Welcome to my recipe article for Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas Recipe! As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisines, I am always on the hunt for the next delicious dessert that will leave my taste buds singing. And trust me when I say that this recipe does just that.

Picture biting into a warm, flaky, chocolate pastry filled with rich and gooey dulce de leche. It’s like happiness in every bite. Even better, this recipe is versatile – you can serve it as a dessert or a snack, and either solo or paired with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

As someone who loves traditional empanadas, I want to emphasize that these chocolate empanadas are not like any other. They will undoubtedly become one of your go-to dessert recipes for any occasion – from hosting a dinner party to enjoying a lazy day on the couch.

I hope you enjoy learning how to make these mouth-watering treats as much as I enjoy preparing them. So let’s put on our aprons and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Have you ever tasted a sweet treat so addictive that it left your taste buds constantly craving for more? Look no further! The Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas are here to satisfy all your dessert cravings.

What sets this recipe apart from the other ones out there is the irresistible combination of melted chocolate and dulce de leche, which seeps out of the crispy empanada crust with every bite. The richness of the chocolate and caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche complement each other in a perfect synchronicity.

And if that wasn’t enough, these empanadas are infused with a touch of cinnamon, which elevates their flavor profile to an entirely new level. The aroma will fill your kitchen as these heavenly empanadas bake in the oven, and soon enough, it’ll emanate through all corners of your home.

And did I mention how easy and fun it is to make this recipe? This is a dessert recipe that can be cooked with family or friends, making it an excellent opportunity for bonding over baking. You’ll feel like a master pastry chef after successfully making these delightful treats from scratch.

So why miss an opportunity to indulge in one of the most delicious desserts you’ll ever lay your hands on? Follow our Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas recipe now, and let the legend come to life on your taste buds.

Ingredient List

A flaky bite of heaven with a rich chocolate center and creamy dulce de leche.

Let’s talk ingredients! Here is what you’ll need to make these decadent chocolate dulce de leche empanadas:

Empanada Dough:

3 cups (375g) flour
¾ cup (60g) cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon demerara sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cubed and cold
2 egg yolks
⅔ cup (160ml) water

Chocolate Dulce De Leche Filling:

1 can dulce de leche
1/3 cup (40g) cocoa powder
Pinch of salt

Egg Wash:

1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some suggested substitutions and variations in the next section. Let’s get baking!

The Recipe How-To

The perfect dessert for when you want something sweet and comforting.

Now it’s time for the fun part: making the Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas! Don’t worry; it’s a straightforward process that pretty much anyone can master. Here’s how:

Step 1: Making the Empanada Dough

To make the empanada dough, mix together 3 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 3 tbsp of demerara sugar in a mixing bowl. Add 10 oz of cubed unsalted butter and mix until the dough becomes crumbly. Then add ice-cold water (about 6-8 tbsp) into the mixture until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough into two portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them with cling wrap and refrigerate them for about an hour.

Step 2: Prepping the Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 can of dulce de leche, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of salt. Mix until everything is combined uniformly.

Step 3: Assembling the Empanadas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to around ¼ inch thickness. Use an empanada or a biscuit cutter to shape your empanada discs.

Fill one half of your empanada disc with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chocolate-dulce mixture. Fold over the unfilled half to form a crescent shape pinching down edges to seal. Repeat with remaining disc.

Step 4: Baking and Serving!

Arrange empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of each empanada with an egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 2 teaspoons water). Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Once you bring them out of the oven, let your empanadas cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. You can serve these Chocolate Dulce de Leche Empanadas on their own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt or coffee to make it an especially decadent dessert.

Substitutions and Variations

Bite into a warm empanada and experience a burst of flavor in every bite.

There are plenty of ways to spice up this Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas recipe and make it your own. Here are some ingredient substitutions and variations to help you get started:

– Apple Empanadas: Swap out the chocolate filling for a sweet apple mixture. Simply slice apples, mix with cinnamon sugar, and cook until tender. Fill the empanada dough with the apple mixture and bake as usual.

– Cheese Empanadas: Love a little savory with your sweet? Swap out the chocolate filling for a mixture of cream cheese and powdered sugar. You can also add in some cocoa powder and cinnamon to give it a little kick.

– Nutella-Spiked Dulce De Leche Empanadas: For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding Nutella to your dulce de leche mixture. This will give your empanadas a hazelnut flavor that compliments the chocolate perfectly.

– Churro Empanadas: Looking for something different? Make churro empanadas by rolling the empanada dough in cinnamon sugar before filling it with dulce de leche. This will give them a crunchy outside that contrasts with the creamy inside.

– Costa Rican Empanadas: For a taste of Costa Rica, use cajeta instead of dulce de leche. This is a caramel-like sauce made from sweetened condensed milk that’s cooked down until thick and creamy.

– Healthy Dessert Empanadas: Want to make this dessert a little healthier? Use whole wheat flour and demerara sugar instead of white flour and granulated sugar. You can also use frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream instead of the chocolate filling.

Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, be sure to follow the same instructions for making the empanada dough and baking them to ensure perfect results every time.

Serving and Pairing

Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this decadent pastry.

These chocolate dulce de leche empanadas are an indulgent dessert that will leave your taste buds craving more. One of the best ways to serve these sweet treats is hot and fresh out of the oven, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. The coolness of the ice cream pairing with the warm, gooey filling is an experience that everyone deserves to try.

For those looking to take their dessert game to new heights, try adding a drizzling of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even a dollop of Nutella spiked dulce de leche. Pair it with a cup of coffee for that perfect after-dinner indulgence.

These empanadas can also be served as part of a larger spread along with other Latin American desserts such as churro empanadas, cheese empanadas and apple empanadas. If you want to go all out Costa Rican style, add some cajeta, a popular Mexican treat similar to dulce de leche.

These sweet pastry pockets are perfect for parties or any kind of celebration where you want to impress your guests. Offering a range of fillings and toppings – everything from classic flavors to inventive combinations – ensures that there is something for everyone, especially healthy desserts enthusiast looking for dessert recipes made from seasonal fruit fillings.

However you choose to serve these chocolate dulce de leche empanadas – as part of a dessert spread or on their own – I promise they won’t last long.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

A dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

These Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas are perfect for making ahead, storing, and reheating. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it in plastic wrap until you are ready to use it the next day. Alternatively, you can freeze the filling ahead of time and take it out of the freezer when you are ready to make the empanadas.

To store the empanadas, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them in foil. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.

To reheat the empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes on high power.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. These delightful dessert empanadas also pair well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a complete dessert experience.

Tips for Perfect Results

These empanadas are a delicious fusion of Brazilian and American flavors.

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make these scrumptious chocolate dulce de leche empanadas, I have some tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Keep your ingredients cold

For the empanada dough, it’s best to use cold butter and ice water. By keeping the ingredients cold, it helps keep the dough flaky and tender.

2. Use lightly floured surfaces

When rolling out the empanada dough, be sure to lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking. However, using too much flour can dry out the dough, so be careful not to go overboard.

3. Don’t skimp on the filling

It can be tempting to try to fit as much filling as possible into each empanada, but be cautious not to overstuff them. Overfilling can cause the empanadas to burst open in the oven and create a mess. Be sure to leave enough room around the edges for sealing.

4. Egg wash for a golden finish

Using an egg wash on top of your empanadas before baking them will give them a beautiful golden brown color when they come out of the oven.

5. Let them cool before serving

After taking your chocolate dulce de leche empanadas out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them set and prevent any filling from oozing out when you cut into them.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress with your delicious chocolate dulce de leche empanadas every time!

FAQ

Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas recipe. It’s always helpful to have any doubts or questions cleared up before trying out a new recipe. So, I’ve compiled a list of the most common queries that might be running through your mind right now. Read on to find the answers and gain more confidence for making these delicious empanadas.

What kind of dough do you use for empanadas?

The majority of people tend to utilize their preferred pre-made pie dough while preparing empanadas. This is mainly due to the similarities in ingredients between pie doughs and the dough required for this recipe. The dough for empanadas necessitates flour, butter, salt, water, and on occasion egg – an ingredient list nearly identical to that of most pie doughs.

Is empanada dough the same as pie crust?

When it comes to crafting empanadas, the dough is a critical component. Unlike pie crust, the empanada dough is designed to be less flaky and more tender in texture. It has the capacity to absorb the filling, without turning into a soggy mess. Should you find yourself in a pinch, you may utilize frozen pie crust dough as a substitute ingredient. Depending on your preference, the empanada can either be baked or fried, and both variations of this classic dish make for great handheld delights.

Do you fry or bake empanadas?

To get ready for baking, we need to warm up the oven. Set the temperature to around 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up. What’s great about this method is that it doesn’t call for any oil, meaning it’s a healthier way to cook.

How to make empanadas the day before?

To save time, you can prepare the empanada dough and filling in advance. The dough can be easily stored in the fridge for a period of two days before use, while the filling can be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container also for a day in the fridge. Assembling the empanadas can also be done ahead and kept covered in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without altering the baking duration. This way, you’ll shave off some valuable minutes when you’re ready to cook.

How to make an empanada crust?

Let’s start by blending 2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Once everything is nicely combined, make a small well in the center. In another bowl, whisk an egg yolk with water until smooth. Then, pour this mixture into the well of the flour and stir everything together until it forms a stiff and cohesive dough. Once everything is mixed, we can transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and stretchy.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas recipe is bound to become your next favorite dessert. With its delicately crispy empanada dough and decadent chocolaty filling of dulce de leche and cocoa powder, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Whether you are planning to serve it as an after-dinner treat or a special occasion dessert, you won’t be disappointed with the Chocolate Dulce De Leche Empanadas. Moreover, the recipe is highly customizable with a wide range of substitutions and variations, making it ideal for experimenting with new flavors and twists.

So why wait? Head into the kitchen, gather all the ingredients and get started on making these delicious empanadas. Trust me; once you try them, you will thank yourself for discovering this delightful dessert recipe. And remember to pair it up with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt to get the ultimate dessert experience.

Thank you for following along with me as I shared my passion for Brazilian and American cuisines through this recipe article. Do share your experiences and feedback in the comments section below. Happy cooking!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

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.

Decadent Chocolate Dulce de Leche Empanadas Recipe