Cherry Empanadas – Cherry pie filling is wrapped in a flour tortilla, fried, and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a decadent dessert.
Don’t forget some of my other favorites – like these Virgin Frozen Margaritas and Tres Leches Cake!
While normally I have the Blogger Spotlight feature on Fridays, we are interrupting our regularly scheduled posting to bring you not one, but two recipes that you can put on your Cinco de Mayo menu for tomorrow. And if you are in Utah, I’ll be making these today on KUTV’s Fresh Living at 1pm!
Let’s start with these empanadas. I know, I know. When I say “empanada”, this is not what you picture. I can already hear you saying – “aren’t they supposed to be half moon shaped, and made from a pastry dough? And aren’t they usually filled with savory ingredients?” True, true. That is what a traditional empanada is. But these aren’t traditional. These empanadas are actually a knock off of a dessert empanada that is sold at a fast food Mexican restaurant. And I love them. I can’t remember the last time I bought one of these, but I have always wanted to try making them at home. And guess what? They are super easy, and just as tasty!!
They are as simple as a flour tortilla, filled with pie filling, fried, and then rolled in cinnamon sugar. I find that with fried, rolled things like this, it is best if they are made and then refrigerated for awhile before you fry them. It just helps the whole thing to stay together better. Which is why these would be so easy to whip up tonight, and then fry tomorrow. But if you want them now, they still work beautifully if you prepare them and fry them all in one go. And they are super adaptable. Don’t like cherry? Try a different flavor! A perfect dessert for your Cinco de Mayo party!
More Cinco de Mayo Recipes:
Grilled Mexican Corn on the Cob
Chicken, Black Bean and Zucchini Enchiladas
Chicken Tostadas
Migas Breakfast Tacos
Fried Fish Tacos
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Fried Ice Cream Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Bowls
Cherry Empanadas
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
- 8 8-inch flour tortillas
- 1 21-oz can cherry pie filling
- vegetable oil for frying
- Sweetened whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
- Lay the tortillas out on a work surface. Put about 1/4 cup of filling down the center of each tortilla. Fold the ends in, then roll up like a burrito. Make sure they are rolled tightly. Lay seam side down on a baking sheet. (At this point, you can refrigerate them. It makes them a little easier to fry, but it's not required.)
- Heat about 3/4" of oil to 350F in a heavy duty skillet or Dutch oven. Once hot, add the empanadas, 2 or 3 at a time, to the oil. Cook until browned on one side, then turn to brown the other side. When browned, immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then place on a clean plate. Continue until all empanadas are cooked.
- Serve with sweetened whipped cream.
Deborah Carlson says
I know the Mexican fast food chain you mentioned, my main reason for going there is the cherry empanadas. Thrilled to find this recipe, was perfect, can’t wait to try other recipes! Deb.
Andrea LEADER says
I’m going to make these tonight. They look so yummy and simple. Perfect for our Mexi night! Has any one tried deep frying these in a deep fryer, would they fall apart?
Tammy Knight says
Can you do this with an air dryer?
If so, what are the temps and how long should it ” fry ” for ?
Deborah says
I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of knowledge about an air fryer so I’m not sure. Sorry!
Gayatri Mantra says
Looks so good!!
Jaclyn says
These look incredible!! I need one. Beautiful pictures!
Chels R. says
You so had me fooled! I can’t believe those are flour tortillas! You rock my world!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
These are all great ways to ring in Derby de Mayo!! I celebrated the Derby and Cinco de Mayo last weekend. I’ve never made empanadas, but now I’m thinking it should be a priority!
Donna says
Wow, do these look YUM. Probably just as yummy on the 7th of May, right??? Thanks for posting these.
katie says
o-m-g. love this concept of a fried tortilla rolled in sugar and stuffed with cherries! must make stat.