Pear & Pumpkin Empanadas

Mexican‑inspired, autumn‑forward hand pies filled with spiced pumpkin and soft pear.

Pumpkin empanadas (empanadas de calabaza) are a beloved Mexican fall pastry. This pear variation adds a modern, elegant twist while keeping the warm spice profile intact.

Prep 25 min Cook 18–22 min Serves 12 empanadas

These empanadas blend Mexican spiced pumpkin with soft pear, creating a sweet‑savory autumn filling wrapped in flaky pastry. The pear adds floral sweetness and moisture, while pumpkin provides warmth and body. Perfect for fall gatherings, dessert boards, or cozy weekend baking.

Ingredients

2 cups pumpkin purée
1 cup finely diced pear
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp clove
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp melted butter
12 empanada dough rounds (store‑bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tbsp coarse sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Make the filling
   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin purée, diced pear, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, salt, honey, and melted butter. Cook 5–7 minutes until pears soften and mixture thickens.
2. Cool the filling
   Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely so it doesn’t soften the dough.
3. Fill the empanadas
   Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough round. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
4. Brush and sprinkle
   Brush each empanada with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
5. Bake
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool slightly
   Let cool 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets.

Beauty Benefits

• Pear hydrates skin internally
• Pumpkin enzymes support gentle exfoliation
• Cinnamon boosts circulation
• Honey adds glow‑enhancing antioxidants

Health Benefits

• Fibre‑rich pear + pumpkin support digestion
• Anti‑inflammatory spices
• Lower‑sugar dessert option compared to traditional dulce fillings

Substitutions

• Pear → apple or quince
• Brown sugar → piloncillo or maple
• Butter → coconut oil
• Empanada dough → puff pastry circles

Storage

• Refrigerate 3 days
• Freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat at 350°F for 8 minutes

Enjoy Pear & Pumpkin Empanadas!
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?