Quesitos are one of the most popular Puerto Rican Cream Cheese Pastries and are easily made vegan! They’re light, flaky, and filled with a sweet guava and cream cheese filling. Enjoy as a sweet breakfast treat alongside your favorite morning beverage for the perfect Puerto Rican treat!
This recipe was contributed to our blog by Sachi Georgieva of The Colorful Coach and was inspired by The Hungry Dragonfly.
What are Quesitos?
Quesitos are an incredibly popular in Puerto Rico. They’re typically made with a sweet, cream cheese filling and wrapped in a soft puff pastry dough. Quesitos are also commonly filled with sweet jams and pastes such as guava paste. After baking, these pastries are crispy and flaky on the outside and sweet and creamy on the inside.
Quesitos are most often enjoyed as a sweet breakfast food in Puerto Rico, but can also be enjoyed throughout the day for a sweet snack.
Sachi Georgieva veganized the authentic Puerto Rican pastry by swapping the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and replaced the typical egg wash with a vegan egg wash. If you grew up eating quesitos, we think you’re going to love this easy vegan cream cheese pastries recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need + Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Believe it or not, a lot of premade, store-bought puff pastry doughs are accidentally vegan – we like to use Wewalka Puff Pastry European Bakery Style Dough that we pick up at Fred Meyer. If you can’t find Wewalka Puff Pastry at your local grocery store in the freezer section, check out these 11 Other Vegan Puff Pastry Brands You Can Find in Stores!
Vegan Cream Cheese: We like to use the Kite Hill brand for this recipe, but you could also use our easy Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese or any other vegan cream cheese of choice.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling. For the best, smooth filling, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the bowl with the cream cheese. And to ensure your sugar is vegan, opt for organic.
Vanilla Extract: Optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor to the filling of the cream cheese pastries.
Guava Paste or Jam: Adding guava paste or jam to the filling is optional, but is highly recommended when possible. We were able to find some at our local Hispanic market but it is also available online for a relatively low cost!
Granulated Sugar: A light sprinkle of sugar over the quesitos before baking gives them an added crispiness and sweetness! Again, to ensure that the sugar you are using is vegan-friendly, opt for an organic granulated sugar. We like to use Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Cane Sugar, but you can also use a turbinado sugar of choice.
Liquid Vegan Egg: Authentic quesitos are sealed shut with egg wash, then brushed before baking for additional color and flavor. Sachi’s recipe replaces this egg wash with a liquid vegan egg, such as Just Egg. If you do not want to use a liquid vegan egg or simply don’t have access to it, replace the liquid vegan egg with melted vegan butter or make a vegan egg wash using a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup (2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon sweetener).
Equipment Needed
Medium mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Whisk or fork
Pastry brush
Nonstick baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone mat
How to Make Vegan Puerto Rican Quesitos
Prep the puff pastry. Thaw your puff pastry according to package instructions and set aside while you prepare the cream cheese pastry filling.
Mix the cream cheese and sugar. In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature vegan cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a fork, mix the cream cheese mixture together until well combined and smooth, resembling a consistency similar to cream cheese frosting.
Roll the puff pastry until 12×15-inches. Remove the puff pastry dough from the packaging and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the puff pastry dough into a rectangle, about 12×15-inches. Cut the dough into 12 even squares (this recipe makes 12 quesitos).
Add the filling. Place 1 tablespoon of sweet cream cheese onto each square. If making guava pastries, add a spoonful of guava paste/jam before adding the vegan cream cheese filling.
Seal the quesitos. Brush vegan egg wash onto the corners of each cream cheese pastry and fold the two opposite corners in towards each other, making sure to tuck the top corner all the way underneath and pressing it into the dough to seal tightly.
Sprinkle with sugar. Arrange the quesitos on a nonstick or lined baking sheet and brush each with additional egg wash. Sprinkle with a bit of granulated sugar.
Bake. Bake the vegan quesitos for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Serve. Allow the cream cheese pastries to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet quesitos can be enjoyed just as you’d enjoy any other type of breakfast pastry. Pair them with your favorite morning beverage such as a Date-Sweetened Matcha Latte, a Mocha Frappaccino, or a classic Homemade Cold Brew.
These Puerto Rican pastries are also delicious enjoyed with your fresh fruits, particularly guava, pineapple, or fresh strawberries. Or, if you want to make them even sweeter and more delicious, serve with an additional dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of our Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream.
For more delicious Vegan Puerto Rican recipes, check out our Youtube video: Eating Only Puerto Rican Food for a Day.
Storage Instructions
Vegan Quesitos are best served day of, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
We have not tested freezing quesitos, but it should likely work. If you’d like to give it a try, allow the vegan quesitos to cool completely until room temperature, then wrap each quesito individually in plastic wrap before placing them together in a large freezer-safe bag (we like to use Stasher bags in the freezer – check out more of our favorite ways to reduce kitchen waste here).
Vegan Puerto Rican Creators to Follow:
Sachi Georgiva of the Colorful Coach – In addition to this recipe, Sachi also shares more vegan recipes and more good eats in Mexico city.
Jeremie Serrano of La Comida de Jeremie – We love his Sofrito recipe, Vegan Chicharrón de Pollo and Tostones, and Coquito!
Destiny DeJesus of Eat Yo Destiny – Destiny shares tons of tips on living a sustainable vegan lifestyle as well as authentic Puerto Rican recipes.
Lyana Blount of Black Rican Vegan – Lyana is a Bronx Native and shares amazing Vegan Food in the NYC area!
Karla of VeggieJava – Karla shares plant-based Puerto Rican recipes she develops from her home kitchen in Puerto Rico.
Giselle from the Plant-Based Boricua – Giselle loves veganizing her favorite Puerto Rican and Caribbean recipes and shares them on Instagram as well as her blog!
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you recreate any of our recipes, we love to see your photos!
Print
Authentic Vegan Puerto Rican Quesitos Recipe (Cream Cheese Pastries)
Quesitos are one of the most popular Puerto Rican Cream Cheese Pastries and are easily made vegan! They’re light, flaky, and filled with a sweet guava and cream cheese filling. Enjoy as a sweet breakfast treat alongside your favorite morning beverage for the perfect Puerto Rican treat!
Ingredients
1 package (2 sheets) of vegan puff pastry, thawed
8 ounces vegan cream cheese
2/3 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: guava paste or guava jam
Granulated sugar, to taste
Liquid vegan egg (see notes for alternative)
Instructions
Prepare puff pastry according to package instructions.*
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well-combined.
Unwrap the puff pastry dough on a floured surface and roll until it is about 12×15-inches. Cut into 12 even squares.
Add 1-1.5 tbsp of the sweet cream cheese filling to each square. For cheese & guava quesitos, add a spoonful of guava paste/jam before adding the cream cheese.
Brush vegan egg wash onto the corners of each pastry and fold two opposite corners in toward each other, making sure to tuck the top corner all the way underneath.
Arrange the quesitos onto a nonstick or lined baking pan and brush each quesito with additional vegan egg wash. Sprinkle each with a bit of granulated sugar.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden.
Cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Puff Pastry: Believe it or not, a lot of premade puff pastries are accidentally vegan– we use this one. Some puffed pastries may require thawing before use.
Vegan Cream Cheese: We like to use the Kite Hill brand for this recipe, but any vegan cream cheese should work!
Guava Paste or Jam: This ingredient is optional but recommended. We found some at our local Hispanic market but it is also available online.
Liquid Vegan Egg: If you do not want to use liquid vegan egg, you can make an egg wash alternative by mixing 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup OR you can use melted vegan butter.
These are best when served the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for about 3 days.
This recipe contribution is from Sachi Georgieva of The Colorful Coach and was inspired by The Hungry Dragonfly.
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links, which simply means that we earn a commission if you purchase through those links, but your price remains the same. Thank you for supporting Sweet Simple Vegan!
The post Authentic Vegan Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat chicken on a plant-based diet?
It is impossible to eat chicken on a plant-based diet. Plant-based diets eliminate all animal products including poultry, fish, meat, and fish. Many vegan alternatives to traditionally meat-centric recipes offer the same flavor without using animal products. For example, soy-based meats such as tofu, seitan (wheat gluten), tempeh (fermented soybeans), and mock duck made from mushrooms can mimic the flavor of traditional meats. Vegetarian hamburgers made with black beans or quinoa can also be as good as beef burgers. Additionally, coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits; tofu mayo; veggie hot dogs made with seasoned textured soy protein; and faux chicken strips from wheat gluten offer tasty alternatives that do not require animal products.
Can you still eat at restaurants if you eat a plant-based diet
Many restaurants now offer vegan-friendly options on their menus. In larger cities and communities, many vegan restaurants are popping up and offering exciting food choices. There are many options for vegetarians in mainstream restaurants. You still have the option to enjoy the food and enjoy the atmosphere while on a plantbased diet. You can find recipes with vegetables or legumes, such as seitan, tempeh, and seitan. Vinegar and healthy oils can be substituted for mayonnaise or dressings that are high in saturated oil. Ask your server to make sure you know what vegan items are available.
You can also research vegan cookbooks ahead of time to get ideas on how proteins can be substituted for meats and rich sauces. Restaurants are open to accommodating guests on a plant-based diet. With some research and creativity, eating out on a plant-based diet can easily be done and enjoyed!
Is it difficult to switch to a plant-based diet?
While it can seem intimidating to transition to a vegan diet, it doesn’t have to be. It is possible to change slowly to a plantbased diet. You can also make adjustments that are manageable. Because everyone is unique, it is important that you tailor the transition for your particular lifestyle. You can make the transition easier by focusing on whole foods over processed foods. This ensures that you are getting enough of essential vitamins and minerals as well as macronutrients. Individuals should focus on creating delicious meals that are enjoyable to eat and meet their dietary requirements.
A support system of friends, family, and certified healthcare professionals can help people stay on track to their goals for a plant-based lifestyle transition. Cooking new recipes can bring excitement and variety to the journey. You don't have to feel hungry or bored when you make this diet change. There are plenty of vegan options. Change slowly while still paying attention to daily nutrients is key to a successful plant-based diet.
Are there any athletes or celebrities who advocate a plant-based lifestyle?
Yes, many athletes and celebrities support a plant-based diet. Some of these include Kyrie, the NBA's player, Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 World Champion, Natalie Portman and Kenneth Farrow who are all NFL running backs. Each of these people have chosen the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle to suit their goals and achieved remarkable results in their athletic endeavors or artistic endeavors. Actress Alicia Silverstone even wrote a book titled Kind Diet, about her experiences with veganism. Novak Djokovic is a professional tennis player. He credits his remarkable habit of eating only organic vegan foods during competitions with his career success. The significant characteristics that all four professional athletes have identified include a greater energy level, faster healing from injuries, and improved health and wellbeing. This success story shows that plant-based nutrition can be a great tool to help athletes achieve greater athleticism.
Are plant-based diets the same as vegan diets?
A plant-based diet does not mean you have to eat vegan. A plant based diet is an eating pattern that focuses on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Although this eating style does not include meat, dairy or other animal products, it may contain small amounts of animal protein. Veganism, on other hand, is an ethical lifestyle choice. It involves eating a plant-based diet and avoiding cosmetics or clothing made with animal products. Although vegans may also choose to adopt a plant based diet as part their lifestyle, they are separate concepts.
Can a plant based diet reduce the chance of developing chronic diseases?
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular due to their many environmental and health benefits. It is a diet that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There are many benefits to a plant-based approach to eating, such as improved heart health and digestive health, energy levels, decreased stress hormones, potential environmental protection, and increased energy. A plant-based diet can provide enough protein. There are many excellent alternatives to protein.
Can I Eat Meat on A Plant-Based Diet?
Although plant-based diets prohibit meat, fish and poultry, they allow certain food items to be prepared that do not contain animal products. For instance, some people on a plant-based diet still consume dairy or eggs in moderation. There are many options for those who want to make the switch to a plant diet. Plant-based diets focus primarily on fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes such as beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, whole grains such as oatmeal and quinoa, soy products, and fortified foods like non-dairy almond or coconut milk.
You can find vegan products at most grocery stores, in addition to vegan restaurants that specialize in vegan food. Many soy-based meats, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh ("fermented soybeans"), and mock duck (made from mushrooms), can mimic traditional meat dishes' flavor and texture. There are many vegetarian burgers that have the same taste as beef burgers, including burgers made with black beans and quinoa.
There are plenty of plant-based substitutes available to those who do not want to sacrifice their carnivorous favorite foods. Tofu mayo, coconut bacon strips, eggplant bacon bits, and veggie hot dogs made from seasoned textured soybean protein are some vegan alternatives. All of these delicious options can also be used to make faux chicken strips with wheat gluten. Furthermore, while some processed forms of fermented fungi, like mushrooms, taste like something similar to steak or pork when cooked properly, they can have similar sensory properties as meat but with significantly less environmental impact due to their far lower water use when compared with livestock production. The best part about switching to a plantbased diet is that meat that was once consumed can be replaced by these alternatives.
Statistics
In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
How to transition to a plant-based diet without feeling overwhelmed?
Making the transition to a plant-based diet can be overwhelming at first - however, with adequate preparation and education, it is achievable. To start, take baby steps and gradually incorporate the necessary dietary changes - replacing animal proteins with plant-based proteins, for example. Whole foods are healthier and filling than processed alternatives.
Dedication is key to successful meal prep and planning. It's important to plan ahead so you can know what you need and how much time you have to spend on each dish. Investing in kitchen appliances such as slow cookers or multi-cookers can help simplify usage; batch cooking ensures you have multiple meals ready in one go!
Finally, don't forget to keep experimenting with new flavors that you may enjoy. Experimenting with different cuisines can help you add variety to your vegan diet. Instead of shopping impulse at the grocery store, create a grocery plan that is based on recipes. It will be easier to make the switch if you have the right ingredients and some helpful preparation tips.
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