Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Recipe

Who can resist the allure of a warm, flaky empanada? This enticing recipe will truly challenge your self-control. A sweet spin on the traditional savory empanada, these are filled with a delightful strawberry jam center, making them a perfect dessert option for any time of the day.

Photos of Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Recipe

The ingredients required for this recipe are usually found in most kitchens. However, if you lack any of them, particularly vegetable shortening, it's readily available in the baking aisle of any supermarket. Another ingredient you might need to purchase is decorator sugar, which is a coarse sugar that adds a beautiful sparkle and crunch to baked goods.

Ingredients for Sweet Strawberry Empanadas

All-purpose flour: This is used as the base for the empanada dough, providing structure and texture.

White sugar: It sweetens the dough, enhancing the overall flavor of the empanada.

Salt: It balances the sweetness of the sugar, giving depth to the dough.

Vegetable shortening: This gives the dough its characteristic flaky texture.

Water: This is used to bind the dough together.

Egg: An egg wash gives the empanadas a shiny, golden finish.

Strawberry jam: This is used as the filling, offering a sweet, fruity center.

Decorator sugar: This is sprinkled on top to give the empanadas a sweet, crunchy finish.

One reader, Kelby Baez says:

These sweet strawberry empanadas are a delightful treat! The flaky crust and the sweet strawberry filling create a perfect balance of flavors. They are easy to make and always a hit with my family. I highly recommend trying out this recipe for a delicious dessert or snack.

Kelby Baez

Key Techniques for Making Sweet Strawberry Empanadas

How to prepare the dough: Combine the flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Sprinkle with cold water, then mix until the dough just holds together. Form the dough into balls and refrigerate.

How to roll out the dough: Flatten the dough into a patty, then roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut the dough into circles and fill with strawberry jam.

How to seal the empanadas: Dab water around the rim of the dough circles to create a good seal when folded over. Pinch the edges to seal, then press down with the tines of a fork to further seal the edges.

How to bake the empanadas: Brush each empanada lightly with beaten egg, cut slits into the top, and sprinkle with decorator sugar. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

How to serve: Allow the empanadas to cool on wire racks for a few minutes before serving.

How To Make Sweet Strawberry Empanadas

Whip up a unique treat of delicious strawberry empanadas! They’re tart and sweet pocket pastries that’s baked to crispy perfection for a tastier dessert.

Preparation: 35 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Cool Time: 5 minutes

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsall-purpose flour,unbleached
¼cupwhite sugar
⅛tspsalt
1cupvegetable shortening
½cupwater,cold
1egg,beaten
8ozstrawberry jam,(2 jars)
2tbspwhite decorator sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut the shortening into the dry ingredients quickly until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs.
Sprinkle with cold water, then mix with a fork until the dough just holds together.
Run hands under cold water for 20 seconds, then dry them. Gather the dough with cooled hands and form it into 2 balls.
Cover 1 ball and refrigerate. Flatten the second ball into a large patty.
Flour a flat, clean work surface. Roll out the dough evenly into about ⅛-inch thickness, sprinkling with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Cut the dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or drinking glass. Dab a little water around the rim of the dough circles to make a good seal when folded over.
Place a scant tablespoon of strawberry jam in the center of each circle. Fold in half to form a semi-circle, then pinch the edges to seal.
Press the edge down with the tines of a fork to seal further. Repeat with remaining circles, then with the 2nd ball of dough. Transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet.
Brush each empanada lightly with the beaten egg. Cut 2 small slits into the top of each one, and sprinkle the tops with decorator sugar.
Bake in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the crusts are golden brown.
Cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool further.
Serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Substitute apricot or pineapple jam for the strawberry, if desired. Or use apple or cherry pie filling.
Substitute cinnamon sugar (2 tablespoons of white sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon) for the decorator sugar, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 173.31kcal
Fat: 8.87g
Saturated Fat: 2.21g
Trans Fat: 1.13g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.60g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.50g
Carbohydrates: 21.57g
Fiber: 0.53g
Sugar: 7.75g
Protein: 1.87g
Cholesterol: 6.67mg
Sodium: 18.56mg
Calcium: 5.51mg
Potassium: 26.53mg
Iron: 0.81mg
Vitamin A: 2.87µg
Vitamin C: 0.83mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Empanadas

When sealing the empanadas, ensure to press firmly but gently with the tines of a fork. This not only creates a decorative edge, but also ensures that the strawberry jam filling stays inside the pastry during baking. If the edges are not sealed properly, the filling may leak out, resulting in a less appealing presentation and potential loss of flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Empanadas

Prepare the dough: To save time, consider making the dough in advance and refrigerating it until you're ready to use it. This will allow you to focus on assembling and baking the empanadas when you're ready.

Use store-bought dough: If you're short on time, you can use pre-made empanada dough from the grocery store. This will significantly cut down on the preparation time and still result in delicious empanadas.

Multi-task: While the empanadas are baking, use that time to clean up your workspace and prepare any accompanying dishes or beverages to serve with the empanadas. This will help streamline the overall cooking process.

Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and utensils are organized and easily accessible. This will help you work more efficiently and save time during the preparation process.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the empanada dough, while still providing the necessary structure for the pastry.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the empanada filling, and it also provides moisture to the dough.
vegetable shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich, creamy flavor to the dough and enhance the overall taste of the empanadas.
strawberry jam - Substitute with fresh strawberries: Using fresh strawberries instead of jam can provide a more natural and vibrant flavor to the empanada filling, and it allows for better control of sweetness.
white decorator sugar - Substitute with raw sugar: Raw sugar can add a slightly caramel-like flavor and a subtle crunch to the empanada crust, enhancing its texture and taste.

Essential Tools for Making Empanadas

Pastry cutter: A handheld tool with curved blades used to cut fat into flour when making pastry dough.
Fork: Used for mixing and incorporating ingredients together.
Cookie cutter or drinking glass: Used to cut the dough into circles for the empanadas.
Baking sheet: A flat metal pan used for baking in the oven.
Wire racks: Used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around them.

Storing and Freezing Sweet Strawberry Empanadas

Allow the strawberry empanadas to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crisp texture.
To store the empanadas at room temperature:
- Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- They will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
To refrigerate the empanadas:
- Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
To freeze the empanadas:
- Arrange the cooled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the empanadas are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Note: There's no need to thaw the empanadas before reheating.
For optimal flavor and texture, consume the strawberry empanadas within the recommended storage times.

How To Reheat Leftover Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy again. This method will help restore the flakiness of the crust while keeping the filling warm and gooey.
If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the empanadas loosely in aluminum foil before placing them in the preheated oven. This will prevent the crust from becoming too crispy while still heating the filling thoroughly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds at a time, until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the filling to become too hot and the crust to become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your empanadas and restore their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the empanadas in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the empanadas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy. This method works well if you want to add a little extra crispiness to the crust.

Interesting Fact About Empanadas

The empanada, a traditional Spanish and Latin American pastry, can be traced back to the Moorish Iberian Peninsula. It was introduced to Latin America by Spanish settlers and has since become a popular dish in many countries. Empanadas can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, making them a versatile and delicious treat.

Is Making Empanadas at Home Cost-Effective?

This sweet strawberry empanadas recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and strawberry jam, are budget-friendly and readily available. The recipe yields a delightful dessert that can serve as a satisfying treat for the family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable option for a homemade dessert. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its simplicity, affordability, and delicious outcome.

Are Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Healthy or Unhealthy?

The sweet strawberry empanadas recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High in refined carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour and white sugar
Contains a significant amount of saturated fat from the vegetable shortening
High in added sugars from the white sugar, strawberry jam, and decorator sugar
Lacks fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the use of refined ingredients

However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising its taste and texture.

You can make the following adjustments to improve the nutritional value of the sweet strawberry empanadas:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
Reduce the amount of white sugar in the dough and consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead
Use a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or butter, instead of vegetable shortening to reduce the amount of saturated fat
Opt for a low-sugar or homemade strawberry jam to decrease the added sugar content
Brush the empanadas with milk instead of egg to lower the cholesterol content
Sprinkle the empanadas with a smaller amount of decorator sugar or skip it altogether to further reduce the added sugar

Editor's Opinion on Sweet Strawberry Empanadas

The sweet strawberry empanadas recipe is a delightful treat that combines a flaky, golden crust with a luscious strawberry filling. The dough is perfectly tender and the strawberry jam provides a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite. The addition of decorator sugar adds a lovely crunch and a touch of elegance to the empanadas. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, these empanadas are a delightful indulgence that will leave everyone craving for more.

Enhance Your Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Glaze: Grilled pineapple slices drizzled with a sweet honey glaze, adding a tropical twist to your meal.

Roasted Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy roasted sweet potato fries seasoned with a blend of savory spices, the perfect complement to the sweet strawberry empanadas.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Tender Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, providing a delightful balance to the sweetness of the empanadas.

Similar Recipes to Sweet Strawberry Empanadas

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe is bursting with flavor. The tangy marinade infuses the chicken with a bright and refreshing taste that's perfect for a summer dinner.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup that's both comforting and delicious. The rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil make this soup a classic favorite.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Empanadas

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of rich cream cheese, flavorful herbs, and earthy mushrooms will leave everyone wanting more.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip is the perfect appetizer to kick off any meal. The warm, gooey texture combined with the tangy artichokes and fresh spinach will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. This classic Italian favorite is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, featuring tender strips of beef cooked with an assortment of fresh vegetables and savory seasonings. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner.

Why trust this Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Recipe:

This recipe for sweet strawberry empanadas is a delightful treat that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious dessert. The combination of strawberry jam and flaky pastry creates a mouthwatering experience that you won't be able to resist. With a simple and straightforward preparation process, these empanadas are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The use of white sugar and decorator sugar adds a delightful sweetness, making this recipe a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Trust in the classic flavors and easy-to-follow steps to create a delectable dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Share your thoughts on the Sweet Strawberry Empanadas Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this tasty treat even better!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of jam for these empanadas?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of jam for these empanadas. Feel free to experiment with different flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry jam.

Can I make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for later use?

Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for later use. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you're ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before rolling it out.

Can I freeze the empanadas for later?

Yes, you can freeze the empanadas for later. Once they are assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you're ready to bake them, there's no need to thaw – simply brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening for the dough?

While vegetable shortening gives the dough a flaky texture, you can use butter as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the empanadas will still be delicious.

Can I add other ingredients to the strawberry filling?

Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding fresh diced strawberries, a splash of lemon juice, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Get creative and make it your own!