Caramel Apple Empanadas – Easy Fall Dessert

ByTaryn

Caramel Apple Empanadas are the ultimate autumn treat, and for good reason! There’s something utterly magical about the combination of warm, spiced apples and luscious, gooey caramel, all encased in a flaky, golden pastry pocket. These delightful handheld pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic hug, a taste of crisp fall air and cozy evenings. What truly sets these Caramel Apple Empanadas apart is the perfect balance: the tartness of the apples cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, while the tender dough provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these Caramel Apple Empanadas are sure to become a cherished favorite. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share them with!

Caramel Apple Empanadas

Caramel Apple Empanadas

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced fruit. And when that pastry is an empanada, with its delightful hand-held form, you’ve got a winner. These Caramel Apple Empanadas are a perfect blend of tart Granny Smith apples, a luscious caramel-like filling, and a creamy, subtly sweet cheese layer, all wrapped up in crispy, golden dough. They’re a fantastic treat for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a festive dessert. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (about 4 cups)
  • 1½ cups water
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 8 ounce cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 11.6 ounce 5” empanada dough (I used Goya)
  • 1½-2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

    • Instructions:

    Preparing the Apple Filling

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples, 1½ cups of water, ¾ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir everything together well, making sure there are no lumps of cornstarch. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy consistency. You’re looking for a thick, jam-like filling. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. It’s important that the filling is cool before you assemble the empanadas, otherwise it can make the dough difficult to work with and can even cause it to tear.

    • Creating the Cream Cheese Layer

  • While the apple filling is cooling, prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer for this, or a whisk and a bit of elbow grease. Gradually add the ⅓ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. This layer adds a wonderful richness and a slightly tangy counterpoint to the sweet apples.

    • Assembling the Empanadas

  • Once the apple filling has cooled completely, it’s time to assemble the empanadas. Lay out your empanada discs on a clean, dry surface. Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture and spread it thinly on one half of each empanada disc, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge. Then, spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling over the cream cheese layer. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and cause the filling to leak out during frying. A good rule of thumb is to leave enough space for you to properly crimp the edges.
  • To seal the empanadas, moisten the edges of the dough with a little water. Fold the other half of the empanada disc over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press down firmly on the edges to seal them. To ensure a good seal and a professional look, I like to use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Go around the entire perimeter, pressing down firmly to create a decorative pattern and to prevent any filling from escaping during the frying process. If your dough is too dry, you can lightly brush the edges with a bit of water to help them stick.

    • Frying and Finishing

  • Now for the fun part: frying! In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat 1½-2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to maintain the correct oil temperature; too low and the empanadas will absorb too much oil and become greasy, too high and they will burn before cooking through. Carefully slide 2-3 empanadas into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to gently flip the empanadas and to remove them from the oil. Place the fried empanadas on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

    • The Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  • While the empanadas are still warm, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow dish or plate, combine ½ cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Once the empanadas have drained for a minute or two, gently roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step is pure magic! The warmth of the empanadas will help the cinnamon-sugar adhere beautifully, creating a delightfully sweet and fragrant crust. Serve these Caramel Apple Empanadas warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. Enjoy!

    • Caramel Apple Empanadas

    Conclusion:

    And there you have it – your guide to crafting delicious Caramel Apple Empanadas! I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful treats as much as I do. They are the perfect blend of warm, spiced apples and gooey caramel, all encased in a flaky, golden pastry. This recipe is a winner because it’s relatively simple to follow, incredibly rewarding, and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering or as a special homemade dessert.

    Serve these warm Caramel Apple Empanadas with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an irresistible combination, or a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch. For a truly indulgent experience, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top is always a good idea! Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations – you could add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warmth, or even a splash of bourbon extract for an adult twist. Feel free to experiment with different types of apples as well; a mix of tart and sweet apples provides a wonderful depth of flavor.

    I strongly encourage you to give these Caramel Apple Empanadas a try. The aroma filling your kitchen as they bake is non-intoxicating, and the taste is simply heavenly. It’s a recipe that brings a little bit of magic to any occasion. So, preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with these fantastic, homemade empanadas!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I make the empanada dough from scratch?

    Absolutely! While this recipe uses store-bought dough for convenience, you can certainly make your own empanada dough from scratch if you prefer. A basic flaky pastry dough recipe will work beautifully.

    How should I store leftover empanadas?

    Once cooled, leftover Caramel Apple Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore their crispness.

    Can I freeze the assembled, unbaked empanadas?

    Yes, you can! Assemble the empanadas completely, but do not bake them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

    Caramel Apple Empanadas

    Caramel Apple Empanadas

    Delicious handheld pastries filled with a sweet and tart apple-cinnamon filling, enriched with cream cheese and finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating.

    Prep Time
    30 Minutes

    Cook Time
    20 Minutes

    Total Time
    50 Minutes

    Servings
    12

    Ingredients

    • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks (about 4 cups)
    • 1½ cups water
    • ¾ cups sugar
    • ¼ cup cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 8 ounce cream cheese (room temperature)
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 11.6 ounce 5” empanada dough
    • 1½-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

    Instructions

    1. Step 1
      In a medium saucepan, combine chopped apples, 1½ cups water, ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
    2. Step 2
      In a separate bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and well combined.
    3. Step 3
      Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
    4. Step 4
      Lay out the empanada dough discs. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto one half of each disc. Moisten the edges with water and fold the other half over, crimping the edges with a fork to seal.
    5. Step 5
      In a shallow dish, combine ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon for the coating.
    6. Step 6
      Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
    7. Step 7
      Remove fried empanadas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

    Important Information

    Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

    It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

    Allergy Information

    Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

    Similar Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *