If you love desserts that are rich but not flat, this one hits. The base is a cheesecake style mix of smetana, cream cheese, and lemon zest, churned until thick and creamy, then studded with guava paste so every bite has that sweet-tart tropical pop. It’s bright, smooth, and tastes way more impressive than the ingredient list suggests.

What is the history of pastelito de guayaba y queso?

Pastelito de guayaba y queso (guava and cheese pastry) is one of the most iconic Cuban bakery pastries - flaky layers of puff pastry wrapped around sweet guava paste and creamy cheese. It’s a classic for a reason: the guava is bright and fruity, the cheese is tangy and rich, and together they hit that perfect sweet-salty balance that never gets old. This ice cream is inspired by that exact flavor combo. Puff pastry itself comes from European baking, but in Cuba it became something uniquely local once it met guava, a tropical fruit that grows easily across the region and has long been cooked down into thick, sliceable guava paste for preserving. Over time the pastelito became a classic breakfast and cafecito companion sold in panaderias, served at family gatherings and carried with Cuban communities abroad, especially in places like Florida, where it’s now considered a signature comfort food you can find in almost any Cuban bakery.

How to make guava cheesecake ice cream?

Now back to ice cream! To begin the recipe first make the cheesecake ice cream by adding the smetana, cream cheese, cream, sugar, salt, and the lemon juice and peel in a food processor. Pulse until fully combined. Transfer the ice cream base into a large bowl, then fold in the guava paste chunks until uniformly spread. Transfer the ice cream into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturers instructions, usually about 20-35 minutes. Place the ice cream into a freezer safe container overnight until it hardens. Enjoy!

Tips

Put the tub from your ice cream maker in a freezer a day or two before starting this recipe.
Cut the guava paste into small chunks so you get some in every bite.
Make sure your container is freezer safe - not all types of glass are fit for freezer and may break.