Caramel Apple Empanadas
Caramel Apple Empanadas combine the sweet richness of caramel with tart, crisp apples enveloped in a flaky, golden pastry. Perfect for autumn gatherings or festive occasions, these easy-to-make empanadas balance warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling with buttery crust and a glossy caramel drizzle, delivering a delightful sweet and crispy treat.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Filling
- 3 medium firm, tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Caramel Sauce
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Dough & Finishing
- 1 package (about 1 lb) empanada dough (pre-made or homemade)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften but still retain slight crispness. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before assembling.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, unroll store-bought dough or divide homemade dough into small equal portions. Flatten each piece and cut into 4-5 inch diameter circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Add filling and caramel: Spoon a generous layer of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apples, taking care not to overfill to ensure the dough seals properly.
- Seal the empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork or pinch by hand to seal completely and prevent opening during baking.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush each empanada generously with beaten egg wash for a shiny golden finish. Arrange on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and flaky.
Notes
- Chill the dough before rolling to prevent stickiness and promote flakiness.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent empanadas from bursting open while baking.
- Use firm, tart apples to maintain texture and balance sweetness.
- Drizzle caramel sparingly to avoid sogginess while keeping rich flavor.
- Let assembled empanadas rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for easier handling and better crust texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: caramel apple, empanadas, dessert, fall recipe, caramel apple dessert, baked empanadas, autumn flavors