Home › Recipes › Dessert ›Costa Rican ›Tropical Coconut & Guava Empanadas with Cream Cheese
DESSERT

Tropical Coconut & Guava Empanadas with Cream Cheese

Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with these irresistible empanadas. A tender, coconut-infused dough encases a luscious blend of sweet guava paste and a rich, creamy cheese filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ideal as a dessert or a delightful sweet snack, these empanadas bring a touch of Central American sunshine to your table.

✎
HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, shredded unsweetened coconut, and salt.

02

Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

03

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out 12 circles. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.

04

Place one piece of guava paste and one piece of cream cheese slightly off-center on each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

05

Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

06

Bake the empanadas in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

07

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

About This Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with these irresistible empanadas. A tender, coconut-infused dough encases a luscious blend of sweet guava paste and a rich, creamy cheese filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ideal as a dessert or a delightful sweet snack, these empanadas bring a touch of Central American sunshine to your table.
Tropical Coconut & Guava Empanadas with Cream Cheese
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
✦
♨

Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, toast the shredded coconut lightly before adding it to the flour mixture. Ensure your butter and water are very cold for a flaky crust. Don't overfill the empanadas, or they may burst during baking.
↔

Easy Substitutions

If guava paste is unavailable, you can use a thick fruit jam like fig or apricot. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. A pinch of cinnamon can be added to the dough for warmth.
▱

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these empanadas warm with a cup of Costa Rican coffee or a glass of cold milk. They are also delicious with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of honey. For a brunch treat, pair them with fresh tropical fruit salad.

Common Mistakes

Overworking the dough: This develops gluten, leading to a tough crust. Mix just until combined. Not chilling the dough: Cold dough is easier to handle and results in a flakier crust. Overfilling the empanadas: This can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Not sealing the edges properly: Ensure a tight seal with a fork to prevent filling from escaping. Baking at too low a temperature: This can result in a pale, soft crust instead of a golden, crisp one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if my dough is too dry?

Add a tiny bit more ice water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

While traditional empanadas are often fried, this recipe is specifically designed for baking to achieve a lighter, less greasy result. Frying would require adjusting the dough recipe for a different texture.
MORE TO KNOW
Achieving a perfectly flaky empanada crust relies heavily on keeping your ingredients cold and handling the dough as little as possible. The small pieces of cold butter create pockets of steam during baking, which results in a tender, flaky texture. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling your flour mixture briefly before adding the butter, and work quickly when rolling and shaping the empanadas.
WHAT PEOPLE THINK

Reviews

☆

No reviews yet

Be the first person to review this recipe.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Made this recipe?

Tell us how it turned out.

Your review will be checked before appearing publicly.