Pastelitos estilo gansito casero

Pastelitos estilo gansito casero is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cocina con Peña on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $18.93 total, $2.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200 g)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil (80 ml, neutral flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk (120 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (190 g, sifted)
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 cup Strawberry Jam (250 g, any brand)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (16 g)
  • 2 tbsp Cold Water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 100 g Milk Chocolate Chips (semi‑sweet, good melting quality)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (240 ml, cold)
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (for glaze) (60 ml)
  • 2 tbsp Milk (for chocolate melt) (30 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vanilla sponge batter

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar and vanilla extract with a whisk or electric mixer on high speed until the mixture turns pale, fluffy and triples in volume.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients

    Add the vegetable oil and milk to the egg mixture, mixing briefly. Then sift the flour together with the baking powder and fold it in gently until just combined. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bake the sponge cake

    Preheat the oven to 190°C. Grease the baking pan and line with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 190°C

  4. Cool the cake

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before handling.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Thicken the strawberry jam

    In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberry jam, cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and stir over medium heat until the mixture becomes glossy and thick, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Make the chocolate glaze

    Place the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus 2 tbsp milk) in a microwave‑safe bowl. Heat in 30‑second bursts, stirring after each burst, until smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Whip chocolate‑infused cream

    Melt the remaining 100 g chocolate with 2 tbsp milk, let it cool to room temperature. In a clean bowl, pour the cold heavy whipping cream, add the cooled chocolate mixture, and beat with an electric mixer on medium‑high speed until the volume doubles and soft peaks form.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Assemble the cake

    Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off a thin layer (about ½ inch) from the top of the cooled cake to create a lid. Spread the thickened strawberry jam evenly over the exposed surface. Pipe or spread the whipped chocolate‑cream on top of the jam. Replace the lid. Pour the chocolate glaze over the entire cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Chill and serve

    Leave the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Slice into 8 equal portions and serve chilled.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy (chocolate lecithin)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Pastelitos estilo gansito casero

Recipe by Cocina con Peña

A homemade version of the classic Mexican Gansito snack cake. Light vanilla sponge filled with strawberry jam, topped with a fluffy chocolate‑cream and coated in a glossy chocolate glaze. Perfect for kids and adults, served chilled.

MediumMexicanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 5m
Prep
30m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.93
Total cost
$2.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Beating the eggs, sugar and vanilla until the mixture triples in volume.
  • Baking the sponge cake until a clean toothpick emerges.
  • Thickening the strawberry jam with cornstarch without forming lumps.
  • Achieving a smooth, glossy chocolate glaze.
  • Assembling the cake with a proper lid and even layers.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and hot saucepans with oven mitts.
  • Melted chocolate and hot jam can cause burns; stir carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pastelitos estilo Gansito in Mexican cuisine?

A

Gansito is an iconic Mexican snack cake created in the 1970s by the Marinela brand. It quickly became a beloved treat for children and adults because of its soft vanilla sponge, strawberry jam center, and chocolate coating. The homemade version honors that nostalgia while allowing families to control ingredients and cost.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Gansito‑style cake in Mexico?

A

While the classic Gansito uses strawberry jam, some regions substitute guava or mango jam for a tropical twist. In the north, a thicker buttercream may replace the whipped chocolate cream, and in coastal areas a hint of lime zest is sometimes added to the jam.

cultural
Q

How is Gansito traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

Gansito is usually eaten as a snack or dessert, often chilled and sliced into bite‑size squares. It is a common treat at school lunches, birthday parties, and family gatherings, especially when served with a cold glass of milk.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is Gansito commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?

A

Gansito appears at birthday parties, school events, and informal family gatherings. Its portable size makes it popular for picnics and school lunchboxes, and it is also a nostalgic treat during Día de los Niños (Children's Day).

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a classic Gansito versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic recipe calls for a vanilla‑flavored sponge, strawberry jam, a light whipped chocolate cream, and a chocolate glaze. Substitutes can include vanilla‑flavored cake mixes, fruit preserves other than strawberry, and dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, as long as the texture remains soft and the coating stays glossy.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican desserts pair well with homemade Gansito‑style cake?

A

Gansito pairs nicely with traditional Mexican desserts such as cajeta‑drizzled flan, arroz con leche, or fresh fruit with chamoy. A cup of Mexican hot chocolate or café de olla balances the sweet richness of the cake.

cultural
Q

How has the homemade Gansito cake evolved over time in Mexican home cooking?

A

Home cooks have adapted the original snack by using ready‑made cake mixes, adding stabilizers like cornstarch to the jam, and incorporating modern equipment like stand mixers. Health‑conscious versions replace some oil with applesauce or use reduced‑sugar jam, but the core flavor profile remains unchanged.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade Gansito‑style cake?

A

Common errors include under‑beating the egg‑sugar mixture, over‑mixing after adding flour, not thickening the jam enough, and letting the chocolate glaze set before it can be spread evenly. Each of these can result in a dense cake, runny filling, or a cracked coating.

technical
Q

Why does this Gansito recipe melt chocolate with milk instead of using a double‑boiler?

A

Melting chocolate with a small amount of milk in the microwave or a quick stovetop melt creates a glossy, fluid glaze without the need for a double‑boiler, saving time and equipment. The milk adds a silky texture that mimics the original commercial coating.

technical
Q

Can I make the homemade Gansito‑style cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake the sponge and store it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the jam and chocolate glaze in separate airtight containers. Assemble the cake no more than a few hours before serving, then refrigerate until ready to eat.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cocina con Peña specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cocina con Peña specializes in easy, budget‑friendly Latin American home cooking, focusing on classic comfort foods, quick snack hacks, and step‑by‑step tutorials that make traditional dishes accessible to everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cocina con Peña's approach to Mexican snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cocina con Peña emphasizes using readily available supermarket ingredients, offers cost‑saving shortcuts (like pre‑flavored flour mixes), and presents each recipe in a concise, energetic style that encourages viewers to try the dish without needing specialized equipment.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Arroz Frito Casero (Fried Rice, Mexican Home Style)
16

Arroz Frito Casero (Fried Rice, Mexican Home Style)

A simple and delicious homemade fried rice recipe inspired by Asian cuisine, made with jasmine rice, vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. This recipe is adapted for the home kitchen and can be prepared in a single day without needing to chill the rice overnight.

1 hr 5 minServes 3$4
Asian Fusion
Lasaña Clásica Mexicana (Estilo Fiesta)
12

Lasaña Clásica Mexicana (Estilo Fiesta)

Una lasaña tradicional al estilo mexicano, perfecta para fiestas y reuniones familiares. Incluye una salsa roja casera, carne molida con verduras, salsa bechamel cremosa y abundante queso. Adaptada para el gusto mexicano, esta receta es un favorito en celebraciones decembrinas.

2 hrs 50 minServes 8$31
Italiana-Mexicana
Homemade Gansito Snack Cake
71

Homemade Gansito Snack Cake

A homemade version of the beloved Mexican snack cake Gansito. Light sponge cake filled with strawberry jelly and marshmallow‑like vanilla cream, coated in a chocolate‑cocoa fondant and finished with crunchy chocolate sprinkles. Makes about eight bite‑size cakes.

4 hrs 45 minServes 8$9
Mexican
Peruvian Tartar Sauce (Salsa Tártara al estilo peruano)
37

Peruvian Tartar Sauce (Salsa Tártara al estilo peruano)

A bright, creamy Peruvian‑style tartar sauce made with homemade mayonnaise, mustard, finely diced onion, scallions, parsley and a hard‑boiled egg. Perfect for fried fish, calamari, chicken chicharrón, fries or as a sandwich spread.

25 minServes 4$3
Peruvian
Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Cream Cheese Puff Pastry)
24

Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Cream Cheese Puff Pastry)

Flaky puff‑pastry pockets filled with a sweet‑tangy guava paste and creamy vanilla‑scented cream cheese, brushed with a golden egg wash and sprinkled with turbinado sugar. Perfect for a Cuban‑style dessert or snack.

2 hrs 2 minServes 12$11
Cuban
Arroz con Leche al Estilo Selma Fujita
8

Arroz con Leche al Estilo Selma Fujita

A creamy, fragrant rice pudding made with Valencia short‑grain rice, coconut milk, cow's milk, and a double‑sweetened sugar ratio. Infused with cinnamon sticks, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt, this traditional Latin American dessert is cooked slowly to keep the rice grains intact and finished with a dusting of ground cinnamon.

1 hr 50 minServes 6$9
Latin American
Tortas ahogadas de carne Estilo Guadalajara Jalisco
4

Tortas ahogadas de carne Estilo Guadalajara Jalisco

A classic Mexican street‑food sandwich drenched in a rich tomato broth and a fiery chile de árbol sauce, filled with tender pork carnitas, refried beans, and crisp red onion. This recipe follows the step‑by‑step method from the YouTube channel Chapis y Hack, including tips for making the meat and sauces from scratch.

1 hr 50 minServes 4$16
Mexican
🔴Como Hacer un Delicioso Mole Rojo Doña Maria de Vaso Casero Fácil y Rico
6

🔴Como Hacer un Delicioso Mole Rojo Doña Maria de Vaso Casero Fácil y Rico

A rich, homemade Mexican red mole served over tender chicken legs. This recipe follows the step‑by‑step method from the YouTube channel El Sabor Latino, using Doña María mole paste, dried chilies, chocolate, and aromatic spices for a deep, authentic flavor.

3 hrs 7 minServes 8$64
Mexican