Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delightful handheld treat that combines the warm, spiced flavors of caramel apples with the flaky, golden crust of a traditional empanada. Whether you’re craving something sweet for dessert or a unique snack to share with family and friends, these empanadas are sure to hit the spot. Inspired by the classic flavors of fall, this recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling paired with gooey caramel sauce, all wrapped in a buttery pastry crust. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual weekend baking.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through each step to make these irresistible caramel apple empanadas from scratch. From making the perfect apple filling to achieving a flaky crust, this guide is packed with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you create a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of apples, cinnamon, and caramel!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel—it’s like capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. These Caramel Apple Empanadas take those familiar flavors to the next level by wrapping them in a golden, crispy crust. The result is a dessert that’s indulgent yet portable, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the go.

You’ll love this recipe for several reasons:

1. Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
2. Versatility: These empanadas can be served as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
3. Customizable: You can experiment with different apples, add mix-ins like nuts or raisins, or even try alternative fillings.
4. Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for future cravings or last-minute gatherings.
5. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these hand-held pastries, and they’re a fun baking project for the whole family to enjoy together.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 empanadas
• Serving Size: 1 empanada

Nutritional Information (per empanada)

• Calories: 290
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 17g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ⅓ cup ice water (plus more, as needed)

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel
• Optional: ⅛ teaspoon sea salt for salted caramel flavor

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 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.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork or your hands until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures a flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the skillet. Stir to coat the apples evenly in the sugar and spices.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the filling cool completely before assembling the empanadas.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 4-5 inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough. Re-roll any scraps to make additional rounds.
3. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each dough circle. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the filling.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect caramel apple empanadas:

• Apples: Granny Smith apples are a classic choice because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well for a sweeter filling.
• Butter: Used in both the dough and the filling, butter adds richness and flavor. Cold butter in the dough ensures a flaky crust.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the apples and caramel.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices enhance the natural flavor of the apples and give the filling a cozy, autumnal taste.
• Caramel Sauce: The star ingredient, caramel adds indulgence and a luscious texture to the filling. Opt for homemade caramel if you have the time for an extra-special touch.

Technique Tips

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough ensures that the butter stays cold, resulting in a flaky crust. If the dough becomes too warm while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Avoid Overfilling: Overstuffing the empanadas can cause the filling to leak during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
• Seal the Edges Well: Use a fork to crimp the edges securely to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. You can also brush a little water on the edges before sealing for extra security.
• Cool the Filling: Allow the apple filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Empanadas: Use a smaller cutter to create bite-sized empanadas, perfect for parties or snack platters.
• Drizzled with Caramel: Once baked, drizzle the empanadas with extra caramel sauce for a stunning presentation.
• Empanada Sundaes: Serve warm empanadas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for a decadent dessert.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a touch of elegance, dust the cooled empanadas with powdered sugar before serving.

Additional Tips for Success

• Keep your ingredients cold while working with the dough to ensure the best texture.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce or the apple filling.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Caramel Apple Empanadas: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a crunchy texture.
• Cheesecake Filling: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the dough before adding the apple filling for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
• Spiced Empanadas: Add a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger to the apple filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chocolate-Caramel Empanadas: Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey surprise.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store baked empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat flour in the dough for added fiber.
• Replace the brown sugar in the filling with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Skip the caramel sauce for a lower-sugar version, letting the natural sweetness of the apples shine.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Dessert: These empanadas make a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table.
• Party Snacks: Serve them on a platter with small bowls of caramel and chocolate sauce for dipping.
• Brunch: Pair with coffee or cider for a sweet addition to a fall-themed brunch.

Special Equipment

• A pastry cutter or food processor for making the dough.
• A rolling pin for rolling out the dough.
• A 4-5 inch round cutter or a bowl to cut out the dough circles.
• Parchment paper for lining the baking sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of homemade dough?
Yes, pre-made pie crust works well as a shortcut. Simply roll it out and cut into circles.

2. What’s the best type of apple for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious also work well.

3. Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the empanadas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage.

4. How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking?
Avoid overfilling and ensure the edges are sealed tightly with a fork or by pinching them together.

5. Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking them?
Yes, fry the empanadas in hot oil (about 350°F) until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

6. Is there a gluten-free option?
Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make the dough. Adjust the liquid as needed for the right consistency.

7. Can I use puff pastry instead of empanada dough?
Yes, puff pastry adds a flaky texture and works as a delicious alternative.

8. How do I store leftover caramel sauce?
Store leftover caramel sauce in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before using.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delightful combination of sweet, spiced apples and indulgent caramel wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Perfectly portable and easy to make, they’re an excellent dessert option for any season, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply to satisfy a craving, this recipe will deliver every time. With customizable options, make-ahead instructions, and endless ways to serve, these empanadas are guaranteed to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these irresistible caramel apple empanadas you won’t regret it!

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