Guava Cheese Pop Tarts

Indulge in the perfect blend of tropical sweetness and creamy richness with these Homemade Guava Cheese Pop Tarts. Featuring a flaky, golden-brown crust and a vibrant pink glaze, these pastries bring a gourmet twist to a nostalgic breakfast favorite that is perfect for any time of day.

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These treats are more than just a quick snack; they are a celebration of contrasting textures. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the dense, fruity sweetness of the guava paste, all encased in a tender, handcrafted dough that shatters with every bite.

Ingredients

• Pastry: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1/3 cup (80 ml) ice-cold water, 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• Filling: 3/4 cup (200 g) guava paste or thick guava jam, 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pink or red food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter. Using a pastry blender or fingers, cut butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough comes together. Divide in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Cut into 8 rectangles (approx. 3x4 inches/7.5x10 cm).

Step 5: Fill the Tarts

Place 1 teaspoon guava paste and 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture in the center of 4 rectangles, leaving a border.

Step 6: Assemble

Brush edges with beaten egg. Top with remaining rectangles, pressing edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.

Step 7: Final Chill

Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with egg wash. Prick tops with a fork to vent.

Step 9: Bake

Bake 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

Step 10: Glaze

For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Add food coloring if desired. Drizzle or spread over cooled pop tarts. Let set before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure your butter and water are ice-cold to achieve maximum flakiness. Chilling the assembled tarts for 10 minutes before baking helps prevent the filling from leaking out during the cooking process. For extra crunch, you can sprinkle the pop tarts with coarse sugar just before placing them in the oven.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While guava provides a unique tropical flavor, you can easily substitute the guava paste with strawberry or apricot jam for a classic fruit variation. This vegetarian recipe is highly adaptable to whatever thick jam or fruit paste you have on hand.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these pop tarts fresh and slightly warm, or at room temperature with a cup of hot coffee. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.

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Whether you are hosting a brunch or looking for a special afternoon treat, these Guava Cheese Pop Tarts are sure to impress with their artisanal look and irresistible sweet-and-savory profile.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh guava instead of paste?

While fresh guava won't provide the same concentrated sweetness and thick texture, you can cook it down with sugar to create a jam-like consistency. Guava paste is recommended for authentic flavor and proper filling thickness.

→ How do I store these pastries?

Store completely cooled pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed pastries between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and filling. You can also freeze the dough disks for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

→ What other fruit fillings work well?

Strawberry, apricot, raspberry, or mango preserves pair beautifully with cream cheese. For a tropical twist, try pineapple or passion fruit jam. Ensure any substitute is thick enough to prevent leaking during baking.

→ Why chill the dough before baking?

Chilling relaxes the gluten, preventing shrinkage in the oven, and solidifies the butter, creating flaky layers. The 10-minute chill after assembly helps maintain the pastry shape and ensures clean, defined edges when crimped.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter sticks and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The egg wash can be replaced with plant milk or melted vegan butter for golden browning. Texture may vary slightly.