Traditional Pumpkin Empanadas at La Purisima Bakery

Empanadas are a common food staple for many Latin American countries across the world, and one Valley bakery is continuing to share its tradition.

Irma Arellano, manager at La Purisima Bakery, shared that her in-laws Juan and Marcella Arellano opened the bakery back in the early 1980s to support their family. Fast forward to today, the bakery employs over 40 people across several locations throughout the Valley, selling various desserts, sweet breads, and tamales.

During this time of year, empanadas are a favorite treat for many, especially pumpkin and sweet potato varieties. Arellano mentioned that every bakery in Mexico typically offers either pumpkin or sweet potato empanadas, making it a traditional choice for customers.

At La Purisima Bakery, they make 300 pumpkin empanadas a day for their Glendale location, a testament to their popularity. Arellano emphasized the special memories tied to making empanadas and how it’s a family tradition that brings people together, especially during the holiday season.

When it comes to the pumpkin empanadas, Arellano revealed that they prepare their own filling with a mix of sugar, bread crumbs, and starch. Despite challenges in sourcing pumpkins in the past, the bakery remains committed to offering this popular empanada flavor to their customers.

Over the years, La Purisima Bakery has expanded their menu based on customer requests, starting with three flavors and gradually adding more options to satisfy their loyal patrons.

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