Brazo Gitano de Guayaba (Jelly Roll with Guava)

5.0
(1)

Recipe I've had for over 25 years. In Puerto Rico, the brazo gitano made by Franco in Mayaguez is a favorite. This homemade version may not be an exact duplicate but it is just as good or better, in my opinion. Mix and match the fillings to your taste. Cream cheese along with the fruit of your choice is a favorite of many.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
1 jelly roll
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup sifted self-rising flour

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar, or as needed

  • 1 cup guava paste, softened

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan.

  2. Break eggs into a small mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer until thick and lemon-colored. Beat in sugar gradually. Add water, lime zest, and vanilla extract and blend well. Beat in flour gradually until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan.

  3. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and loosen the edges with a sharp knife. Turn out immediately onto a tea towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.

  4. Cut guava paste into chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until spreadable. Be careful, it will get hot because of the high sugar content.

  5. Trim any stiff edges off of the cake and spread guava over. Roll up carefully in jelly roll fashion from the narrow end, using the towel to ease the cake over. Let cool in the towel on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.

  6. Remove the towel carefully and sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the top if desired. Slice to serve.

Cook's Notes:

You can use guava jelly instead of paste, or any jam of your choice for a different flavor.

You may also spread a layer of cream cheese (plain or sweetened to your taste) before the guava. If you do this, watch the temperature of the guava paste; if it is too hot it will melt the cheese and it will make a mess. Keep things just warm enough for spreadability.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

233 Calories
2g Fat
52g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 233
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 56mg 19%
Sodium 181mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 12mg 14%
Calcium 52mg 4%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 56mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.