Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delightful fusion of flaky, golden pastry and a sweet, sticky caramel apple filling. These handheld desserts are a perfect treat for fall, holidays, or any time you’re craving something comforting and sweet.

Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these empanadas bring together the best flavors of caramel apples in a crispy, portable package. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delectable pastries from scratch, including tips, variations, and serving ideas to take them to the next level.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important that the butter stays cold, as this will create a flaky texture in the empanada dough.
3. Add Ice Water: Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it gradually. The dough should be firm and not too sticky. Once the dough holds together when pressed, stop adding water.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and makes it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Apple Filling

1. Prepare the Apples: While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Cook the Apple Filling: In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften but still hold their shape.
3. Thicken the Filling: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the apple mixture and stir well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flour to thicken the filling slightly.
4. Add the Caramel: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt. The caramel should melt into the apples, creating a rich, gooey filling. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Cut Dough Circles: Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You can re-roll the scraps to get more circles, but be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
4. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the caramel apple filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
5. Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas completely.
6. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish.
7. Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the empanadas for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.
2. Cool: Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once the empanadas have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
2. Serve Warm: These empanadas are best served warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Butter Cold: For the flakiest empanada dough, it’s crucial to keep the butter cold throughout the process. If the butter starts to melt while you’re mixing or rolling the dough, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
2. Prevent Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as the filling can spill out during baking. A tablespoon of filling is usually enough for each empanada.
3. Use Granny Smith Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are the best choice for this recipe, as their tartness balances out the sweetness of the caramel. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji are good alternatives.
4. Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce works well, but if you’re feeling ambitious, making your own homemade caramel will take these empanadas to the next level.
5. Crimp the Edges: Properly crimping the edges of the empanadas helps to seal them and prevent leaks. You can also use a little water around the edges to help the dough stick together.

Recipe Variations

1. Apple-Cinnamon Empanadas:

Skip the caramel and simply make apple-cinnamon empanadas by omitting the caramel sauce. The filling will still be deliciously sweet and spiced.

2. Cream Cheese and Apple Empanadas:

Add a layer of cream cheese to the inside of the empanadas before adding the apple filling. The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet apples and caramel.

3. Apple Pie Empanadas:

Mix a little more cinnamon and nutmeg into the apple filling, and sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for a more pie-like flavor.

4. Salted Caramel Empanadas:

For a salted caramel twist, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel before sealing the empanadas. The combination of sweet and salty is irresistible.

5. Nutty Caramel Apple Empanadas:

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Ice Cream: Serve warm empanadas with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast between the warm pastry and cold ice cream is divine.
2. With Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle the baked empanadas with additional caramel sauce before serving.
3. As a Brunch Treat: These empanadas make a delightful addition to any brunch spread. Serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet mid-morning treat.
4. For Holidays: Caramel Apple Empanadas are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or Thanksgiving dessert tables. They can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

• To reheat, place the empanadas in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy.

Freezing:

• These empanadas freeze well! To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made pie dough?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust or empanada dough. It won’t be quite as flaky as homemade dough, but it’s a great shortcut.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the dough and the filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and the filling can be made up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake the empanadas when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I air-fry the empanadas?

Yes! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the empanadas for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a perfect dessert to indulge in. With their crispy, flaky crust and sweet, caramel-infused apple filling, they’re bound to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether for a cozy family dinner, a holiday treat, or just because, these empanadas are a must-try recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

Yield: 10

Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

Print

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delightful fusion of flaky, golden pastry and a sweet, sticky caramel apple filling. These handheld desserts are a perfect treat for fall, holidays, or any time you’re craving something comforting and sweet. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these empanadas bring together the best flavors of caramel apples in a crispy, portable package. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delectable pastries from scratch, including tips, variations, and serving ideas to take them to the next level.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup cold water (you may not use all of it)
• 1 egg, for egg wash
• For the Apple Filling:
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• For the Caramel Filling:
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• For Topping:
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You may not need the full 1/2 cup. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
   
2. Make the Apple Filling:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
   Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
   
3. Assemble the Empanadas:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out 4-5 inch circles.
   Spoon 1 tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each dough circle, followed by a teaspoon of caramel sauce. Be careful not to overfill.
   Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the empanadas.
   
4. Bake the Empanadas:
   Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
   If desired, sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
   Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
   
5. Serve:
   Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if desired.

Notes

Make-Ahead Dough: The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for later use.

Filling Options: You can add a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans) or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture.

Frying Option: For a crispier empanada, you can fry them in oil instead of baking.