If you're looking for a dessert that's quick and easy to make, then you've come to the right place! This Quick & Easy Guava Danish recipe is the perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy no-bake cheesecake, and sweet guava fruit preserves. Try and enjoy!
Hungry for more fruity treats? Create my Vegan Berry Cheesecake, 4 Ingredient Fruit Popsicles, and Mixed Berry Cobbler.
What is Guava Danish?
Guava Danish is one of the delicious fruit cream cheese pastries that is often enjoyed as a breakfast, dessert, or snack item. The dough is typically made with butter, flour, and yeast, which gives it a light and flaky texture.
The filling is made with Cuban guava jam or paste, which is a thick and sweet fruit spread that is commonly used in Cuban pastries or Latin American cuisines. The guava filling is usually mixed with cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk to balance out the tartness of the guava.
Some variations of guava cream cheese danish may also include other ingredients such as cinnamon, nuts, or powdered sugar for added flavor and texture.
Guava is a tropical fruit that gives the recipe a bright, sweet flavor. The rich, no-bake cheesecake filling ties everything together, turning these different parts into a tasty treat that easily combines the best of both worlds.
Health Benefits of Guava:
- Low in calories and fat, making them a weight-friendly choice.
- The vitamins and antioxidants in guavas enhance skin and hair health.
- Support heart health by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.
- Provide a high dose of vitamin C, promoting immune health and skin vitality.
- Help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
- A good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Tips and Procedures:
- Substitutions and Additions:
- If you can't find no-bake cheesecake, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract as a substitute.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves if you want to customize the flavor. Apricot, raspberry, or strawberry preserves are great alternatives to guava.
- Preparation:
- When rolling out the puff pastry sheet, make sure to do it on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- For a perfectly golden crust, consider applying an egg wash or sprinkling turbinado sugar (cane sugar) onto your pastries before baking. This will give them a beautiful finish.
- Storage:
- In the Fridge: Store leftover Guava Danish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its crispiness.
- In the Freezer: Before brushing with egg wash, you can freeze unbaked pastries. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. Bake frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- On the Counter: It's best to enjoy these pastries fresh on the day of baking for the crispiest texture and optimal flavor.
How to Make Guava Danish:
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
Begin by carefully unrolling the folds of the puff pastry dough on a work surface. This delicate step sets the stage for your cheesy masterpiece.
Next, precision is key. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough horizontally into thirds and then vertically into thirds, creating neat squares that will cradle the cheesy goodness:
Score a square in the dough about ¼ inch from the outside. Be gentle; you don't want to cut all the way through.
Use a fork to poke holes inside the scored area. This helps release steam and ensures your danish bakes up perfectly:
Now comes the indulgent part. Add a heaping spoonful or two of the no-bake cheesecake filling to the scored square on the parchment paper. Spread it evenly, making sure every bite is delightfully creamy:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fruit preserves (optional). Choose your favorite or mix and match for a playful twist:
If you prefer a more golden crust, go for the optional egg wash. Brush it over your danish. Preheat your oven to the perfect temperature, and then bake your creations for 15 minutes or until golden brown at 375°F (190°C):
That's it. Enjoy this guava cream cheese pastry with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Guava cheese pastries, also known as "pastelitos de guayaba y queso" in Spanish, have their origins in Cuban cuisine. They are a popular pastry in Cuban bakeries and are made by filling puff pastry with sweet guava paste, creating a delicious and fruity treat.
Guavas are called "guayabas" in Spanish.
Guava paste has a sweet and intensely fruity flavor, with notes of tropical guava and a concentrated sweetness. Its texture is dense and firm, similar to a thick fruit jelly or fruit leather.
Quick & Easy Guava Danish
Equipment
- 2 Parchment lined sheet pans
- Knife or Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry dough
- 2 cup no bake cheesecake
- 1 cup guava fruit preserves optional
Instructions
- Carefully roll out the puff pastry dough.
- Cut horizontally in thirds.
- Cut vertically in thirds.
- Score a square in the dough about ¼ in from the outside.
- Do not cut all the way through.
- Use a fork and poke holes in the dough inside the scored area.
- Add a heaping spoonful or two of the no bake cheesecake.
- Spread inside of the scored square.
- Add preserves (optional).
- Brush with egg wash (optional), if you prefer a more golden crust.
- Make sure to preheat the oven. Bake for 15 mins at 375°F (190°C).
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