Best Pumpkin Empanadas Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and unique fall treat? Then, look no further than pumpkin empanadas! This is the best pumpkin empanada recipe that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional savory empanadas or you love anything pumpkin-flavored, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Here’s the scoop on what empanadas are, their easy recipe, how to make them with a fall twist, and some tips and variations to take your empanadas to the next level.
What is a Pumpkin Empanada?
Pumpkin empanadas are a type of pastry filled with a sweet or savory pumpkin filling.
Empanadas are a traditional Hispanic dish that originated in Spain and has since spread to various parts of the world, including Latin America, Mexico, and the Philippines.
They are essentially turnovers made of pastry dough much like pie dough that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. In this case, we are using pumpkin as the main ingredient for the filling.
These pumpkin hand pies are a delicious and unique twist on the classic pastry.
Instead of traditional fillings like meat or cheese, these empanadas are filled with a smooth and creamy pumpkin pie filling.
The filling is typically flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to give it that warm, autumnal taste.
The dough is then folded over the filling and sealed, creating a handheld pastry that is perfect for snacking or serving as a dessert.
What Makes Pumpkin Empanadas Different From Regular Empanadas?
While traditional empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, pumpkin empanadas are unique because of their sweet and savory flavor profile.
The combination of the rich pumpkin filling and the flaky pastry dough creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Additionally, the use of pumpkin in the filling adds a seasonal twist to the classic empanada. Empanadas are the perfect treat to snack on and share with others!
How Do Pumpkin Empanadas Taste?
Pumpkin empanadas have a rich, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor. The pumpkin empanada filling is creamy and smooth, with hints of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The pastry dough adds a buttery and flaky texture, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, pumpkin empanadas are a delightful treat that will satisfy your cravings.
Baked Pumpkin Empanadas
Now that we know what pumpkin empanadas are, let’s dive into how to make them. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your delicious spiced pumpkin empanadas:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe.
Preparation
- Start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Then, once the dough resembles coarse crumbs, add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the pumpkin filling. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Stir in the pumpkin. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined. You will want to make the filling after the dough to ensure its freshness.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles out of the soft dough.
- Place the pumpkin filling by a spoonful onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges of the empanada with a fork.
- Place the empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each empanada to allow them to expand while baking. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
Cooking
Once the oven is done preheating, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
Serving
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade pumpkin empanadas!
Tips for Making the Best Baked Pumpkin Empanadas
If you want to take your pumpkin empanadas to the next level, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
How Can You Ensure the Empanada Dough Turns Out Perfectly Flaky?
The key to perfectly flaky empanada dough is using cold butter and not overworking the dough. When cutting in the butter, make sure it is cold and cut it into small pieces.
This will create those delicious flakes in the pastry dough.
Additionally, for the best results, avoid over-mixing the dough once you add the water. Mix it just enough for the dough to come together and then refrigerate it before rolling it out.
Following these tips and this recipe for empanadas thoroughly will ensure your pumpkin empanadas are flaky and satisfactory.
What Type of Pumpkin Filling Works Best for Empanadas?
For pumpkin empanadas, using pumpkin puree is the best option. You can use canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin.
The puree should be smooth and free from any lumps. In this recipe for pumpkin empanadas, we created a flavor-packed pumpkin mixture by adding dark brown sugar, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the puree.
A Savory Take on Pumpkin Empanadas
If you prefer a savory twist on these sweet empanadas, you can add savory ingredients to the filling.
Consider adding sautéed onions, minced garlic, and ground turkey or chorizo to the pumpkin puree.
Season with salt, pepper, and cumin for a spicier flavor profile.
If you want your empanadas uniquely savory, the combination of these spices and sweet pumpkin pie flavor will surely do the trick.
Final Thoughts
These dessert empanadas will be a huge hit for this upcoming pumpkin season.
This sweet treat is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the flavors of traditional pumpkin pie with the handheld convenience of an empanada.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be enjoyed by both pumpkin pie and empanada lovers alike.
Whether serving them as a dessert for Thanksgiving or as a tasty pastry any time of year, pumpkin empanadas are sure to be enjoyed.
The flaky crust and creamy filling create a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Because they can be made sweet or savory, the possibilities of how to enjoy this empanada recipe are endless. Enjoy one of your new favorite pumpkin recipes!
Pumpkin Empanadas
The combination of the rich pumpkin filling and the flaky pastry dough creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Once the dough resembles coarse crumbs, add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - While the dough is chilling, prepare the pumpkin filling. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Stir in the pumpkin. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined. You will want to make the filling after the dough to ensure its freshness. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles out of the soft dough.
- Place the pumpkin filling by a spoonful onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges of the empanada with a fork.
- Place the empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each empanada to allow them to expand while baking. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
- Once the oven is done preheating, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade pumpkin empanadas!
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