Warning; these pineapple empanadas, topped with caramel or cinnamon sugar are a highly addictive tropical treat.
Whenever I’m at a Hispanic bakery or store, I make sure I take some home. Recently, they have been making their debut at mainstream supermarkets. You know what? I think they are out to get me! Although the ones cropping up in the supermarkets are still enjoyable, I prefer empanadas made with  cream cheese dough or those from the Latino stores. It tastes way better.
How do I know? Because I make my it my job to sample them. I love empanadas savory or sweet-chicken, meat, vegetarian I’m in. I have discovered a whole new empanada world (even ones made with plantains – which I am so making!!!!). If you are an empanada fan stay tuned. Now lets focus on this one.
This sweet dessert is very popular in South American countries and I would say the flavors are right up there with Caribbean and African Countries and I truly believe that is why it resonates with me. Originally it is made with fresh pineapples but I am going to use canned pineapple. Don’t be shy about using the fresh ones.
This may be eaten just as is or top it with caramel store bought or roll them in cinnamon sugar.
Isn’t that cool you get to make a choice?
Pineapple Empanadas
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 1/2- ounces cold cream cheese
- 12 tablespoons 1 1/2 sticks; 6 ounces cold unsalted butter
- 1 egg
Pineapple Filling
- 20 ounce pineapple crushed or chunks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon spice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice.
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. milk
- Combine egg and milk thoroughly .
Instructions
- Place the diced butter in a Ziploc or plastic bag and freeze while you gather the other ingredients(about 20-30mins)
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a food processor.
- Then add cream cheese, butter and pulse just until the crumbs of dough are the size of peas. Followed by eggs. Pulse about 4-5 times until the dough comes together. Remove dough and knead 3-4 times on a floured surface
- Refrigerate while you make the filling.
- In a medium saucepan, add pineapple, butter, sugar, cinnamon spice, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice
- Simmer on medium heat about 3-4 minutes until thickened. Set aside. Let it cool.
- When ready to assemble place dough on a well floured surface roll it out.
- Using a large mouth, glass, cookie cutter, bowl about 3- 4 " cut out circles by gently pressing on the dough and releasing it, Continue cutting out dough until all dough has been cut. Assembling Empanadas dough
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of filling into each circle. Fold over press gently to seal with fingers , twist edges of the empanadas
- Another way of sealing is by pressing the tines of a fork along the edges of the dough.
- Carefully place each empanada on a baking sheet to bake or you may freeze to use later.
- Bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition Information:
Lee Chavez says
The ingredients for the filling has “1/2 teaspoon lime juice”, but the instructions say to add “lemon juice”.
ImmaculateBites says
Either lemon or lime juice works .
Nidia says
In your filling ingredients you have 2 tablespoons of butter.. instructions don’t refer to it. Did I miss something?
ImmaculateBites says
My bad, recipe has been updated. You add with pineapple and sugar.Thanks for bringing this to my attention
Terry says
Hey, I love the recipe, and your site, but the instructions call for vinegar and ice water, but are not included in the recipe. I would like to make these, they sound yummy. Thanks for any clarifications!
Sincerely, Terry.
ImmaculateBites says
Terry, my bad, no vinegar or water needed.Recipe updated. Let me know how you like it!
ImmaculateBites says
Sorry about the confusion Carlyn. I have re- written the instructions to make it less confusing. More so , I have included egg wash- it is optional. Now go bake these empanadas and let me know how you like them. Feel free to ask additional questions if you need further instructions.
Ana says
Do you have to put the ingredients in a food process? Or will a blender work the same or can you just mix it with a beater?
ImmaculateBites says
You can use your hands instead. You don’t want to over work the dough. A food processor is much faster and quite effective.
Kira - HealthAble Old Soul says
Beautiful! The dough looks delicious because I am a dough freak – you know the ones that eat raw dough of everything!
ImmaculateBites says
Kira, I know what you mean….. my son is one of those. He loves raw dough!
dina says
they look delicious!
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks Dina