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Imagine biting into a warm, flaky empanada filled with a luscious blend of sweet guava and creamy cheese. Guava and cream cheese empanadas are not just a recipe; they are pure comfort. This delightful treat is the kind of dish that brings family and friends together, filling the kitchen with sweet aromas that evoke cherished memories. Whether it’s a special occasion or a quiet afternoon, these empanadas are sure to evoke smiles and satisfaction all around the table.
The magic of guava and cream cheese empanadas lies in their simple yet rich ingredients. You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create the perfect dough, with 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter providing a buttery texture. A touch of 1/4 cup sugar gives some sweetness to balance the tartness of 1 cup of guava paste, complemented by the creamy richness of 8 ounces of cream cheese. Just a bit of salt and a single large egg to bind the dough, topped off with 1/4 cup of ice water, makes this recipe straightforward. This classic combination results in a delightful flavor profile, where the sweetness of guava meets the smoothness of cream cheese, all wrapped in a buttery pastry.
Making these empanadas is easy and approachable. Start by mixing the flour, butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles crumbs. Then, add your egg and cold water to form a dough. After chilling the dough, roll it out and cut it into circles. Fill each circle with the delicious guava paste and cream cheese mixture, fold them over, seal the edges, and give them a lovely egg wash. Finally, bake until golden brown. It’s as simple as that!
These empanadas are perfect for chilly nights when you crave something warm and comforting. They are also a fantastic addition to any potluck or family gathering. Imagine serving a plate of these golden goodies to friends and family, inviting them to share in a moment of pure joy.
Why You’ll Love This Guava and Cream Cheese Empanadas
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe is easy and can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making it convenient.
- Comfort Food: Warm, flaky, and filled with sweet goodness, this dish feels like a hug on a plate.
- Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or dessert, they can be enjoyed any time.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the delightful taste and fun shape of these empanadas.
Guava Tips
The star ingredient in this recipe is the guava paste. When selecting guava paste, opt for a brand that uses real fruit and minimal additives. Quality matters; look for a product that has a dense, smooth texture and a rich, sweet aroma. This will enhance the flavor of your empanadas. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own guava paste at home, but store-bought is perfectly fine and saves time.
Options for Substitutions
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar: Use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Cream Cheese: Swap with ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Guava Paste: Try mango or passion fruit paste for a different flavor profile.
- Egg Wash: Use a dairy-free milk mixed with a little olive oil for brushing the empanadas.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When making empanadas, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid.
First, be careful not to overmix your dough. Overworking it can lead to a tough pastry instead of a flaky one. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Secondly, ensure that you chill the dough properly for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the butter solidify, resulting in a flakier crust. Skipping this can lead to empanadas that are too soft and difficult to handle.
Lastly, don’t skip the egg wash. It’s what gives the empanadas their lovely golden color. Brush a light layer over the top just before baking. If you add too much or forget entirely, the appearance will suffer.
What to Serve With Guava and Cream Cheese Empanadas?
These delicious empanadas pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the richness of the empanadas. Alternatively, a fruit salsa made with diced pineapple or mango adds a refreshing touch. For those who enjoy dips, a tangy yogurt sauce can complement the sweet filling perfectly.
Storage Instructions
Store: Allow empanadas to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should last for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the baked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals, but this may result in a softer crust.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 12 empanadas
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,400 – 1,600
- Protein: 25 – 30 grams
- Fat: 70 – 80 grams
- Carbohydrates: 180 – 200 grams
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup guava paste, cut into small pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of ice water to the mixture. Stir gently until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough maintain its structure and flakiness.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles.
Step 5: Fill the Empanadas
Place a small spoonful of 1 cup of guava paste and a similar amount of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they may burst while baking.
Step 6: Seal and Brush the Empanadas
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges well to seal and prevent the filling from leaking out. In a small bowl, beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the top of the empanadas.
Step 7: Bake
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Conclusion
Guava and cream cheese empanadas are a delightful treat that brings together rich flavors and easy preparation. They are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying during a quiet evening at home. Give this recipe a try and let the warm, sweet aroma fill your kitchen. Do not forget to share your experiences and any variations you try. Explore more recipes on the blog for even more culinary delights. Happy cooking!
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Guava and Cream Cheese Empanadas
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously warm empanadas filled with sweet guava and creamy cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup guava paste, cut into small pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of ice water to the mixture. Stir gently until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough maintain its structure and flakiness.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles.
- Fill the Empanadas: Place a small spoonful of 1 cup of guava paste and a similar amount of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they may burst while baking.
- Seal and Brush the Empanadas: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges well to seal and prevent the filling from leaking out. In a small bowl, beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the top of the empanadas.
- Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Notes
These empanadas pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a fruit salsa. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
