Spiced Guava and Cheese Empanadas

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Baked empanadas filled with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese, accented by warm cinnamon and nutmeg. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cold water, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup cold cubed unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 1/3 cup cold water, mixing gently until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles using a round cutter.
  6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix 6 oz guava paste cut into small cubes with 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg until combined.
  7. Step 7: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the guava-cheese mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
  8. Step 8: Fold the dough over to form half-moons and press edges with a fork to seal.
  9. Step 9: Brush each empanada with 1 beaten large egg for a shiny golden crust.
  10. Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Guava and Cheese Empanadas take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Spiced Guava and Cheese Empanadas?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Guava and Cheese Empanadas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Guava and Cheese Empanadas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Guava and Cheese Empanadas?

Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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