These Guava Cheese Empanadas are as Cuban as it gets, mi gente. We're talking homemade dough made with pork lard and brown sugar-cinnamon syrup, and a sweet guava and cream cheese filling that's to die for. Easy to assemble and even easier to devour, making them a perfect sweet treat ready in just 30 minutes.
Cut the cream cheese and guava paste into 1-inch slices. Set aside.
In the center of an empanada disc, place a guava paste slice and a slice of cream cheese on top. Fold the top half of the circle over the filling then seal with a fork. Repeat with the rest of the empanadas.
In a large skillet, heat 1 cup of oil to 400ºF. Fry the empanadas, a few at a time, until crispy and golden brown on all sides. Drain the empanadas on paper towel-lined plates. Serve immediately.
P.S. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before eating. Guava gets hot so the filling can burn the roof of your mouth if you don't wait for them to cool a bit. I know this is the hardest part!