Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that redefines convenience and flavor: our delightful Cherry Empanadas. While traditional empanadas are often savory and made with a specific pastry dough, we’re embracing a fantastic shortcut that delivers all the deliciousness with none of the fuss. These aren’t just any empanadas; they’re a homage to a beloved fast-food classic, reimagined for your home kitchen, promising an irresistibly sweet and crispy experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

Imagine the warm, fruity burst of cherry pie filling encased in a tender yet crispy flour tortilla, each bite coated with the comforting embrace of cinnamon sugar. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to dessert heaven. Whether you’re planning a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a homemade treat that comes together in minutes, these Cherry Empanadas are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They effortlessly combine simplicity with a gourmet touch, making them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels.

What Are Empanadas? A Sweet Twist on a Classic

The term “empanada” originates from the Spanish verb “empanar,” meaning to wrap or coat in bread. Traditionally, empanadas are savory pastries consisting of meat, cheese, or vegetable fillings enclosed in a dough casing, which is then baked or fried. They are a staple in Spanish, Latin American, and Filipino cultures, with countless regional variations in both their dough and fillings. From Argentina’s beef-filled delights to Colombia’s potato and meat creations, each country boasts its unique take on this versatile dish. However, our recipe ventures into a less traditional, yet equally delicious, territory by focusing on a sweet, fruit-filled version.

Our Cherry Empanadas stand apart from their savory counterparts. Instead of a homemade pastry dough, we ingeniously use readily available flour tortillas, drastically cutting down preparation time without compromising on flavor or texture. This clever adaptation makes them incredibly approachable for anyone looking to whip up a delicious dessert quickly. While some might argue they aren’t “authentic” in the strictest sense, their undeniable deliciousness and ease of preparation have earned them a beloved spot in the hearts of many. Think of them as a delightful fusion – a Mexican-inspired dessert that’s quick, easy, and utterly irresistible, perfect for those moments when a full-blown pie feels like too much effort.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Cherry Empanadas

There are countless reasons why these Cherry Empanadas will quickly become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. First and foremost is their incredible ease. With store-bought cherry pie filling and flour tortillas as your main components, you bypass the complexities of preparing dough from scratch. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations!

Furthermore, the simplicity of the ingredients ensures that this dessert is not only budget-friendly but also accessible, even for novice cooks. You don’t need exotic spices or hard-to-find components; just a few basic staples are all it takes to bring these sweet treats to life. The frying process is quick, yielding a wonderfully crispy exterior that perfectly contrasts with the warm, gooey cherry filling inside. And the final touch – a generous roll in cinnamon sugar – adds a layer of fragrant sweetness that elevates the entire experience, making them truly unforgettable.

These empanadas are also wonderfully versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions. They are an absolute showstopper for Cinco de Mayo, offering a festive and fitting end to any Mexican-themed meal. Beyond holidays, they are fantastic for casual weeknight desserts, potlucks, birthday parties, or simply as a comforting snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Their individual portions make them easy to serve and enjoy, eliminating the need for plates and forks if you’re eating on the go.

Crafting Your Cherry Empanadas: Simple Steps to Sweet Perfection

The journey to these delectable Cherry Empanadas is straightforward and rewarding. It begins with creating the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, a simple mixture that will transform your fried tortillas into a truly indulgent treat. Next, you’ll prepare your tortillas by filling them with the luscious cherry pie filling. The key here is to distribute the filling evenly and roll the tortillas tightly, much like a burrito, ensuring no sweet goodness escapes during frying. This step is crucial for maintaining their shape and achieving that perfect golden crispness.

Essential Tips for Frying Perfection

For the best results, consider a small but impactful tip: refrigerate your assembled empanadas for a short period before frying. This chilling process helps the tortillas firm up, making them easier to handle and less prone to unrolling or falling apart in the hot oil. While not strictly required, this extra step can significantly improve the final texture and appearance of your empanadas. If you’re short on time and craving them “now,” they’ll still turn out beautifully, but a little chill time can go a long way.

When it comes to frying, maintaining the correct oil temperature is paramount. Aim for around 350°F (175°C) for consistent browning and thorough cooking without burning. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with about ¾ inch of vegetable oil. Fry a few empanadas at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy results. Once golden brown on both sides, promptly remove them from the oil and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still hot. This ensures the sugar adheres perfectly, creating that signature sweet and crunchy coating.

Beyond Cherry: Endless Flavor Possibilities

While cherry pie filling offers a classic and undeniably delicious experience, these empanadas are incredibly adaptable to various fruit fillings. Don’t limit yourself! Explore other fantastic options like apple, peach, blueberry, or even mixed berry pie filling. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to customize this dessert to your personal preferences or what’s in season. Imagine warm apple pie empanadas with a hint of nutmeg, or vibrant blueberry empanadas with a touch of lemon zest.

You can also elevate the flavors by adding a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of orange zest to your cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of aroma. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts could be added to the fruit filling before rolling. The possibilities are truly endless, making this a recipe you can revisit again and again, experimenting with new combinations each time.

The Perfect Pairing: What to Serve with Empanadas

These Cherry Empanadas are already a complete delight on their own, but a simple accompaniment can elevate them even further. A dollop of freshly made sweetened whipped cream is a classic choice, providing a light, airy contrast to the warm, rich filling. For an extra indulgent treat, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm empanada is absolutely divine. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant finish.

For a complete Cinco de Mayo spread or a fun family meal, consider pairing these sweet empanadas with refreshing beverages or other complementary dishes. Our Virgin Frozen Margaritas offer a cool, zesty counterpoint, while a slice of Tres Leches Cake could complete an authentic Mexican-inspired dessert buffet. Creating a diverse menu ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

More Festive Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you’re eager to continue your culinary journey through vibrant Mexican flavors, we have a selection of other fantastic recipes that are perfect for any occasion, especially Cinco de Mayo!

• Grilled Mexican Corn on the Cob
• Chicken, Black Bean and Zucchini Enchiladas
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tostadas
• Migas Breakfast Tacos
• Fried Fish Tacos
• Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
• Fried Ice Cream Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Bowls

Share Your Sweet Creation!

We absolutely love seeing your culinary masterpieces! If you make these delightful Cherry Empanadas, please share your photos and experiences with us. Tag us on Instagram @tasteandtell and use the hashtag #tasteandtell. Your feedback, comments, and ratings below are invaluable and help our community grow.