Caramel Apple Empanadas
Caramel Apple Empanadas are warm, flaky pastry pockets filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a luscious caramel drizzle. This easy-to-make dessert combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the crisp texture of empanadas, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy snack.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 empanadas 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Apple Filling
- 3 cups firm, tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel & Dough
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 package empanada dough or pie crust (store-bought or homemade), enough for about 8-10 empanadas
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften but retain their shape. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the empanada dough or pie crust to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or bowl, cut out circles about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
- Assemble the empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce on top of the filling. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly. Crimp the edges using a fork to seal well and create a decorative finish.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the empanatas lightly with the beaten egg to give them a shiny golden crust. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith to avoid soggy filling and maintain texture.
- Do not overfill the empanadas to prevent leaking during baking.
- If making dough at home, chill it before rolling for easier handling and flakier crust.
- Seal edges well with a fork to keep juices inside.
- Allow the apple filling to cool before assembling to avoid melting the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Caramel Apple Empanadas, apple dessert, cinnamon apple empanadas, fall desserts, handheld pie, caramel apple recipe