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Caramel Apple Empanadas

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: caramel apple, empanadas, dessert, fall recipe, caramel apple dessert, baked empanadas, autumn flavors