Sweet & Flaky Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet caramel apple empanadas dance between comfort and excitement, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Flaky pastry wraps around warm cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth.

Crisp autumn memories flood back with each golden-brown bite.

Childhood nostalgia meets gourmet creativity in this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Buttery layers cradle a rich filling that whispers sweet promises.

Crescent-shaped pockets of deliciousness await your eager hands.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this magical dessert.

Flavor Twists for Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough made from almond or rice flour. Ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Pocket: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based caramel sauce, and create dough using vegan pie crust. Brush with plant-based milk instead of egg wash.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace apples with low-carb chayote squash or zucchini. Use almond flour for crust, add cream cheese for binding, and sweeten with erythritol or stevia.

FAQ for Caramel Apple Empanadas Lovers

• What are the key ingredients for the apple filling?

Butter, diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, cornstarch, water, and caramel sauce are the main ingredients that create a rich, sweet apple mixture with perfect consistency.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during cooking.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking while cooking?

Seal the edges firmly with a fork, don’t overfill the dough circles, and ensure the edges are completely pressed together to keep the filling inside during baking or frying.

• Is it better to bake or fry these empanadas?

Both methods work well – baking is healthier and easier, while frying creates a crispier exterior. Choose based on your preference and cooking comfort level.

Caramel Apple Empanadas That Feel Like Fall

• Super fast preparation means you can have these delicious treats ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flexible cooking methods let you choose between baking or frying, perfect for different kitchen setups and preferences.
• Simple steps make this recipe great for involving children in the kitchen, creating fun family baking moments together.
• Irresistible combination of caramel and apple appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings and dessert parties.

Caramel Apple Empanadas Ingredient List

• Pie Crust: Buttery base for the empanadas, store-bought or homemade works well. Flaky and tender texture is key.
• Egg: Creates a golden brown shine and helps seal the edges of the empanadas.
• Water: Used in egg wash to help seal and enhance browning.

• Apples: Sweet and soft fruit that forms the core of the filling. Choose firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich filling.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps soften the apples.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple's natural flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and create a smooth texture.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds extra sweetness and decadence. Can be store-bought or homemade.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping for a decorative and sweet finish.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying method, provides crispy exterior if not baking.

How to Assemble and Bake Caramel Apple Empanadas

Step 1: Create Irresistible Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Sauté until apples transform into soft, golden treasures. Sprinkle cornstarch mixed with water into the pan and continue cooking until the mixture thickens beautifully. Remove from heat, swirl in luxurious caramel sauce, and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Empanada Dough

Lovingly roll out pie crust and transform it into perfect circular canvases using a round cutter or bowl rim. Gently place a generous spoonful of the apple filling right in the center of each dough circle.

Step 3: Shape Magical Pastry Pockets

Tenderly fold the dough over, creating charming half-moon shapes. Press the edges closed with a fork, creating a delicate crimped seal. Whisk an egg with water to create a golden brush that will give your empanadas a gorgeous shine.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Adventure

Baking Method:

Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Frying Method:

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower empanadas into the oil, cooking until each side achieves a crispy, beautiful bronze. Rescue them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Allow empanadas to cool slightly. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tricks to Improve Your Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Prevent Soggy Filling: Let apple mixture cool completely before adding to dough to avoid excess moisture that can make empanadas soggy.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar amount based on apple tartness; taste filling before sealing to ensure perfect sweetness level.
• Ensure Tight Seal: Crimp edges firmly with fork and avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking or frying.
• Experiment with Alternatives: Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary adaptations.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce; warm slightly for easier drizzling and more even coating.

Store Caramel Apple Empanadas Without the Soggy Crust

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm empanadas at 350F for 810 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method helps maintain their original crunch and texture.
• Quickly heat empanadas for 3045 seconds, but expect slightly softer pastry compared to oven reheating.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Treats to Serve with Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Select a Gewürztraminer or Riesling with hints of cinnamon and apple, complementing the empanada's warm spices and caramel notes.
• Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the crispy pastry and provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm filling.
• Brew a rich espresso or caramel-infused coffee that echoes the dessert's sweet caramel undertones and provides a delightful afternoon treat.
• Enjoy a small glass of Frangelico or amaretto, which adds nutty depth and brings out the empanada's rich, complex flavors.

Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet, golden “caramel apple empanadas” blend Mexican pastry traditions with rich autumn flavors. Crisp pastry shells cradle warm cinnamon-spiced apples, promising a delightful dessert journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Filling Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup caramel sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 pinch salt

Dough Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 rounds) or empanada dough

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Extra caramel sauce (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the luscious apple and caramel infusion by gently melting butter in a skillet, then introducing diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of salt.
2. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, allowing apples to transform into tender morsels, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
3. Incorporate a cornstarch slurry to enhance the filling’s velvety consistency, continuing to cook until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy sheen.
4. Remove from heat and fold in decadent caramel sauce, then allow the filling to cool and settle, intensifying its rich flavors.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F, or prepare a deep fryer if preferring a crispy alternative cooking method.
6. Unroll pie crust and transform it into elegant circular canvases using a round cutter or bowl rim.
7. Carefully position a generous spoonful of the apple-caramel filling at the center of each delicate dough circle.
8. Gracefully fold the dough, creating a crescent shape that encapsulates the fragrant filling.
9. Secure the edges with gentle fork pressings, creating a decorative and secure seal.
10. Whisk an egg with water to create a golden-brown wash, then delicately brush the empanada surfaces.
11. For baking, arrange on a parchment-lined sheet and roast until the pastry achieves a beautiful amber hue, approximately 18-20 minutes.
12. Alternatively, for frying, submerge in 350°F oil, cooking until each side develops a crisp, golden exterior.
13. Allow empanadas to rest briefly, then embellish with an additional drizzle of caramel and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Notes

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your filling.
• Keep filling cool before adding to dough to prevent soggy empanadas and ensure clean sealing.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pie crusts made from almond or coconut flour.
• Refrigerate assembled empanadas for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape and prevent filling leakage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg