Best Easy Empanadas de Calabaza Recipe

Sweet empanadas filled with spiced pumpkin are a beloved Mexican fall pastry. This vegetarian, family-friendly treat is a warm, naturally sweet confection of the autumn season.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 240 kcal
#vegetarian #high carb #fall dessert #mexican pastry
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • All-purpose flour 2.5 cups
  • Unsalted butter 0.5 cups
  • Pumpkin puree 1.5 cups
  • Eggs 2 pieces
  • Whole milk 0.25 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Brown sugar 0.75 cups
  • Ground cinnamon 2 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • Ground cloves 0.25 tsp
  • Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 37 g 62%
Protein 4 g 7%
Fat 8 g 31%
Serving size 90g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for even browning.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk one egg with milk. Add to the flour mixture and mix just until the dough comes together, careful not to overwork for a tender crust. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  5. 5

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 5-inch rounds. Fill each round with 2 tbsp of pumpkin filling, fold over, and seal edges firmly with a fork.

  6. 6

    Beat the remaining egg. Brush empanada tops with egg wash for a golden finish. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet with space between each pastry.

  7. 7

    Bake empanadas for 22–25 minutes, rotating the sheet once halfway, until pastries are puffed and golden brown. Cool on a rack before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, providing both the unique flavor and moist, smooth texture inside these empanadas. The combination with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves defines the classic autumnal taste of Empanadas de Calabaza.
Q. Which seasoning gives the empanadas their distinctive flavor?
Ground cinnamon plays a crucial role in the flavor profile, offering warmth and spice that complements the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and brown sugar. A touch of ground cloves and vanilla extract deepens the aromatic notes.
Q. How do I prevent soggy empanada bottoms?
Roll the dough thinly to about 1/8-inch, and ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F for proper baking. Baking on parchment paper and avoiding overfilling each pastry helps maintain a crisp bottom and edges.
Q. What is the calorie content and carb ratio per serving?
Each empanada serving provides approximately 240 kcal, with 37g carbohydrates contributing about 62% of the total calories, making this a higher-carb, sweet treat perfect for dessert or special occasions.
Q. How can I achieve a golden, flaky crust?
Keep your butter cold as you work it into the flour, chill the dough before rolling, and brush each empanada with egg wash before baking. This ensures the crust bakes up golden and delightfully flaky.
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