National Dish Cuba: Empanadas de Guayaba (Recipe)
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Meet Empanadas de Guayaba, one of the sweetest treats to come out of Cuba! These little turnovers are golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft centre of fragrant guava paste waiting inside. The contrast between the light pastry shell and the fruity, jammy filling makes them utterly moreish. Enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or as a snack to see you through the afternoon — either way, they never last long on the plate.
About Empanadas de Guayaba
Empanadas de Guayaba are a traditional Cuban treat that leaves many first-time visitors to the island completely smitten. These little pastries are golden-brown and crisp on the outside, then reveal a sweet, sticky filling of guava paste within. The interplay between the delicate dough and the aromatic fruit makes them an irresistible bite. Whether served as a dessert to round off a meal or simply as a snack between meals, they are always a pleasure — a wonderful example of Cuban cuisine at its most homely.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and diced
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
- 150 g guava paste
- 1 egg, for brushing
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Empanadas de Guayaba are stocked in most food shops, especially those with a good range of international products. Fresh guava paste can often be found in Latin American markets, but it is also carried by well-stocked supermarkets and readily available online. Make sure the butter and the flour are fresh, as this gives you the best flavour and texture. If you have particular dietary needs, several of the ingredients can be adjusted to suit.
Preparing the dish
Before you start shaping the empanadas, it pays to get all your ingredients ready. Sift the flour into a large bowl to break up any lumps and improve the texture of the dough. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and rub it into the flour until you have a crumbly, sand-like mixture. This step is key to achieving the crisp texture that makes these pastries so good.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the cold butter and work it in with your fingertips.
- Add the ice-cold water a little at a time until a smooth dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles.
- Place the guava paste in the centre of each circle and fold the edges together.
- Arrange the empanadas on a baking tray, brush them with the beaten egg, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
You can easily make Empanadas de Guayaba gluten-free by using a good gluten-free flour blend. Just check that all the other ingredients, such as the guava paste and butter, are gluten-free too. Lactose-free butter works just as well and keeps the dish suitable for anyone avoiding dairy. The balance of the ingredients stays the same, so you still get a thoroughly delicious result.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt the empanadas by swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and replacing the egg wash with plant-based milk or a mixture of water and ground flaxseed. Guava paste is usually vegan, but do check the label for any unwanted additives. These small changes mean everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert without missing out on the flavour.
More tips and tricks
To make the empanadas extra crisp, keep the dough well chilled before you work with it. It also helps to seal the edges firmly so the filling does not leak out during baking. Experiment with the thickness of the pastry to play with different textures and mouthfeel. And it is worth letting the empanadas cool a little before serving, as the hot guava filling can catch you out.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Empanadas de Guayaba is easy to tailor to personal preference. Instead of guava paste you could use other fruity fillings such as mango or papaya. For a more savoury version, consider a cheese or vegetable filling instead. Be creative and try different combinations to come up with your own take on this Cuban classic — much like the many fillings you find in Empanadas de Platano.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot get hold of guava paste, fig jam makes a tasty alternative, offering a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavour. In place of butter you can use coconut-based margarine, which is vegan and lends a pleasant note of its own. Other popular swaps include wholemeal flour for a heartier dough, as well as various plant oils for a slightly different consistency.
Drink pairing ideas
Sweet Empanadas de Guayaba go beautifully with refreshing drinks. A fruity iced tea or a mint lemonade makes the perfect partner, balancing out the sweetness of the filling. A café cubano, the strong Cuban coffee, is another lovely match that rounds off the experience. Experiment with different drinks to find the ideal combination for your next get-together.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation can lift these empanadas even further. Serve them on a pretty plate, garnished with fresh fruit or a light dusting of icing sugar. A small dish of dipping sauce — chocolate sauce or a fruity coulis, for instance — gives your guests an extra treat. Creative touches and an inviting arrangement can turn the pastries into a real highlight of any celebration.
A bit of history
Empanadas have their origins in Spain but have spread across many Latin American countries over the centuries, with each one developing its own version. In Cuba, Empanadas de Guayaba are especially popular, as they showcase the natural sweetness of the island’s local guava fruit. The pairing of a sweet filling with a crisp pastry shell makes them a favourite snack for young and old alike. They are traditionally served at festive occasions and remain a firm part of Cuban food culture, alongside sweets like Guava con Queso Crema.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empanadas de Guayaba
In short, Empanadas de Guayaba offer an unmistakable taste experience that captures Cuban cooking at its best. With their sweet fillings, they are a perfect choice for any dessert or snack spread. Thanks to their versatility, they are easy to adapt to a range of dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious treat and let the Cuban tradition win you over.
