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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Pumpkin Empanadas (Empanadas de Calabaza)

    Pumpkin Empanadas (Empanadas de Calabaza)

    Last Updated July 8, 2020. Originally Posted December 8, 2017 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, sweet treats for the holidays. A classic Mexican dessert that’s a favorite all year long.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays or delicious dessert. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

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    Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vons. As always, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    When I was an undergrad in college, I was a bit of a nerd. Ok. Maybe a really big nerd. One semester, I knew that I would get an A in my statistics class even before taking the final. So, I went to talk to the professor during his office hours to ask him if I could skip the final exam. He suggested something completely different. Instead of the final, I make him my favorite pan dulce. Something yummy to eat while he was busy failing other students. I ran home and made him a batch of Pumpkin Empanadas. Needless to say, I got an A in the class.

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays or delicious dessert. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Pumpkin Empanadas were my favorite as a kid. They were always too doughy though. I would often eat the center with all that pumpkin deliciousness and leave the crust behind. Clearly, the filling was my favorite. Here, I’m using O Organics 100% Pure Pumpkin. I’m all about quality, and that’s what O Organics products are all about and they’re found exclusively at San Diego VONS where they offer a wide variety of USDA-certified organic products that are available at a great price and through their eCommerce Grocery Delivery services.

    Vons

    I always make Pumpkin Empanadas during the holidays with my son. Think of it as the Mexican alternative to old fashioned American pumpkin pies. VONS has over 400 USDA-certified O Organics Products in nearly every aisle. They have everything you need for your holiday treats and eats. It’s easier to eat healthy especially with affordable O Organic products. Ooooh, here is something I discovered in my search for the perfect Pumpkin Empanada recipe: spice is nice. Ground clove is a must! You don’t want to use too much either. That stuff is potent.

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays or delicious dessert. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    I love my local VONS. As you can imagine, I’m there a lot. I feel like I know everyone there. They’re almost like part of our extended family and always help me find just the right products. And who doesn’t love good savings? You guys, be sure to check out the VONS app. Download it, open it up and save money! You can also find O Organics at all of the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Express, United and Carrs/Safeway. Visit vons.com to find a store near you and discover more meal prep tips and holiday recipe ideas.

    O Organics Eggs

    Years later, when I started testing recipes, I decided to use pie dough. It’s flaky, buttery, and thin. Yes, yes, and yes! Make an egg wash and brush the top of your unbaked empanadas. That’s what gives them that golden look. For my egg wash, I prefer O Organic eggs. They taste great, and, as luck would have it, they are always at a good price. VONS believes that organic food should taste great and be available to everyone at a great price. As a mom and a home cook, I love that!

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays or delicious dessert. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    The hardest part is the wait. Patience is not my strong suit. They take 15 minutes to bake, and then you have to wait for them to cool down. Sigh… Take a look at just how easy they are to make.

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays or delicious dessert. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Are you interested in trying VONS store Grocery Delivery this holiday season?! VONS store wants to give you savings on your 1st order

    • Free Delivery on your 1st order – or –
    • $25 Off + Free Delivery on your 1st order when you spend $100 or more. Enter promo code: SEASONSEATINGS at online checkout. Offer valid through 1/14/18.
    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Pumpkin Empanadas (Empanadas de Calabaza)

    Pumpkin Empanadas make yummy, sweet treats for the holidays. A classic Mexican dessert that’s a favorite all year long.
    5 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 114kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • For the filling:
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1 29-ounce pumpkin puree
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
    • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
    • 2 pre-made pie crusts
    • 1 egg
    • Splash of water

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven 350 F or 180 C.
    • In a large pan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Cook for 1 minute.
    • Then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, and cloves.
    • Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Remove from heat.
    • Let cool.
    • In the meantime, sprinkle flour on a dry, flat surface.
    • Roll out the pie crust.
    • Use a circular cookie cutter or clean, round can, cut out a circle about 3-inch in diameter.
    • Add a teaspoon to the middle of each circle.
    • Fold one end of the circle over to close.
    • With a fork, press the edges to close.
    • In a greased pan, place each of the uncooked empanadas.
    • Mix the egg and water to create egg wash.
    • Brush the uncooked empanadas with the egg wash.
    • Bake for 15 minutes.
    • Cool on a wire rack.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Pumpkin Empanadas last 2 days in the fridge. 
    Pumkin Empanadas last 3 months in the freezer. 
    Note: instead of baking, try frying the empanadas for 2 minutes on each side. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Pumpkin Empanadas (or Empanadas de Calabaza) make yummy, Mexican treats for the holidays or delicious dessert. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen


    Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vons. As always, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

    Filed Under: Desserts

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue

      August 15, 2020 at 4:53 am

      5 stars
      Ah, this is like pumpkin pie only in a hand pie form! What fun! My family will love these!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:35 am

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    2. Alexandra

      August 15, 2020 at 4:59 am

      5 stars
      The perfect fall treat! These pumpkin empanadas are delicious!!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:35 am

        Thanks! Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    3. Andréa Janssen

      August 15, 2020 at 5:01 am

      5 stars
      How delicious these pumpkin empenadas and so easy to prepare. Love the recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:34 am

        Right? So easy and delicious

        Reply
    4. Chef Dennis

      August 15, 2020 at 5:28 am

      5 stars
      Incredibly delicious. I have to make this tonight!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:40 am

        So good right? We love this one too

        Reply
    5. Emily Flint

      August 15, 2020 at 7:31 am

      5 stars
      My family loves all things pumpkin and they loved these too! So easy to make and so delicious.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:28 am

        Hope you try this recipe is delicious!

        Reply
    6. Raquel

      August 15, 2020 at 7:39 am

      5 stars
      Such a wonderful way to enjoy pumpkin! Thanks for the delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:28 am

        So good right? We love this one too

        Reply
    7. Taleen | Just As Tasty

      August 15, 2020 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow! I love empanadas but have never had pumpkin ones. This looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:28 am

        This recipe is delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    8. Michele Peterson

      August 17, 2020 at 4:23 am

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:21 am

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    9. Debra

      August 18, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      Oh…the tastes and smells of fall. Love how easy this comes together. The kids are going to love these. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 19, 2020 at 2:45 pm

        Easy and delicious. Glad you liked it!

        Reply

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