As the sun sets and the kitchen fills with warmth, I can’t help but think of the delightful pastries that have brightened my gatherings. Enter guava empanadas—my go-to treat for whenever I want to impress without breaking a sweat. Their flaky crust envelopes a luscious blend of cream cheese and sweet guava paste, creating a treat that’s not just delicious but also oh-so-simple to whip up!
I stumbled upon this recipe during a casual brunch with friends, and it transformed into a staple that never fails to steal the spotlight. The combination of flavors has become the highlight of our family gatherings, evoking smiles and nostalgic conversations. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack or a festive celebration, these empanadas promise to elevate any occasion.
Join me as I guide you through crafting these charming little hand pies that are sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire!
Why are Guava Empanadas a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavor: The sweet guava combines magic with creamy cheese, creating a filling that’s both fruity and indulgent.
Easy prep: These empanadas require no special skills, making them perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family get-together or a game night, these treats are bound to be the star of the show!
Versatile option: Serve them warm as a snack or cool as a dessert, they fit any occasion seamlessly.
Time-efficient: With minimal active cooking time, you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. For more delicious pastry ideas, check out my other recipes on homemade treats!
Guava Empanadas Ingredients
• Dive into the perfect blend of flavors!
For the Dough
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – A versatile base for that flaky texture.
• 2 tsp granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 tsp salt – Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing taste.
• 1 cup very cold unsalted butter, cut in cubes – Ensures a tender, flaky crust when mixed in.
• 1/2 cup very cold water (up to 2/3 cup if needed) – Helps bring the dough together without overworking it.
For the Filling
• 8 oz cream cheese – Provides a rich, creamy layer that complements the guava.
• 21 oz guava paste (Goya) – The star of our empanadas, delivering a sweet, tropical flavor.
For the Egg Wash
• 1 large egg – Gives your empanadas a beautiful golden finish.
• 2 tbsp water – Thins the egg for an easy brush-on application.
For the Topping
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Perfect for a sweet crust that contrasts nicely with the filling.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth, making every bite irresistible.
Prepare your ingredients, and let’s get ready to craft these delightful guava empanadas!
How to Make Guava Empanadas
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. This creates a lovely base for your empanada dough.
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Incorporate butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fingers, cut the butter into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture with various-sized crumbs.
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Form the dough: Slowly drizzle in the cold water, starting with 1/2 cup. Mix gently until a ball of dough forms, adding more water if necessary. Knead briefly to bring everything together without overworking.
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Chill the dough: Divide the dough into 3 or 4 sections, roll each into a ball, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to let it rest.
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Roll out the dough: Flour your work surface, then roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures a flaky and tender crust.
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Cut out circles: Use a large cutter (approximately 4 ½ inches) to cut out dough circles. Gather any scraps and re-roll as needed for more circles.
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Add the filling: On the lower half of each dough circle, spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and spread it, leaving a ½ inch border. Then, add another layer of guava paste on top.
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Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this egg wash around the edges of the dough circle to help seal the empanadas.
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Seal the empanadas: Fold each dough circle in half to create a semicircle. Use a fork to press the edges together tightly and make two small slits on the top for steam to escape.
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Apply topping: In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the empanadas with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top.
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Chill before baking: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and refrigerate for an additional 20-25 minutes. This step helps them firm up for optimal baking.
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F. This ensures ideal baking conditions for those golden, flaky pockets.
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Bake to perfection: Bake the empanadas for 20-30 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. If the dough is thicker, you may need to bake for up to 40 minutes. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Guava and Cheese Empanadas?
As you indulge in these sweet and savory pastries, consider what would beautifully complement their unique flavor and texture.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of juicy mango, pineapple, and berries adds a refreshing bite and balances the sweetness of the empanadas.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut-infused rice provides a delightful base that enhances the tropical essence of guava.
- Spicy Salsa: A zesty mango or pineapple salsa introduces a tangy kick, perfect for those who love a flavor contrast. The sweetness of the fruits matches beautifully with the guava.
- Chilled Mint Tea: This invigorating drink is light and refreshing, perfectly cutting through the richness of the creamy filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served on the side creates a heavenly dessert experience with the warm empanadas.
- Margaritas: Whether traditional or fruit-flavored, a refreshing margarita pairs perfectly with the sweet notes of the empanadas. It’s a great way to elevate gatherings with friends.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an indulgent dessert twist, serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The rich chocolate accents the fruity guava beautifully.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel over the empanadas offers a harmonious sweet finish, making each bite utterly irresistible.
How to Store and Freeze Guava Empanadas
Room Temperature: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy them as a quick snack anytime!
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep empanadas in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven for a delightful crispness.
Freezer: Freeze the empanadas before baking by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen empanadas, simply bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Perfectly preserved guava empanadas at your fingertips!
Make Ahead Options
These Guava Empanadas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring you save valuable time on busy days. Simply follow the recipe through sealing the empanadas, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This will keep them fresh without compromising on flavor. For the best results, when you’re ready to bake, just brush them with the egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before popping them in the oven. They’ll turn out just as delicious, giving you a delightful treat with minimal effort!
Guava Empanadas Variations
Feel free to put your spin on these delightful pastries for a personalized touch that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Vegan: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and use plant-based butter.
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Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the guava paste for a sweet-and-spicy twist that elevates the flavor profile.
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Nutty: Incorporate crushed walnuts or almonds into the cream cheese filling for a crunchy texture that complements the sweetness of guava.
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Pastry Crust: Use puff pastry instead of the dough for a lighter, flakier crust that adds an elegant touch to your empanadas.
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Fruity Fusion: Experiment with other fruit pastes, such as passion fruit or mango, mixed with cream cheese for a delightful exotic flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs while keeping the same satisfying texture.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled empanadas for a decadent dessert twist that will surely impress any sweet tooth.
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Zesty Citrus: Add a teaspoon of lime or orange zest into the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus burst that brightens up the rich flavors.
Helpful Tricks for Guava Empanadas
Chill your ingredients: Make sure your butter and water are very cold. This helps create a lighter, flaky crust for your guava empanadas.
Avoid over-kneading: Only knead the dough briefly until it comes together. Overworking can lead to tough empanadas that lose their flakiness.
Seal securely: Press the edges tightly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking. Ensure you brush the edges with egg wash for better adhesion.
Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on the empanadas as they bake; if they are golden brown but not puffed, they may need more time depending on dough thickness.
Cool before serving: Allow the empanadas to cool to room temperature before serving. This enhances their flavors and makes them easier to handle.
Guava Empanadas Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe guava for the filling?
Absolutely! When choosing guava, look for fruit that is slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet, fragrant aroma. Avoid guavas with dark spots all over, as these can indicate overripeness or spoilage. If using guava paste, check that it has a smooth texture and is not dry or crumbly.
How should I store leftover guava empanadas?
Very! Store your leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them crispy when reheating, an oven is the best method. Simply preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, put them in the fridge where they’ll remain fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze guava empanadas?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option! To freeze before baking, place the filled empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). After that, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
What’s the best method for reheating frozen guava empanadas?
Definitely! To reheat, bake the frozen empanadas at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. This method helps keep the crust flaky and delicious, just like when they were first baked.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Very important! If you’re serving these to guests with allergies, be aware that both the cream cheese and guava paste may contain allergens. You can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for those sensitive to dairy. Additionally, always check the packaging of guava paste to ensure it doesn’t contain any additives that may trigger allergies.
How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?
I recommend sealing each empanada securely! After adding the filling, brush the edges with egg wash before folding and pressing them with a fork. Ensure they’re tightly sealed, and create small slits on the top for steam to escape. This will help prevent any delicious fillings from leaking out while baking.
Irresistible Guava Empanadas that Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Cut the butter into the flour until crumbly.
- Slowly drizzle in the cold water, mixing gently until a ball of dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 3 or 4 sections, roll each into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
- Flour your work surface, then roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out dough circles using a cutter (approximately 4 ½ inches).
- On the lower half of each dough circle, add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and another layer of guava paste.
- Whisk the egg and water together. Brush the egg wash around the edges of the dough circle.
- Fold the dough circle in half and press the edges together with a fork.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the empanadas with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
- Refrigerate the empanadas for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20-30 minutes.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
