Scrumptious Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet meets savory in these delightful caramel apple empanadas that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Crispy pastry envelops a luscious filling bursting with seasonal flavors.

Buttery layers cradle warm cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel for a mouthwatering treat.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and comforting notes.

Homemade pastries aren’t just about ingredients, they’re about creating moments of pure happiness.

Kitchen adventures await with this simple yet impressive dessert that looks like you spent hours crafting.

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience that sparks excitement at first glance.

Caramel Apple Empanadas That Taste Like Mini Pies

• Craft Sweet Memories: Whip up these caramel apple empanadas for a delightful dessert that brings families together with minimal effort.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Assemble these pastries in under an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine classic apple pie flavors with a handheld twist that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary moments into special treats.
• Versatile Occasion Dessert: Serve these empanadas at casual gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, guaranteeing smiles and requests for seconds.

Caramel Apple Empanadas What You’ll Use

• Flour: Provides the base structure for the empanada dough, all-purpose works best.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the filling.
• Chilled Butter: Creates flaky layers in the pastry, cold temperature is crucial.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing tough gluten.

• Apples: Core ingredient providing natural sweetness and texture, use firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor, freshly ground recommended.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds rich, sweet depth to the filling, homemade or high-quality store-bought works well.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create golden, shiny crust.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Provides sweet, spicy topping for extra flavor and crunch, can be made at home by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Caramel Apple Empanadas Directions

Step 1: Prepare Dough Base

Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Blend chilled butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until it looks like rough, crumbly pieces.

Slowly add ice water and mix until a smooth dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for half an hour to rest and chill.

Step 2: Create Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir the mixture thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Warm the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Roll and Shape Dough

Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the chilled dough to a thin ⅛-inch thickness.

Use a round cutter to create circular dough pieces.

Step 5: Fill Empanada Pockets

Place a spoonful of apple mixture in the center of each dough circle.

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.

Step 6: Seal and Decorate

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Press edges with a fork to seal completely.

Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow empanadas to cool slightly.

Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert experience.

Empanada Tips for Gooey Caramel Apple Folds

• Use extremely cold butter and work quickly to create flaky, tender empanada pastry that melts in your mouth.
• Toss apple pieces with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Press fork edges firmly and evenly to ensure empanadas don't leak during baking, keeping delicious filling inside.
• Let empanadas rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow caramel and filling to set, preventing burning and improving texture.
• Swap apples for pears or add chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch and unique flavor variations.

Store Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed empanadas at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Restore their golden crunch perfectly.
• Reheat from refrigerated state for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the pastry, so oven method is recommended for maintaining texture.

Caramel Apple Empanadas Complements

• Pair with Warming Bourbon Spice Cocktail: Blend smooth bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and a dash of nutmeg for a complementary drink that echoes the empanada's warm spices and caramel notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Scoop creamy, rich vanilla gelato alongside the empanadas to balance the warm pastry and provide a cool, silky contrast to the spiced apple filling.
• Match with Cinnamon Cream Coffee: Brew a strong coffee and top with whipped cream infused with ground cinnamon, creating a delightful accompaniment that highlights the dessert's sweet and spicy profile.
• Complement with Aged Gouda Cheese: Offer a small slice of nutty, slightly sharp aged Gouda to provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet empanadas, creating a sophisticated flavor experience.

Caramel Apple Empanada Dessert Twists

• Gluten-Free Empanadas: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use cold coconut oil instead of butter to maintain a flaky texture.
• Vegan Apple Caramel Empanadas: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based caramel sauce. Replace egg wash with almond milk for golden browning and create a dairy-free filling using coconut sugar.
• Low-Sugar Apple Empanadas: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Incorporate green apples for natural tartness and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profiles.
• Spiced Autumn Empanadas: Add ground cardamom and ginger to the apple filling. Incorporate chopped pecans for extra crunch and replace standard caramel with a maple-infused caramel sauce for a warm, seasonal twist.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in caramel apple empanadas?

The key ingredients include flour, butter, ice water, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, caramel sauce, and eggs for brushing the pastry.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll and fill the empanadas.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?

Ensure you crimp the edges tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling the dough circles. Press the edges firmly to create a complete seal before baking.

• Is it possible to freeze these empanadas?

Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel apple empanadas blend Spanish pastry tradition with irresistible dessert magic. Golden pastry pockets cradle spiced apple filling, offering a delightful journey through comfort and culinary creativity you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Binding and Finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup ice water

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate flour mixture by combining dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth, even texture.
2. Incorporate chilled butter into the flour blend, working methodically until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly granules.
3. Introduce ice water gradually, gently kneading until a cohesive dough emerges.
4. Encase the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for half an hour, enabling the gluten to relax.
5. Prepare the apple filling by marrying diced apples with aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and warmth.
6. Preheat the oven to a precise temperature, ensuring an optimal baking environment.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
8. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, achieving a delicate, uniform thickness.
9. Utilize a round cutter to transform the dough into perfect circular canvases.
10. Deposit a generous spoonful of spiced apple mixture into the center of each dough circle.
11. Enhance the filling with a luxurious drizzle of caramel sauce, adding depth and richness.
12. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a classic half-moon silhouette.
13. Seal the empanadas by crimping the edges with a fork, ensuring a secure closure.
14. Arrange the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between each.
15. Brush the surface with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a golden, crisp exterior.
16. Bake until the empanadas transform into a beautiful golden-brown, signaling perfect doneness.
17. Allow a brief cooling period before serving, then indulge in the warm, caramel-kissed treats with an additional caramel drizzle.

Notes

• Ensure butter is extremely cold for a flakier, more tender pastry crust that melts in your mouth.
• Dice apples uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the empanadas.
• Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra crunch and nutty depth of flavor.
• Swap traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg