Candied Orange and Pineapple Empanadas

Craving a taste of Hawaii? Candied Orange and Pineapple Empanadas blend tropical flavors in a sweet pastry. This recipe yields 18 empanadas with a 5-star rating. Discover the perfect island dessert!

Ingredients Required

You'll need a few key items to make these tasty treats. Grab some sweet fruits and a good dough to start your cooking journey.

Candied oranges

Candied oranges bring a sweet twist to empanadas. They're easy to make at home. Cut 1 orange into thin slices. Boil them in sugar syrup until they turn clear. Let them cool and dry.

These treats add a burst of citrus flavor to your pastries. They also make great snacks on their own.

Candied oranges are like little bites of sunshine in your dessert.

Mix candied oranges with fresh pineapple for a tropical filling. The combo works great in empanadas. It gives a taste of Hawaii in every bite. Use brown sugar to enhance the fruit's natural sweetness.

A dash of cinnamon adds warmth to the filling.

Fresh pineapples

Fresh pineapples shine in Hawaii. Juicy and sweet, they're a must-try for tourists. One large pineapple gives about 6 cups when diced. This tropical fruit adds a burst of flavor to empanadas.

Its tangy taste pairs well with candied oranges in the filling. Locals often use piloncillo, a type of sugar, to sweeten the mix. But dark brown sugar works too if you can't find piloncillo.

Empanada dough

Empanada dough is the key to tasty treats. Mix 3 ½ cups flour, 1 cup light beer, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup shortening. Knead until smooth. This dough makes a flaky crust for your fruity filling.

Roll it thin, fill with candied oranges and pineapples, then seal. The dough holds the sweet mix inside while baking or frying.

You can make the dough ahead and store it. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze it for 2 months. Thaw before using. This dough works great for both sweet and savory empanadas.

Try different fillings for a fun twist on this classic treat.

Sugar and spices

Sugar adds sweetness to empanadas. Spices bring flavor and depth. Mix 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar with ½ teaspoon of salt. Add ½ teaspoon of baking powder for a light texture.

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for warmth.

Spices are the soul of any dish.

This blend creates a perfect balance. It makes the fruit filling pop with taste. The sugar caramelizes during baking, giving a nice crust. Cinnamon pairs well with both orange and pineapple.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Mix the fruit, make the dough, and shape the empanadas.

Preparing the fruit mixture

Aloha! Get ready to make a tasty fruit mix for your empanadas. Here's how to prep the sweet filling:

• Peel the rind from an orange and a lime. Set these aside for later use.
• Put pineapple chunks and orange segments in a pot.
• Add piloncillo sugar to the fruit in the pot.
• Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mix to a boil.
• Let it bubble for 5-6 minutes, stirring often.
• Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 hour.
• Stir now and then until the fruit turns golden and sticky.
• Take the pot off the heat and let the mix cool down.
• Once cool, your fruit filling is ready to use in empanadas.

Making the empanada dough

Making empanada dough is easy and fun. You'll love the taste of fresh, homemade dough.

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
2. Add beer to the dry mix. Stir until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
4. Shape the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap.
5. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
6. Take out the dough and let it warm up for 10 minutes.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Make it 1/8 inch thick.
8. Cut circles with a 4-inch cookie cutter or glass rim.
9. Fill each circle with fruit mix. Fold and seal edges.
10. Brush with egg wash for a golden color when baked.

Assembling the empanadas

Assembling empanadas is fun and easy. Follow these steps to create tasty treats:

1. Roll out dough into 5-inch rounds
2. Scoop pineapple mix onto each round
3. Fold dough over filling to form half-moon shape
4. Press edges with fork to seal
5. Brush tops with egg wash for golden color
6. Place on baking sheet, 1 inch apart
7. Poke small holes in tops with fork
8. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until golden
9. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes
10. Serve warm with caramel sauce or ice cream

Baking vs. Frying Empanadas

Baking and frying give empanadas different tastes. Baked ones are lighter, while fried ones are crispier. Try both to see which you like best!

Benefits of baking

Baked empanadas offer a healthier twist on this tasty treat. They use less oil, cutting down on fat and calories. The oven's heat cooks the filling evenly, ensuring each bite is perfect.

You'll get a crisp, golden-brown crust that's just as good as fried.

Baking also saves time and effort. You can make a big batch at once without standing over a hot stove. The air fryer works great too, giving you crispy empanadas in minutes. Plus, baked empanadas keep their shape better, making them easier to serve and eat.

Comparing texture and taste when fried

Fried empanadas offer a crispy, golden exterior. The heat creates a crunchy shell that contrasts with the soft filling inside. This texture adds a satisfying bite to each mouthful.

The frying process also enhances the flavors of the candied orange and pineapple. It caramelizes the sugars, making the fruit taste sweeter and more complex.

Frying gives empanadas a richer taste compared to baking. The oil adds depth to the dough's flavor. It also helps blend the fruit flavors together. The result is a more indulgent treat that pairs well with vanilla ice cream.

For a quick reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve empanadas on a bright plate with fresh fruit slices. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Ideal accompaniments

Candied orange and pineapple empanadas pair well with vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream balances the warm, sweet pastry. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

For a tropical twist, serve with coconut sorbet or mango gelato.

The perfect dessert is a harmony of flavors and textures.

Fresh fruit salad makes a light side dish for these rich empanadas. Mix diced papaya, kiwi, and starfruit for a taste of Hawaii. Sprinkle with lime juice and a pinch of chili powder for a zesty kick.

These combos create a memorable island treat for tourists.

Decorative ideas for appealing plating

Make your empanadas pop on the plate! Sprinkle powdered sugar in fun shapes around them. Use fresh fruit slices as colorful accents. Drizzle honey or caramel sauce in zigzag patterns.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra flair.

Try plating on banana leaves for a tropical touch. Stack empanadas in a pyramid shape. Dust plates with cocoa powder using stencils. Garnish with edible flowers like hibiscus or orchids.

These simple tricks will make your dessert look amazing!

Storing and Reheating

Keep your empanadas fresh in an airtight box in the fridge. Heat them up in the oven for 10 minutes to get them crispy again.

Best practices for freshness

Keep empanadas fresh by storing them right. Put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each empanada in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag.

They'll last up to 3 months frozen. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.

How to reheat without losing texture

To keep your empanadas crispy, reheat them in the oven. Set it to 350°F and warm them for 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust flaky and the filling hot. For a quicker option, use an air fryer.

Cook them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The air fryer gives a nice crunch without making them soggy.

Avoid using the microwave. It can make the crust soft and chewy. If you must use it, wrap each empanada in a paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Check often to prevent overcooking.

This helps keep some crispness while heating the inside.

Conclusion

Candied Orange and Pineapple Empanadas bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen. These sweet treats mix tangy citrus with tropical pineapple in a flaky crust. Bake them for a healthier twist or fry for extra crunch.

Serve warm with ice cream for a perfect dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best taste.

FAQs

1. What are candied orange and pineapple empanadas?

Sweet pastries filled with candied citrus and tropical fruit. Crispy outside, gooey inside – a tasty treat!

2. Can I make these at home?

Sure! Mix dough, prep filling, fold, seal, fry. Easy steps, big flavor. Just need practice for perfect shape.

3. How long do they stay fresh?

Room temp: 2-3 days. Fridge: up to a week. Freezer: couple months. But fresh is best – warm and crispy!

4. Are there other fruit combos for empanadas?

You bet! Apple-cinnamon, peach-mango, berry mix, the sky's the limit. Experiment with your faves for new twists.