Guava Pastelito Cupcakes

This is the cupcake version of Cuban pastelitos! Guava cupcakes with cream cheese frosting blend in harmony and are reminiscent of the beloved pastries. With every bite you get a piece of guava inside a soft, moist cake. Can't beat it!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 362 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 5 drops red food coloring, or as desired
• 2 (8 ounce) jars guava paste
• 1 cup 100% guava nectar
• 20 drops red food coloring, or as desired (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 16 cupcake cups with paper liners.

Step 2

Cut guava paste into medium squares and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Whisk until melted down but still slightly chunky, about the consistency of jelly (heat more if necessary).

Step 3

Beat brown sugar, butter, and eggs together with a mixer in a large bowl until creamy. Add flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt; stir until halfway mixed. Pour in guava nectar and mix until everything is fully incorporated. Fold in heated guava paste until evenly distributed. Mix in red food coloring.

Step 4

Fill each prepared cupcake cup evenly with batter.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 6

While the cupcakes are cooling, blend cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar and red food coloring. Mix on low speed until fully blended. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes. Frost cooled cupcakes.