Cherry Empanadas - Deliciously Seasoned (2024)

Cherry Empanadas

These delicious dessert empanadas start with a sweet cherry filling and a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling – both of which are homemade but so easy. I cut out small circles of pie dough with a large biscuit cutter and I load them up with both fillings. Then, I fold them over and crimp them closed for that classic empanada shape. Finally, I brush them with egg wash and bake them until they’re golden brown. When it’s all said and done, I have some cherry-licious, hand-held treats that everyone devours.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Empanada Recipe

• They are delicious and the combination of cherries, cream cheese, and flaky pastry is simply irresistible.
• They are made with store-bought dough that bakes up flaky and is delicious.
• They’re versatile and can be served for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Cherry Empanadas Ingredients

Everything you need for this recipe is either in your kitchen or at your local grocery store. There’s nothing fancy at all about this one!

• Pre-made empanada dough is the base for the empanadas providing a flaky, buttery crust, and is a convenient and quick way to make empanadas.
• Fresh cherries are the star of the show, and provide a sweet, tart flavor that is perfect for dessert.
• Sugar adds sweetness to the cherries.
• Water helps to dissolve the cornstarch and helps thicken the cherry filling.
• Cornstarch thickens the filling and prevents the filling from becoming runny.
• Cream cheese adds richness and moisture to the filling, and helps balance out the tartness of the cherries.
• Lemon juice adds flavor to the cream cheese filling.
• Vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and flavor to the filling.
• Large egg is used to brush the empanadas before baking and helps to create a golden brown crust.

How to Make Cherry Empanadas

Although both fillings are homemade, they’re quick and easy. Using pre-made empanada dough makes the rest of the recipe equally as simple. It’s a straight-ahead dessert recipe that’s ready in no time.

Step 1: Make the Cherry Filling

Add cherries and sugar to a small saucepan over low heat. Then, mix water and cornstarch together and add it to the cherry mixture. Cook on low for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy. Then, add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla and beat until combined.

Step 3: Fill the Empanadas

Place the empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. Add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture to the center of each dough circle, then top it with a spoonful of the cherry mixture. Fold the circle in half over the dough, moisten the edges, and crimp closed with fork tines. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake

Mix the egg and water together and brush it onto the empanadas. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees until golden.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill your empanadas or they’re open while baking.
• When moistening the edges of your dough to seal it, only add a touch of water. You don’t want to make the dough soggy.
• Stir your cherry mixture continuously while cooking to prevent scorching.

Variations

• Use your favorite diced fruits to make any kind of filling you like.
• Berries make a wonderful filling for these empanadas.
• Try using crescent dough for a different texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Cherry Empanadas

These delicious empanadas are the perfect sweet breakfast or snack with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a fun addition to any breakfast of your favorite savory options like bacon, sausage, eggs, ham, and hash browns.

Recipe FAQ

How to Store Leftover Cherry Empanadas

Store these empanadas in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Try This Delicious Cherry Empanada Recipe Today

This cherry empanada is a delicious sweet snack, breakfast, or dessert that’s so easy to make and so delicious. Sweet, homemade cherry filling and a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling come together inside an pie dough empanada that’s baked until golden brown and just waiting to be devoured. And people WILL devour them! Make a batch of these, and I know they’ll be a permanent part of your dessert rotation.

More Delicious Empanada Recipes You’ll Enjoy

These Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a delicious hand-held, crispy dessert egg roll that the whole family will enjoy as well.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

These cheesy ground beef empanadas are loaded with deliciously seasoned ground beef, and two types of cheese, and baked to golden, flaky perfection.

Check out this recipe