Tropical Pineapple Coconut Empanadas
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the tropics with these Tropical Pineapple Coconut Empanadas! Each golden pastry is filled with a luscious mix of well-drained crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut, and a hint of vanilla, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. These empanadas are wonderfully flaky, thanks to a buttery dough that melts in your mouth. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat for yourself, they are irresistibly delicious and sure to become a favorite. Once you take a bite, you'll find it hard to stop at just one!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2.5 cups (Sifted)
salt
0.5 teaspoon (N/A)
solid shortening
3/4 cup (N/A)
sour cream
1 tablespoon (N/A)
chilled water
0.5 cup plus 1 teaspoon (Chilled)
crushed pineapple
2 (20-ounce) cans (Well drained)
sugar or Splenda
1 cup (N/A)
flaked coconut
1.5 cups (N/A)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (For rolling)
sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup (For brushing)
Instructions
1
To make the dough, start by sifting 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a large mixing bowl. Incorporate 3/4 cup of solid shortening using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
2
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sour cream and mix it in. Gradually add 1/2 cup of chilled water, mixing until the dough starts to form a ball. If needed, add an additional teaspoon of chilled water to help the dough come together.
3
Divide the dough into 24 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with cooking spray; set aside.
5
For the filling, combine 2 (20-ounce) cans of well-drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup of sugar or 1 cup of Splenda sugar substitute, 1 1/2 cups of flaked coconut, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
6
Using 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour as needed to prevent sticking, roll each dough ball into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface.
7
Place 2 tablespoons of the pineapple coconut filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheets.
8
Using a fork, pierce the tops of the empanadas for ventilation, and then brush the tops with 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk for a beautiful glaze.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Pineapple Coconut Empanadas?
They are golden pastries filled with a sweet mixture of crushed pineapple, flaked coconut, and vanilla, wrapped in a flaky, buttery dough.
How many empanadas does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 individual empanadas.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long do these empanadas need to bake?
Bake them for 18 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
Can I use a sugar substitute for the filling?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of Splenda sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.
What is the secret to the glaze on top?
The tops are brushed with 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk before baking to create a beautiful glaze.
How long should the dough chill before rolling?
The dough balls should be refrigerated for 15 minutes to firm up.
What type of pineapple is best for the filling?
You should use two 20-ounce cans of crushed pineapple that have been well-drained.
How large should I roll each piece of dough?
Each dough ball should be rolled into a 6-inch circle.
How much filling goes into each empanada?
Place 2 tablespoons of the pineapple coconut filling in the center of each dough circle.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
The dough requires 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of solid shortening, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, and about 1/2 cup of chilled water.
Why do I need to pierce the tops of the empanadas?
Piercing the tops with a fork provides ventilation while the empanadas bake.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling it out?
Use approximately 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour on your work surface as needed.
What type of coconut should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of flaked coconut.
What is the texture of the empanada pastry?
The pastry is described as wonderfully flaky and buttery, melting in your mouth.
Should I use an electric mixer for the dough?
Yes, an electric mixer is used on medium speed for about 2 minutes to incorporate the shortening into the flour.
How do I seal the empanadas?
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Does the recipe use vanilla?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is mixed into the pineapple coconut filling.
What should the dough mixture look like after adding shortening?
The mixture should resemble a coarse meal.
Should the water for the dough be room temperature?
No, you should use chilled water to help the dough form correctly.
Can these be served at parties?
Yes, they are ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet personal treat.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line two large baking sheets and coat them with cooking spray.
What if the dough doesn't form a ball with 1/2 cup of water?
You can add an additional teaspoon of chilled water to help the dough come together.
Are these empanadas sweet or savory?
These are sweet dessert empanadas featuring tropical fruit flavors.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the 2 1/2 cups of flour should be sifted with salt into a large mixing bowl.
What is the main fat source in the dough?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of solid shortening.
How many cans of pineapple are required?
You will need two 20-ounce cans of crushed pineapple.
Should they be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Is salt included in the dough?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the dough recipe.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert and sweet treat.