Irresistible Guava and Cheese Empanadas: A Taste of Tropical Bliss

Delight your senses with the sweet and tangy perfection of Guava and Cheese Empanadas! These iconic Latin American treats combine the rich, tropical flavor of guava paste with creamy, soft cream cheese, all nestled within a crispy, golden empanada shell. Whether you prefer them fried to bubbly perfection, baked to a flaky crisp, or air-fried for a lighter touch, these dessert empanadas promise an unforgettable culinary experience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate this beloved delicacy in your own kitchen, bringing a burst of sunshine and authentic flavor to any occasion.

The harmonious pairing of guava and cheese isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cherished flavor combination deeply rooted in Latin American culinary traditions, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a delightful snack. You’ll find this delectable duo prominently featured in Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian cuisines, where it symbolizes comfort and celebration. For many, these empanadas evoke fond memories of family gatherings, bustling markets, or sunny beach trips. Imagine biting into a warm, crispy pastry, where the vibrant sweetness of guava perfectly balances the mild tanginess of cream cheese – a truly magical experience that feels both fun and wonderfully special. These individual sweet pies are a testament to the simple yet profound flavors that define a region, offering a taste of heritage with every bite.

Why You’ll Adore This Guava Empanada Recipe

There’s a reason Guava and Cheese Empanadas have become a household favorite across Latin America and beyond. This recipe encapsulates everything you could want in a sweet treat: simplicity, versatility, and an explosion of flavor. Here’s why these tropical empanadas are destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Exotic Guava Paste Perfection: At the heart of these dessert empanadas lies the rich, concentrated flavor of tropical guava. Guava paste, often called guava preserves or marmalade, transforms the fresh fruit into a sweet, thick, and intensely aromatic spread. This pre-made ingredient makes crafting these empanadas incredibly easy, delivering a powerful burst of authentic guava flavor in every bite without the hassle of preparing fresh fruit. It’s the secret to their irresistible tropical charm.
• Irresistibly Crispy Dough: The textural contrast in these empanadas is simply divine. Whether you opt for deep-frying, baking, or air-frying, the exterior of the empanada dough achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue and a satisfying crispness. This perfectly cooked shell provides a wonderful crunch that gives way to the warm, gooey, and flavorful filling, creating an incredible sensory experience that will leave you craving more.
• A Symphony of Simple Flavors: The genius of guava and cream cheese lies in its exquisite balance. The vibrant, slightly tart tropical notes of the guava paste are perfectly complemented by the rich, tangy, and subtly sweet cream cheese. When heated, these two ingredients melt into a harmonious, ooey-gooey center that is both comforting and exhilarating. This simple 50/50 ratio of cheese to fruit paste results in a filling that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with delightful flavor, proving that sometimes, less truly is more when it comes to ingredients.
• Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Forget complicated baking projects. This recipe uses readily available, pre-made empanada dough discs and just three other core ingredients, making it an incredibly accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels. From prep to plate, you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute cravings or spontaneous entertaining.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While often classified as a dessert, these sweet empanadas are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar after dinner, offer them as a unique and satisfying breakfast pastry with your morning coffee, or pack them as a delightful snack for picnics and gatherings. Their individual portion size makes them perfect for any setting, ensuring everyone gets their own little taste of happiness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Empanadas

Crafting these delectable Guava and Cheese Empanadas requires only a handful of staple ingredients, most of which are easily found at your local grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on the quality of these core components to create a truly authentic and flavorful experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pre-made Empanada Discs: These are your shortcut to homemade deliciousness. Look for them in the frozen section of most grocery stores, typically alongside other Latin American or international frozen goods. You’ll want the 6-inch diameter discs, often labeled for frying or baking. Goya is a widely available and popular brand known for its consistent quality. Ensure they are thawed according to package directions before use, but keep them chilled to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
• Guava Paste (Pasta de Guayaba): This is the star of the show! Guava paste is a dense, jelly-like confection made from cooked guava fruit and sugar. It comes in various forms – sometimes in a round can, other times wrapped in a rectangular block. You can typically find it in the international aisle, the Mexican food section, or any specialized Hispanic food market. Its vibrant sweetness and unique tropical aroma are what give these empanadas their signature flavor.
• Cream Cheese: For that perfect creamy, tangy counterpoint to the guava, use cold, full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. The Philadelphia brand is a popular choice due to its consistent texture and rich flavor. Avoid spreadable cream cheese from a tub, as it often has a higher water content and may make the filling too runny. Keeping it cold helps maintain its shape during assembly.
• Frying Oil (for deep frying): If you plan to fry your empanadas, you’ll need a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Canola oil or vegetable oil are excellent choices. You’ll need enough to allow the empanadas to be submerged, typically around 1 quart, depending on the size of your pot.

For precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations

While the classic guava and cream cheese combination is undeniably superb, these empanadas offer fantastic flexibility for culinary exploration. Feel free to experiment with these delicious substitutions and variations to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or available ingredients:

• Cheese Alternatives: Cream cheese provides a signature tangy creaminess, but you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. For a delightful savory-sweet contrast, try using 1-inch slices of sharp cheddar cheese. Other excellent options include brie (which melts beautifully), Swiss, gouda, manchego cheese, or traditional queso fresco for an authentic Latin American touch. Each cheese will bring its own unique character to the filling.
• Enhanced Sweetness: For those who love an extra touch of sweetness, consider dusting the finished empanadas generously with powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) immediately after frying or baking. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lime juice can also add a beautiful finish and an additional layer of sweetness.
• Alternative Fruit Fillings: If guava paste isn’t available or you’re looking to try something different, a variety of fruit pastes or jams can be substituted. Quince paste (dulce de membrillo) offers a similar sweet and firm texture. Apple paste, fig jam, or even a good quality apricot or berry jam can create equally delicious results. For a truly decadent treat, consider a dollop of dulce de leche!
• Homemade or Alternative Dough: While pre-made empanada discs are a fantastic time-saver, you can certainly make your own dough from scratch. Use your favorite sweet pie dough recipe or even store-bought puff pastry. If using a larger sheet of dough, simply roll it out and cut 5-inch rounds using a cookie cutter or an inverted bowl. This allows for customization of thickness and flavor.
• Savory-Sweet Fusion: For an adventurous twist, consider adding a very small pinch of chili powder or a tiny bit of lime zest to the guava paste before assembly. This can enhance the tropical notes and add a subtle zing.

Crafting Your Delicious Guava and Cheese Empanadas

Making these sweet and tangy empanadas is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly filled, crispy delights that everyone will adore. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way!

Preparation:

• Thaw the Dough: If using frozen empanada discs, ensure they are thawed completely according to package instructions. Keep them stacked and covered with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out while you work.
• Slice Ingredients: For easy assembly, pre-slice your cold, brick-style cream cheese and guava paste into approximately 1-ounce portions. This ensures even distribution and quick filling.

One: Gently lay an empanada disc flat. Place approximately 1 ounce (about a tablespoon) of cold cream cheese onto the bottom third of the disc. Slightly spread it out, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges to ensure a good seal.

Two: On top of the cream cheese layer, add an equal 1-ounce portion of guava paste. Gently spread the guava paste to roughly the same dimensions as the cream cheese layer. This ensures a balanced flavor in every bite.

Three: Carefully fold the unoccupied half of the dough disc over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press down firmly with your fingers all around the edge of the filling, working from the center outwards, to seal the edges completely and remove any trapped air.

Four: For an extra secure seal and a decorative finish, use the tines of a fork to crimp the outer edge of the empanada. Press firmly along the entire curved edge to create a tight seal, which helps prevent the delicious filling from escaping during cooking.

Hot tip! Removing as much air as possible from around the filling before sealing the empanada is crucial. This prevents air pockets from expanding and potentially bursting the dough during cooking.

Five: (Optional but recommended for a neat finish) Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to trim any excess dough from the very outer edge of the crimped seal. This creates a more uniform and professional appearance for your empanadas.

Six: Repeat the filling and sealing process with the remaining empanada discs. As you assemble them, place the finished empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all are assembled, refrigerate them for at least 15-20 minutes while your frying oil heats up. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents the filling from bursting out during cooking.

Frying Instructions:

Seven: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add enough canola or vegetable oil to allow the empanadas to float (about 3-4 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a consistent temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use an oil thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. Carefully add 2-3 chilled empanadas to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and beautifully puffed.

Eight: Using a spider or slotted metal spoon, carefully remove the fried empanadas from the oil. Transfer them to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. These empanadas are best enjoyed while still warm, when the filling is delightfully gooey, but they are also delicious at room temperature.

Baked or Air Fried: Lighter Ways to Enjoy Your Empanadas

While deep-frying offers that classic, bubbly crisp, you can absolutely achieve delicious results with alternative cooking methods. Baking or air frying your Guava and Cheese Empanadas provides a lighter option without sacrificing much of the desired golden crust and gooey filling. Here’s how to prepare them using these methods:

Baked Empanadas:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Empanadas: Place the assembled and chilled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Brush for Golden Finish: For a beautifully golden crust, brush the tops of each empanada with a light coating of canola oil, vegetable oil, or an egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water). This helps with browning and adds a subtle sheen.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough.
5. Cool and Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Air Fried Empanadas:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Empanadas: Lightly spray both sides of the assembled and chilled empanadas with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of neutral oil.
3. Air Fry in Batches: Place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You will likely need to cook them in batches.
4. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Cool and Serve: Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly and enjoy.

Both baking and air frying will yield a slightly different texture than frying – typically a flakier crust rather than a bubbly one. However, the rich and sweet filling remains equally delicious, making these methods excellent alternatives for a quick and satisfying treat.

Prepare Ahead for Effortless Enjoyment

One of the fantastic aspects of these Guava and Cheese Empanadas is how well they can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or simply having a delicious treat on hand. Here’s how you can get ahead:

Refrigerating Uncooked Empanadas:

Assemble the empanadas completely, following all the steps up to the point of cooking (filling, sealing, crimping, and trimming). Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Cover the entire sheet tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, proceed directly to your chosen cooking method (frying, baking, or air frying) as instructed.

Freezing Uncooked Empanadas:

If you want to store them for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option.

1. Flash Freeze: Place the assembled, uncooked empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart so they don’t touch. Flash freeze them for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are firm enough not to stick together.
2. Store in Freezer Bag: Once firm, transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. This prevents freezer burn and allows for easy storage. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
3. Cook from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw! You can fry, bake, or air fry the empanadas directly from frozen. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and golden. Frying from frozen works particularly well, yielding a crispy exterior and a hot, gooey interior.

Having a stash of make-ahead empanadas means you’re always just minutes away from a warm, delicious tropical treat!

Tips for Perfect Guava and Cheese Empanadas

Achieving perfectly crisp, gooey-centered Guava and Cheese Empanadas is simple with a few expert tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help ensure your empanadas turn out beautifully every time, whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen:

• Portion Control is Key: Before you start assembling, pre-slice both your guava paste and cream cheese into individual 1-ounce portions. This makes the assembly line quick and efficient, ensuring each empanada has a consistent amount of filling for balanced flavor and prevents overfilling.
• Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: Resist the temptation to load up the pre-made empanada wrappers with too much filling. Overfilled empanadas are prone to bursting open during cooking, leading to a messy leakage of the delicious contents into your oil or onto your baking sheet. A modest 1-ounce portion of each filling is ideal.
• Seal Twice, Cook Once: A secure seal is paramount. After folding the dough into a half-moon, first press the edges firmly together with your fingers to create an initial seal. Then, go over the entire edge again with the tines of a fork, crimping it tightly. This double-sealing method provides extra security against leaks.
• Chill Before Cooking: This step is non-negotiable, especially for frying. Once assembled, refrigerate the empanadas for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer if making ahead). Chilling the dough and filling helps them firm up, which significantly reduces the chances of the filling bursting out when exposed to high heat.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature (for frying): If you’re frying, use an oil thermometer to maintain a steady oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C). If the oil is too cool, the empanadas will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while the inside remains undercooked, or worse, the filling could explode. Adjust the heat as needed between batches.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot/Basket: Whether frying or air frying, cook your empanadas in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil or air fryer temperature, leading to less crispy results and uneven cooking. Give each empanada enough space to cook evenly.
• Drain Properly: After frying, immediately transfer empanadas to a wire rack placed over paper towels. This allows excess oil to drip away, keeping them wonderfully crisp. Avoid placing them directly on paper towels for too long, as this can trap steam and make the bottoms soggy.

Guava and Cheese Empanadas: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying these delightful Guava and Cheese Empanadas:

Storage and Reheating Guava and Cheese Empanadas

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Guava and Cheese Empanadas for as long as possible. Whether you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

Storing Cooked Empanadas:

Allow cooked empanadas to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.

Reheating Cooked Empanadas:

To bring back their crispy texture and gooey filling, reheating is simple:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet (a wire rack on top of a baking sheet is even better for maximum crispness). Reheat for 7-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust has re-crisped.
• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Place empanadas in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently, until hot and crispy.

Microwaving is not recommended, as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Freezing Cooked Empanadas:

If you have a larger batch or want to save some for a later date, cooked empanadas freeze well:

1. Cool Completely: Ensure the empanadas are fully cooled before freezing.
2. Wrap Individually: For best protection against freezer burn, wrap each cooled empanada individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container.
3. Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to two months.
4. Reheating from Frozen: To reheat, place the frozen empanadas directly on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and crispy. You can also air fry them from frozen at 325°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Discover More Sweet Pastry Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed crafting these delicious Guava and Cheese Empanadas, you’re in for a treat! The world of sweet pastries is vast and wonderful, offering endless opportunities to explore flavors and textures. Here are some other delightful pastry recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and expand your baking repertoire:

Important Notes When Baking with The Cozy Plum

To ensure consistent and delicious results with our recipes, please keep the following culinary insights in mind:

• Salt Type Matters: All recipes from The Cozy Plum are developed using Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which is known for being the least salty variety of kosher salt. If you are using Morton’s kosher salt or sea salt, you will typically need to reduce the amount by half, as they are approximately twice as salty. Please avoid using table salt, as it can drastically alter the intended flavor profile.
• Precision in Measurement: While our recipes often provide measurements in cups, for the most accurate and consistent baking results, we highly recommend using a digital scale and measuring ingredients by weight (metric). This eliminates variables associated with volume measurement and ensures professional-level precision.
• Scaling Recipes: Should you wish to adjust the yield of a recipe, you can scale the ingredient quantities. However, please note that increasing or decreasing the ingredient amounts does not automatically adjust baking or cooking times. Always monitor your recipe closely and make adjustments as needed.
• Pan Size Adjustments: If you plan to use a different size baking pan than specified in a recipe, we suggest utilizing a reliable pan size converter. This will help you adjust ingredients and baking times correctly to prevent over or under-baking.

Guava and Cheese Empanadas

By Callan Wenner

Guava and cheese empanadas are a delightful sweet and tangy treat! Made with vibrant guava paste and rich cream cheese, these are stuffed inside pre-made empanada dough discs and cooked until wonderfully crispy. Easy to make with just four ingredients, these dessert empanadas are bursting with delicious, tropical flavor and perfect for any time of day.

Equipment

• Spider or slotted metal spoon
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Heavy bottomed pot
• Oil thermometer

Ingredients

• 8 empanada discs
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese (brick style)
• 8 oz guava paste (approx. 400g block/can)
• 1 qt canola oil or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Add 1 oz (approx. 28g) of cold cream cheese and 1 oz (approx. 28g) of guava paste to the middle of each empanada dough disc. Slightly flatten and spread the cream cheese and guava paste, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Fold the dough over itself into a half-moon shape.
3. Press down tightly around the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork for a decorative and secure seal.
4. Repeat with the remaining empanadas. Place the assembled empanadas onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Cover the assembled empanadas with a damp paper towel or cloth as you work to prevent them from drying out.
5. Refrigerate the empanadas (covered) for at least 15-20 minutes while the oil preheats. This helps prevent bursting during cooking.
6. Add 1 quart of canola oil or vegetable oil to a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium heat until it reads a steady 350-375°F (175-190°C) on an oil thermometer.
7. Set up a wire rack placed over paper towels next to your frying station for draining.
8. Using a metal utensil (like a spider or slotted spoon), gently add 2-3 empanadas into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are deeply golden brown and bubbling.
9. Remove the fried empanadas using the slotted utensil and place them onto the wire rack to drain excess oil.
10. Note: Do not overcrowd the pot. It’s better to work in smaller batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
11. Repeat the frying process with the remaining empanadas, being sure to check the oil temperature between each batch and adjust the heat accordingly to keep it stable.
12. Serve the empanadas warm for the best experience.

Video Instructions

Notes

• Store leftover cooked empanadas covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat on a baking sheet or wire rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• To air fry the empanadas, grease both sides lightly with neutral oil or cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutritional Information (Estimate per serving)

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 3mg
• Sodium: 204mg
• Potassium: 79mg
• Fiber: 0.03g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 15 IU
• Calcium: 100mg
• Iron: 0.1mg