Caramel Apple Empanadas

Looking for the perfect balance of sweet and savory? Let me introduce you to Caramel Apple Empanadas—a warm, crispy treat with a deliciously gooey caramel apple filling. Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust, and then… BAM! You’re hit with the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized apples mixed with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s like a hug in dessert form. These empanadas are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy fall evening, a family gathering, or even as a sweet snack after dinner. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Empanadas

Irresistibly Sweet & Savory

The combo of caramel and apple is a classic for a reason—it’s absolutely mouthwatering! Plus, the crispy, buttery pastry adds the perfect contrast to the sweet, soft apple filling.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these empanadas, but you’ll end up with a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Apples, caramel, cinnamon—what’s not to love?

Easy to Make

These empanadas are surprisingly simple to prepare, and they bake up beautifully golden and crispy. The filling is so easy to whip together, and the dough is just as easy to handle. Even if you’re not a pro baker, you’ll have these empanadas ready in no time!

Perfect for Fall (or Anytime)

Sure, they’re perfect for fall with that warm, spiced apple flavor, but these empanadas are delicious all year round. Serve them at a party, bring them to a family gathering, or just enjoy them as a sweet treat for yourself.

Customizable

You can add your own twist! Want a little extra crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts. Need more sweetness? Drizzle extra caramel on top. You can make these empanadas as simple or as fancy as you like.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that’ll make these caramel apple empanadas so irresistible:

For the Filling:

• Apples: A combination of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Fuji) work best for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Caramel Sauce: The rich, gooey magic that brings all the flavors together. Use store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s the perfect addition.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes everything feel cozy and comforting.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: To enhance the sweetness of the apples and give the filling a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Butter: A little bit of butter helps to soften the apples and make the filling extra gooey.

For the Empanada Dough:

• Empanada Dough Discs: You can use store-bought dough (found in most grocery stores) for convenience, or you can make your own homemade dough if you’re feeling extra ambitious.
• Egg: For brushing on top of the empanadas to give them that beautiful golden color.
• Cinnamon Sugar: For sprinkling on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.

(Note: Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these caramel apple empanadas step by step:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, stirring to combine. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the apples to get soft and the sugar to dissolve into a caramel-like syrup. Remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the empanadas bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

On a clean surface, lay out your empanada dough discs. Place a spoonful of the cooled caramel apple filling in the center of each disc (be careful not to overstuff!). Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the empanadas.

4. Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of each empanada to give them that beautiful golden, crispy finish.

5. Bake the Empanadas

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If you like, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top halfway through baking for an extra sweet crunch.

6. Cool & Serve

Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy that delicious gooey caramel apple goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the breakdown for one caramel apple empanada (assuming 8 empanadas per batch):

• Serving Size: 1 empanada
• Calories per Serving: 210 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Vitamin C: 6% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 4% DV
• Potassium: 130mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Caramel Apple Empanadas

These empanadas are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm empanadas with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture to each bite.
• Caramel Drizzle: Want even more caramel? Drizzle some over the top for that extra indulgence.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These empanadas are perfect for cozying up with a warm drink, making them perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

• Use Different Apples: If you prefer sweeter apples, go with Honeycrisp or Gala apples. For more tartness, Granny Smith apples work beautifully.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy surprise inside each empanada.
• Fry Instead of Bake: If you prefer fried empanadas, heat some oil in a pan and fry them until golden and crispy instead of baking. Just be sure to let them drain on paper towels afterward.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the empanadas and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
A1: Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure to choose one that’s rich and smooth.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the empanadas, freeze them, and bake them later. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking from frozen.

Q3: Can I use puff pastry instead of empanada dough?
A3: Yes! Puff pastry will give the empanadas an even flakier texture, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as puff pastry may cook faster.

Q4: Can I make these with other fruit fillings?
A4: Absolutely! You can swap the apples for other fruits like pears or peaches, and they’ll be just as delicious.

Q5: How can I make these less sweet?
A5: Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling and use a lighter hand with the caramel sauce. You can also leave off the cinnamon sugar topping.

Q6: Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking them?
A6: Yes! Heat some oil in a pan and fry the empanadas until golden and crispy. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels afterward.

Q7: How should I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Q8: Can I use homemade empanada dough?
A8: Yes! If you prefer homemade dough, you can easily make it yourself. There are plenty of empanada dough recipes available online if you want to take the extra step.

Q9: Can I make these gluten-free?
A9: Yes! You can use gluten-free empanada dough, which is available in most grocery stores, to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q10: Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?
A10: You can use regular white sugar, but brown sugar gives it a lovely caramelized flavor. It’s up to you!

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a sweet, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy, flaky crust and a gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these empanadas are the ideal treat for when you want something comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them as a treat for yourself, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, take a bite, and let the deliciousness begin!

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