Caramel Apple Empanadas

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delicious, sweet treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the rich, indulgent taste of caramel, all wrapped in a crispy, golden pastry. These empanadas are perfect for a cozy dessert or a unique twist on a classic apple pie. With their irresistible filling and perfectly crisp crust, they make for an easy-to-make yet impressive dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect blend of warm, comforting flavors and textures. The combination of tender apples, sweet caramel, and a crispy empanada crust is simply unbeatable. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for anyone to try, even if you’re not an experienced baker. The addition of caramel takes these empanadas to the next level, turning them into a decadent treat that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these empanadas are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of diced apples (peeled)
• 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pack of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade empanada dough)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and caramel sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the caramel mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
5. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
6. Place a spoonful of the caramel apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal them.
8. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash.
9. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.
11. Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before dusting them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 8 empanadas.
• Total time: 40-45 minutes (including prep and baking).

Variations

• Apple and Pear Empanadas: For a different twist, swap out some of the apples for pears to add a fresh, slightly tart flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add a pinch of pumpkin spice to the caramel apple filling for a seasonal twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished empanadas.
• Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel apple filling for an added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay crisp, it’s best to store them in a single layer. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the empanadas in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they are warm and slightly crisp. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pie crust for these empanadas?

Yes, you can use frozen pie crust for convenience. Just make sure to thaw it before using.

How do I make the caramel filling from scratch?

You can make homemade caramel by melting sugar in a pan over medium heat, adding butter and cream, and stirring until smooth. This can be added to the apple mixture once the apples are softened.

Can I freeze these empanadas?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled empanadas before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, and once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What other fruits can I use for these empanadas?

You can use other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness and spices to complement the fruit you’re using.

Can I make these empanadas without caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use homemade caramel or even a simple sugar syrup if you prefer. Alternatively, you can leave out the caramel entirely for a more traditional apple empanada.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the empanada well with a fork. If the filling is too runny, you can cook it down a bit longer to thicken the caramel sauce before filling the empanadas.

Can I use homemade dough for these empanadas?

Yes, you can make your own empanada dough if you prefer. Just roll it out into circles as you would with pie crust.

Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the empanadas ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Are these empanadas suitable for kids?

Yes, these empanadas are great for kids! Just be cautious with the caramel sauce temperature when serving to avoid burns.

How can I make these empanadas less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the apple filling or skip the powdered sugar topping.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas are the perfect blend of sweet, warm, and crispy goodness. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dessert at home or for a special occasion, they are sure to impress. With their rich caramel apple filling and flaky crust, these empanadas are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making these easy-to-prepare empanadas, and don’t forget to get creative with your variations!

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