Puerto Rican Panetela (Guava Cake)
Guava Panetela are a sophisticated and unique pastry, perfect for impressing discerning guests. These delicate Cuban treats are known for their light, flaky texture and luscious guava filling, that combines the rich flavors of almond-infused cake with sweet guava paste making them an exquisite dessert for any refined occasion. Originating from Cuba, Guava Panetela blend buttery dough with rich, fruity guava paste, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.It is also popular in South Florida and many other country for its delicious taste. This comprehensive recipe will guide you through the creation of these delightful pastries with precision and ease
Ingredients
Here’s a table listing all the ingredients for the dough, filling, and topping:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| For the Dough | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (cold, small pieces) | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2-3 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra flour (for rolling out dough) | Approximately 1/3 cup |
| Cold water (if required) | 2-3 teaspoons |
| For the Filling | |
| Guava paste (cut into small cubes) | 1 cup |
| For the Topping | |
| Powdered sugar | 1/4 cup |
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Combine dry ingredients: In a huge mixing vessel, stir gently the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt so the sugar and salt distributed equally across the flour.
- Including the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Stir until the mixture has a texture like coarse crumbs using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. A flaky dough depends on the butter remaining cold.
- Combine damp elements: Whisk together the eggs and vanilla essence in another basin. Add this combination to the blend of flour and butter.
- Shape the dough: Mix till the dough balls together. Add a teaspoon of cold water bit by bit until the appropriate consistency is obtained if the dough seems overly dry.
- Freeze the dough. To help with simpler handling and rolling, cover the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum half an hour.
Step 2: Assemble the Panetela
- Preheat the oven: Turn on the oven to 350°F (175°C). Parchment paper will help a baking sheet stay free from sticking.
- Keeping a rectangular form for consistent cutting, roll out the chilled dough on a surface coated with flour to a thickness of roughly 1/8 inch
- Cut the dough: To guarantee even baking, cut the rolled-out dough into 2-inch width strips.
- Add the filling: Place a small cube of guava paste at the end of each dough strip, ensuring the guava paste is soft enough to handle yet firm enough to retain its shape.
- Roll the dough: Gently roll the dough over the guava paste to form a small log, ensuring the edges are securely sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Position the filled dough logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for even baking.
Step 3: Bake and Finish
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the Panetelas achieve a light golden brown hue. Monitor closely to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Allow the Panetelas to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up.
- Dust with sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the Panetelas with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
- Maintaining cool butter will help you to get the necessary flaky texture when mixing it with the flour.
- Thoroughly chill the dough; this helps to avoid stickiness and facilitates rolling.
- Cut uniformly: Consistent cutting of dough strips ensures uniform baking.
- Soften guava paste judiciously: If the guava paste is too firm, briefly warm it in the microwave to soften, ensuring it does not melt.
- Seal the edges carefully. Properly seal the dough edges around the guava paste to prevent filling leakage.
Serving Suggestions
Present your guava panetelas with a refined cup of coffee or tea. These pastries are ideal for sharing during sophisticated gatherings, indulging in a sweet moment, or enhancing a dessert table. They also serve as an elegant gift for special occasions.
