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