Ninfa's Banana Empanadas Empanadas De Platanos

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Ninfa's Banana Empanadas (Empanadas de Plátanos), a delightful dessert that combines ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla encased in a tender, buttery pastry. This recipe offers versatility with both baking and frying options to suit your preferences. The flaky homemade dough, made from scratch, perfectly complements the luscious banana filling. Whether dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or served warm straight from the oven or fryer, these hand pies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Perfect for dessert lovers, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s brimming with tropical flavors and rustic charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Ripe bananas
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 5 tablespoons Cold water
• 1 piece Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 2 cups Oil (for frying, if choosing fried method)
• 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth.

Step 2

Mix the mashed bananas with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 3

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.

Step 4

Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5

Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to the flour mixture, kneading gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 6

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 7

After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.

Step 8

Place a spoonful of the banana filling in the center of each dough circle. Do not overfill.

Step 9

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

Step 10

If baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each empanada with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 11

If frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in small batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 12

Allow the empanadas to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1504.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6559.5

Total Fat 577.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 444.3mg	0%
Sodium 699.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 362.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.3g	0%
Total Sugars 126.8g
Protein 37.4g	0%

Vitamin D 41IU	0%
Calcium 169.7mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 2108.2mg	0%

*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: 76.5%

Protein: 2.2%

Carbs: 21.3%