Golden Crispy Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe: Sweet Handheld Joy

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and caramel waft through the kitchen when you make these delightful caramel apple empanadas.

A classic Latin American treat blends smooth, rich caramel with apple filling nestled in a crispy golden pastry.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors that dance across your palate.

The empanadas combine traditional techniques with a modern twist that surprises and delights.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that looks complex but comes together effortlessly.

Fresh apples and rich caramel create a harmonious filling that promises pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible dessert that bridges rustic charm and gourmet flair.

How to Make These Fall-Inspired Hand Pies

• Craft Delectable Apple Filling

Sizzle butter in a skillet and toss in chopped apples with sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture bubble and dance until apples soften and release their juicy goodness. Thicken the filling with a quick cornstarch swirl, then fold in rich caramel sauce. Allow the mixture to cool and get cozy.

• Shape Tempting Pastry Pockets

Roll out pie crust and slice into perfect circles. Spoon a dollop of caramel apple magic into the center of each round. Gently fold the dough over, creating adorable half-moon shapes. Crimp the edges with a fork’s playful touch, sealing in all that deliciousness.

• Bake or Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F. Brush each empanada with a silky egg wash, giving them a gorgeous golden shine. Slide the pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until they turn a beautiful amber color, about 18 minutes. For crispy lovers, you can also deep-fry these treats until they’re irresistibly crunchy.

• Serve with Sweet Flourish

Let the empanadas cool just enough to handle. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Serve these little pockets of joy warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Caramel Apple Empanadas – Your Ingredient Checklist

• Apples: Crisp, sweet-tart variety adds juicy texture and classic flavor; choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens caramel notes and provides rich sweetness; light or dark both work wonderfully.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's natural flavor; freshly ground offers more intense aroma.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Cornstarch: Thickens filling and prevents runny texture; ensures perfect consistency for empanadas.
• Caramel Sauce: Transforms ordinary apple filling into decadent treat; store-bought or homemade works perfectly.

• Pie Crust: Provides flaky, tender base for empanadas; pre-made or homemade options both acceptable.
• Egg: Creates golden, glossy exterior through egg wash; helps seal edges and adds beautiful sheen.
• Water: Helps egg wash spread evenly and promotes beautiful browning.

• Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and elegant finishing touch; sifts beautifully over warm empanadas.
• Extra Caramel Sauce: Provides additional indulgent drizzle; enhances overall caramel apple experience.

Tools for Folding and Baking Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Skillet: Essential for cooking apple filling with butter and spices.
• Rolling pin: Needed to roll out pie crust for empanada circles.
• Baking sheet: Used for baking empanadas in the oven.
• Pastry cutter or bowl: Helps cut uniform dough circles.
• Fork: Perfect for sealing empanada edges.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing egg wash.
• Paper towels: Helpful for draining fried empanadas.
• Optional deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: For frying method.

Tips for Saucy Filling Without Leaking

• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, ensuring crispy, evenly golden empanadas without burning.
• Prepare filling and assemble empanadas up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator before final baking or frying.
• Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough or use almond flour-based wrappers for celiac-friendly version.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based caramel sauce, and swap egg wash with plant milk to create a completely dairy-free treat.
• Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the apple filling, or add chopped pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Serve Empanadas Warm with Ice Cream or Solo

• Sweet Scoop Delight: Serve these warm empanadas alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that blends hot and cold textures.
• Caramel Companion: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the empanadas and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair these empanadas with a steaming cup of cinnamon coffee or hot apple cider, creating a cozy morning treat that feels like a warm hug.
• Festive Finale: Present the empanadas on a rustic wooden board with a small ramekin of extra caramel sauce for dipping, perfect for elegant gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Store Caramel Apple Empanadas Without Soggy Crusts

• Let empanadas rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to prevent burning your mouth and allow flavors to settle nicely.
• Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual empanadas in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay perfect for 2-3 months, ready for quick reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed empanadas in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy texture and revive that just-baked taste.

Crispy Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet cinnamon-spiced caramel apple empanadas bring golden pastry pockets filled with warm, gooey apple goodness. Crisp edges and rich caramel center promise delightful comfort in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (for thickening)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 rounds) or empanada dough
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water
• Extra caramel sauce (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Filling: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until apples soften and become fragrant. Incorporate cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture, creating a rich, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and fold in caramel sauce, allowing the filling to cool and develop deep, complex flavors.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out pie crust and transform into precise circular shapes using a cutter or bowl rim. Carefully position a generous spoonful of apple-caramel mixture at the center of each dough circle.
3. Shape and Seal: Elegantly fold dough over to create crescent-like pockets, ensuring a tight seal by crimping edges with a fork. Brush empanadas with an egg wash to guarantee a gorgeous golden sheen during baking.
4. Cooking Options:

• Baking Method: Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined sheet and slide into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake until pastry turns a luminous golden brown, approximately 18-20 minutes.
• Frying Technique: Alternatively, submerge in 350°F (175°C) oil, frying until each side achieves a crispy, amber-colored exterior, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.

1. Finishing Touches: Allow empanadas to cool slightly, then embellish with an additional drizzle of caramel sauce and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible presentation.

Notes

• Cool apple mixture completely before assembling to avoid wet dough and ensure crisp pastry edges.
• Maintain consistent oven or oil heat around 375F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Use fork edges or crimp carefully to prevent filling leakage during baking or frying, ensuring all edges are tightly pressed.
• Substitute pie crust with gluten-free alternatives or whole wheat dough for different nutritional profiles, and replace butter with plant-based options for vegan version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg