Banana Empanadas

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Indulge in the perfect balance of buttery pastry and sweet, caramelized filling with these delightful Banana Empanadas. Made from scratch, the flaky dough comes together with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour and unsalted butter, while the luscious banana filling features ripe bananas simmered with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon for a warm, comforting depth of flavor. Lightly fried to golden perfection, these handheld treats boast a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, gooey center. Perfect as a dessert or a cozy snack, these irresistible pastries are quick to prepare, with just 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time. Serve them warm for an authentic, crowd-pleasing treat that's as pleasing to the taste buds as it is nostalgic. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these Banana Empanadas are sure to be a hit!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Servings: 8 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

11 items

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 6 tablespoons cold water
• 3 medium ripe bananas
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups vegetable oil

📝 Instructions

13 steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.

2. Add the unsalted butter to the bowl and use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

4. While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Peel and chop the bananas into small pieces and place them in a saucepan over medium heat.

5. Add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bananas are softened and the sugar has dissolved into a caramel-like consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

6. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.

7. Place a spoonful of the banana filling in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill.

8. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.

9. In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the empanadas.

10. In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

11. Carefully fry the empanadas in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

12. Remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

13. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (175.3g)

Calories		757
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		65.2 g	84%
	Saturated Fat	15.4 g	77%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	33.7 g
Cholesterol		56 mg	19%
Sodium		73 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate		44.7 g	16%
	Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	8%
	Total Sugars	16.1 g
Protein		4.6 g	9%
Vitamin D		0.3 mcg	2%
Calcium		22 mg	2%
Iron		1.6 mg	9%
Potassium		218 mg	5%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 4699 cal (74.9%%)

Protein: 148 cal (2.4%%)

Carbs: 1427 cal (22.7%%)