Crispy Banana Empanadas: A Sweet Delight!
I can think of few things as delightful as a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet banana slices that are covered in a delicious mixture of sugar and cinnamon. That’s where my recipe for banana empanadas comes in – it might just be the most irresistible dessert out there.
As someone who specializes in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I know how to combine flavors and textures to create something truly magical. When I was working on this recipe, I wanted to make sure that every bite would be full of rich and comforting flavor. And honestly, nothing beats the combination of baked or fried pastry dough and fresh bananas.
Whether you’re serving these empanadas as an after-dinner treat or whipping them up for a party, they are sure to impress. So let’s break out the ingredients and get to work – trust me, these banana empanadas won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things banana? Then this recipe is perfect for you! Behold the deliciousness that is the banana empanadas recipe.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is that it’s so easy peasy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up some irresistibly sweet dessert empanadas in no time. All you need is pie crust dough, bananas, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract – and you’re good to go.
Another reason why this recipe is so great is its versatility. You can have your banana empanadas baked, fried or deep-fried; it’s entirely up to you! If you’re watching your calorie consumption, baking them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit is a bit healthier. But if calories aren’t of concern, then frying them could lead to crispy, golden-brown shells filled with luscious, warm bananas.
Plus, there are endless possibilities when it comes to the filling. You can stuff your empanadas with thinly sliced bananas covered in a delicious mixture of sugar, cinnamon and vanilla; or go for more exotic options such as dulce de leche or nutella. Craving something savory? Mix ripe bananas with cream cheese and dark brown sugar for a delightful surprise.
Lastly, this recipe fits perfectly in any occasion! Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or having a big gathering with family and friends, these irresistible dessert filled slices are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream on top or sprinkle some powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to take your indulgence up a notch.
In conclusion, why wouldn’t anyone love this banana empanadas recipe? It’s simple to make, adaptable and has endless possibilities – all while satisfying your sweet tooth cravings! Give it try today and trust us – it will become one of your go-to dessert empanadas.
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients you will need to make these mouth-watering banana empanadas:
Dough:
- 1 pie crust dough
Filling:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Coating:
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Optional ingredients for dipping:
- Chocolate sauce
- Dulce de leche
- Peanut butter
These ingredients can be easily found in any grocery store and the recipe makes enough for a small group of people, but you can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate larger gatherings or meal prep.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into making the banana empanadas! Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Then, coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine and Mix
In a large bowl, combine bananas, sugar, cinnamon and mix well. Don’t be afraid to mash the bananas a bit! Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Roll Out Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust dough to about 1/8″ thick. Using a round cutter (or any other shape you desire), cut out circles that are about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Add Filling
Spoon a small amount of the banana mixture onto half of each dough circle. Make sure to leave space around the edges to seal the empanada shut.
Step 5: Seal and Crimp Edges
Fold the other half of the dough over the banana mixture and gently press down along the edges to seal. You can use a fork or your fingers to crimp and make pretty patterns around the edges. Repeat until all dough circles are filled and sealed.
Step 6: Bake or Fry
You can either bake or fry these banana empanadas. For baked, place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown. For fried, heat up some oil in a pan on medium-high heat and deep fry each empanada until golden brown on both sides.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once baked or fried, remove from heat and transfer your banana empanadas to a plate. Lightly dust with some powdered sugar or drizzle with some dulce de leche. You can also serve them in a pool of chocolate sauce or nutella for an extra indulgent dessert!
Now you know how to make these banana empanadas – easy peasy!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own twist on this banana empanadas recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Nutella or chocolate chips: Instead of using cinnamon sugar filling, you can fill the empanadas with Nutella or chocolate chips for a deliciously decadent treat.
– Peanut butter and banana: For a classic flavor combination, fill your empanadas with peanut butter and sliced bananas.
– Dulce de leche: This traditional Latin American caramel-like spread can be substituted for the cinnamon sugar filling. It pairs perfectly with the bananas!
– Banana cream pie: Add cream cheese and brown sugar to the empanada dough for a distinctly pie-like taste. Fill with sliced bananas and top with whipped cream for a delectable banana cream pie inspired dessert.
– Chocolate banana: An all-time classic combination! Fill your empanadas with a mixture of mashed ripe bananas and melted chocolate for heaven in a bite.
– Salted caramel: Break up 1/4 cup of dulce de leche, sprinkle it on top of your banana slices inside the empanadas, fold them, bake them, and have yourself Salted Caramel Banana Empanadas.
– Add some extra crunch: Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans over the banana filling before sealing up the crust dough.
All these variations are quick and easy peasy to make! With this recipe as the foundation, feel free to utilize your creativity and come up with additional variations that suit your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Once your delicious banana empanadas are ready, get ready to experience an explosion of flavors in your mouth. These irresistible dessert empanadas are perfect for serving as an after-dinner treat or as a sweet afternoon snack. To make your dessert even more delightful, I recommend serving them warm and dusted with powdered sugar.
Since these empanadas have a strong banana flavor, it’s best to pair them with something that complements them without overpowering them. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top would be heavenly and adding some fresh sliced bananas as a topping would be a great idea too. You can go even further and drizzle some salted caramel or chocolate sauce over the ice cream for an extra decadent experience.
If you want to try something different, serve the banana empanadas with a side of whipped cream or cream cheese. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of fruit variations like strawberry or apple fillings. You could also make tiny bite-sized empanadas and serve them as appetizers at your next gathering.
The banana empanadas are versatile and can pair well with a variety of beverages such as tea, coffee or milk. For adults looking for an alcohol pair, I recommend serving them with a glass of sweet Vermouth or Port.
Just remember that the best way to enjoy banana empanadas is to share them with loved ones while they are still warm and crispy out of the oven.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as I love devouring these banana empanadas fresh from the oven, it’s not always practical to make a batch and consume them all within the hour. Fortunately, they’re pretty easy to keep around for longer periods of time.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the empanadas up to 3 days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge like a boss. This will give the dough a chance to rest and allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re feeling fancy or want dulce de platano inside your banana empanadas, you can use this time to make that too.
Storing: Once you baked or fried these babies and let them cool down completely, it’s best to place them selectively in layers separated with parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container (avoid using plastic bags as they might crush your beautiful creations). Imagine them standing proud in that container. They’ll keep their shape this way for up to three months.
Reheating: When you’re finally ready to indulge in some sweet treats, simply preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and pop those empanadas uncovered on top of a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat them in an air frying machine at 350°F for about 4 minutes or heat individual servings in the microwave on high for 20-30 seconds. Dust with some powdered sugar just before serving, grab yourself some ice cream and prepare for absolute bliss all over again.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to slightly re-coat your warm empanadas with butter or cooking spray as soon as they come out of the oven!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef, I have learned some tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results with this banana empanadas recipe. Follow these simple guidelines to create the most delicious empanadas you’ve ever tasted:
Firstly, make sure to use ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your empanadas will be. A yellow or brown spotted banana will have a stronger, richer taste compared to an unripe green banana.
Another crucial tip is to properly seal the empanadas. Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to prevent filling from leaking out during cooking. You don’t want to end up with a messy or undercooked pastry.
Additionally, preheating the oven is essential for evenly cooked empanadas. Keep in mind that every oven is different – some might take longer than others to reach their optimal temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Invest in an affordable oven thermometer and make sure your oven is reaching the desired temperature before baking.
If you’re looking for a healthier option than deep-frying your empanadas in oil, consider brushing them with egg wash and baking them instead. This will still give them a crispy outer layer without sacrificing any flavor.
Last but not least, get creative with variations of this recipe by experimenting with different fillings such as peanut butter, Nutella, or even salted caramel! Don’t be afraid to try new things; there’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked empanada filled with your favorite ingredients.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create perfect and delicious empanadas every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make this delicious banana empanada recipe, you may have some questions related to ingredients, preparation, and serving. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided answers to ensure that your experience creating these tasty treats is as smooth as the dough. Read on for some helpful tips and tricks in the FAQ section.
What are 3 types of empanadas?
Tucumán, which is famously known for hosting the National Empanada Festival, has its own unique way of making empanadas. The fillings, which consist of beef, tripe, and chicken, are wrapped in dough and cooked in beef fat inside a clay oven.
Should empanadas be baked or fried?
Empanadas can be prepared using either baking or frying methods, both yielding scrumptious results. The oven technique is recommended for those seeking a healthier option, while frying is ideal for those in a hurry.
Are empanadas usually corn or flour?
Filled with meat and potatoes, empanadas are a popular deep-fried Colombian street food treat made from corn dough.
Is empanada dough the same as pie dough?
If you’re planning on making empanadas, keep in mind that the dough is not as flaky as pie crust. You could use frozen pie crust dough as a substitute in a hurry, but the empanada dough has a much more delicate texture that sponges up the stuffing without getting too mushy. The empanada dough can be used for frying or baking, and they make great snacks that you can eat with your hands.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this banana empanadas recipe is an irresistible dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful banana filling and crispy pie crust dough, these empanadas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. From baked to fried, there are various ways to prepare this recipe to your liking. And with the option of substituting or adding ingredients, you can make it your own and create variations that suit your taste preferences.
So whether you’re someone who loves Mexican food or is looking for a new dessert to try, these banana empanadas are the answer you’re looking for. With some powdered sugar, ice cream, or dulce de leche on top, you can elevate this dessert even more and make it truly decadent.
So what are you waiting for? Give this easy peasy banana empanada recipe a try and share it with your loved ones. Trust me; they won’t be able to resist the delicious aroma of banana slices covered in a delicious mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Banana Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 3 cups sliced bananas
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 (9 inch) refrigerated pie crusts
- ice cream (optional) or powdered sugar, if desired (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine bananas, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Unroll pie crusts onto a flat surface.
- Using a ring mold, make circles in the dough. Put the banana mixture on the pie dough and place another round on top. Pinch around the edges of each section to seal. Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet and make slits in the top of each to allow steam to escape. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until crust is golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the empanadas on a platter. Serve with ice cream or sprinkle with powdered sugar, if using.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.