Empanadas de Leche (Custard-Filled Sweet Pastries)

History & Origin

Empanadas de leche hold a special place in Mexican baking tradition. Unlike savoury empanadas, these are a sweet bread piece that has been part of the classic bakery repertoire since the 19th century. The custard filling, popularly known as "crema de leche", is prepared with milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornflour and vanilla, achieving a silky texture and a flavour that evokes childhood for millions of Mexicans. The sweet dough that encases them is different from other breads: finer and more delicate, it must be firm enough to contain the filling without breaking, yet soft when bitten. In many bakeries, empanadas de leche are decorated with an egg wash and sprinkled with granulated sugar that caramelises slightly in the oven. They are one of the most requested pieces during merienda, that moment between lunch and dinner where Mexican families gather around coffee or hot chocolate with sweet bread.