Strawberry empanadas are a beautiful way to turn fresh, juicy strawberries into a warm, comforting dessert. Wrapped in tender pastry and baked until golden, these sweet empanadas balance bright fruit flavor with buttery, flaky dough. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough to serve for guests, celebrations, or weekend treats.
Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or lightly dusted with sugar once cooled, strawberry empanadas are a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This guide focuses entirely on home cooking and cuisine, showing you how to prepare strawberry empanadas from scratch with confidence.
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What Are Strawberry Empanadas?
Strawberry empanadas are dessert empanadas filled with a cooked strawberry filling, sealed in pastry dough, and baked or fried until golden. They are a sweet variation of traditional empanadas, designed to highlight fruit rather than savory fillings.
Unlike pies or turnovers, strawberry empanadas are:
- Handheld and easy to serve
- Naturally portioned
- Crisp on the outside and soft inside
- Delicious warm or at room temperature
They’re perfect as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast pastry.
Why Strawberry Empanadas Are So Popular
Strawberries are naturally sweet, fragrant, and slightly tart, which makes them ideal for dessert fillings. When baked inside pastry, they soften and release juices that turn into a rich, jam-like center.
Strawberry empanadas are loved because they:
- Showcase fresh, seasonal fruit
- Pair beautifully with simple dough
- Feel lighter than many cream-based desserts
- Appeal to both adults and children
Their bright red filling also makes them visually irresistible.
Choosing the Best Strawberries for Empanadas
Fresh Strawberries vs Frozen Strawberries
- Fresh strawberries are ideal when in season. Choose ripe berries with deep color and natural sweetness.
- Frozen strawberries work well when fresh ones aren’t available. Thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Avoid underripe strawberries, as they can taste sour once baked.
Strawberry Empanadas Dough Basics
Simple Dough Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Butter (cold)
- Sugar (small amount)
- Salt
- Cold water or milk
The dough should be tender and easy to roll, without being sticky. A lightly sweet dough complements the strawberry filling without overpowering it.
Dough Tips for Best Results
- Keep ingredients cold for flakiness
- Don’t overwork the dough
- Let the dough rest before rolling
Resting helps prevent shrinking and tearing.
How to Make Strawberry Empanadas at Home (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Chop strawberries into small pieces and cook gently with:
- Sugar (to taste)
- Lemon juice (for balance)
- Cornstarch (to thicken)
Cook until the mixture is thick and glossy, similar to jam. Let it cool completely before filling the empanadas.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until thin but sturdy. Cut into circles using a cutter or the rim of a glass.
Uniform thickness helps the empanadas bake evenly.
3. Fill and Seal the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of cooled strawberry filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork.
Avoid overfilling—too much filling causes leaks during baking.
4. Bake Until Golden
Brush the empanadas with egg wash for color. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Baked vs Fried Strawberry Empanadas
| Method | Texture | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Baked strawberry empanadas | Flaky, light | Fresh strawberry-forward |
| Fried strawberry empanadas | Crisp, rich | Slight caramel notes |
Baking is the most common choice for home kitchens, while frying adds indulgence.
Strawberry Empanadas Flavor Variations
Strawberry Cream Cheese Empanadas
Mix a small amount of sweetened cream cheese with the strawberry filling for a creamy, rich center.
Strawberry Banana Empanadas
Bananas add natural sweetness and smooth texture, balancing the strawberries.
Strawberry Chocolate Empanadas
Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a dessert-like twist.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Empanadas Every Time
- Always cool the filling before assembling
- Use cornstarch to control juiciness
- Seal edges tightly
- Bake on parchment paper
- Let empanadas cool slightly before eating
These small steps make a big difference in texture and flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Empanadas
Strawberry empanadas are delicious:
- Warm with powdered sugar
- With whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Alongside coffee or tea
- As part of a dessert platter
They’re elegant enough for guests yet comforting for everyday enjoyment.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Unbaked empanadas can be frozen and baked later
- Baked empanadas keep well for a day at room temperature
- Reheat gently in the oven to restore crispness
Avoid microwaving, which softens the pastry.
Strawberry Empanadas FAQ
What Are Strawberry Empanadas Made Of?
Strawberry empanadas are made with pastry dough filled with cooked strawberries, sugar, and a thickener, then baked or fried.
Can You Bake Strawberry Empanadas Instead of Frying?
Yes. Baking is lighter and highlights the fresh strawberry flavor.
How Do You Keep Strawberry Empanadas from Getting Soggy?
Cook the filling until thick, cool it fully, and avoid overfilling the dough.
Can Strawberry Empanadas Be Frozen?
Yes. They freeze best before baking and can be baked straight from frozen.
What Goes Well with Strawberry Empanadas?
They pair well with powdered sugar, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion: A Sweet Way to Celebrate Strawberries
Strawberry empanadas capture everything we love about homemade desserts: simple ingredients, fresh fruit, and comforting flavors. With flaky pastry and a vibrant strawberry filling, they’re a treat worth making whenever strawberries are in season or whenever you’re craving something warm and sweet from the oven.
