and creamy contrast that balances everything out beautifully.
Together they create one of the most beloved and iconic flavor pairings in all of Cuban food culture.

How it's enjoyed

Pastelitos are enjoyed at any time of day. As a breakfast treat alongside a strong Cuban coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert.
They are a staple of Cuban bakeries known as panaderías, and are deeply embedded in the food culture of Miami and Cuban communities around the world.
They are commonly served at Cuban family gatherings, celebrations, birthday parties and holidays.

Key ingredients needed for these guava and cheese pastries

For complete list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

Puff Pastry Dough- Puff pastry dough is the foundation of the pastelito, creating the light, golden, and incredibly flaky shell that wraps around the filling and gives these beloved pastries their signature irresistible texture.
Guava Paste- Guava paste is the heart and soul of the pastelito, delivering a rich, tropical, and intensely sweet fruity flavor that is uniquely Cuban and instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever enjoyed this iconic treat.
Cream Cheese- Cream cheese provides a cool, tangy, and creamy contrast to the sweetness of the guava paste, creating the perfect balance of flavors that makes every single bite of a pastelito so utterly addictive and satisfying.

How to make these pasteles de guayaba y queso

Heat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry sheet over the parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll out the dough to a 10x10 square.
Cut the puff pastry sheet in half on both sides, leaving you with 4 5x5 squares.
Slice ¼ inch thick slices of the guava paste. Trim the slice of guava paste to 3 inches long to make them perfect fit the pastry.
Place a piece of guava paste diagonally and off center of each sqaure.
Slice ¼ inch strips of cream cheese and place over the guava

Brush the edges of the pastry with water.

Carefully fold the pastry square in order to create the traditional triangle shape.
Crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk it until well combined and then brush the tops of the puff pastries with the egg.

Bake at 420F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
While the pastries are baking, make your simple syrup by adding 3 tablespoon of water with 3 tablespoons of white sugar to a cup and microwaving for 1 minute or until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Once out of the oven, brush the top with simple syrup and allow to cool.

Allow the pastries to cool off and then carefully rip them apart, use a knife if needed.

Top tips to make these pastries

Cut the guava strips to 3 inch strips that are ¼-1/2 inch thick.
Place your cream cheese in the freezer for 15 minutes to make it easier to slice.
Do not place your guava and cheese in the center of the square, they have to be places off center to make the pastry fold easily.
Do not stress if your guava strips slightly peak out of the pastry and youre not able to full seal the pastry, this will give the pastries the authentic cuban bakery look.
Cuban bakeries do not seal fully seal the edges of their pasties or crimp the edges with a fork, this is done to allow the pastry to rise as much as possible.

Storage instructions for these cheese and guava turnovers

Storage After Baking

Once your pastelitos have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them in a single layer to protect that beautiful, flaky pastry from getting crushed.
If you need to store them longer, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, keeping in mind that the pastry may soften slightly in the fridge.
To bring them back to their perfectly flaky, golden glory after storing, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes and they will taste just as fresh and delicious as the day they were made.
It is best to avoid storing them in the microwave to reheat, as this will make the puff pastry soft and chewy rather than light and flaky.

Freezing Before Baking

Pastelitos freeze beautifully before baking, making them a fantastic makeahead treat that you can have ready to go whenever a craving strikes.
To freeze, assemble your pastelitos completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they are firm and frozen solid.
Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer safe zip lock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you are ready to bake, there is no need to thaw. Simply place them directly from the freezer onto a parchment lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes or until perfectly golden brown and delicious.

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