Cupcakes with Guava Pastelito Flavor

Ingredients

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

Step 1

Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with 16 paper liners. Cut the guava paste into medium-sized squares and pop them into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for about 2 minutes, then whisk until it melts down to a jelly-like texture—if it’s still too chunky, give it a bit more time in the microwave.

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, butter, and eggs until the mixture is nice and creamy. Add the flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt, stirring just until it’s halfway mixed. Pour in the guava nectar and mix everything together well. Gently fold in the melted guava paste so it’s evenly spread through the batter. If you want, stir in some red food coloring to get that pretty pastelito look.

Step 3

Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving on.

Step 4

While the cupcakes cool, whip up the frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on low speed until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and a little red food coloring, mixing just until everything is combined. Chill the frosting for about 10 to 15 minutes, then spread it over your cooled cupcakes and enjoy!