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Fall is here, and there’s nothing that captures the essence of the season quite like the combination of apples and caramel. These Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas bring together the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie with the portable convenience of hand pies. They’re perfect for dessert, afternoon snacks, or even brunch! Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats that will fill your home with the most amazing aroma.
Ingredients & Preparation for Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
Empanada Dough Essentials
Making the perfect empanada starts with a flaky, buttery dough. For these Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas, we’ll focus on a slightly sweetened version that complements the apple filling beautifully.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅓ cup ice water (you may need a bit more)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Apple Caramel Filling
The star of these Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas is the filling – warm, spiced apples enveloped in rich caramel.
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pantry Staples
These additional ingredients help bring everything together:
- Cinnamon sugar mixture for dusting
- Powdered sugar for garnish
- Ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
Dough Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it – those butter pieces create flaky layers!
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for even better results).
Apple Filling Creation
- Peel, core, and dice apples into small ¼-inch cubes.
- Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the apple mixture, stirring until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in caramel sauce and vanilla extract.
- Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling empanadas.
Assembling Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Cut out 4-5 inch circles using a round cutter or small bowl.
- Place about 1½ tablespoons of cooled filling in the center of each circle.
- Brush the edges with water or egg wash, then fold over to create a half-moon shape.
- Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each empanada.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Cut small slits in the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape.
Baking to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until empanadas are golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving – the filling will be extremely hot!
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t overfill the empanadas – this leads to leakage during baking.
- Keep your dough cold at all times for maximum flakiness.
- Cut the apples into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and easy filling.
- Let the filling cool completely before assembling to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
Tool Recommendations
- A pastry cutter makes quick work of incorporating butter into flour.
- A 4-5 inch round cutter ensures uniform empanadas.
- Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- A small ice cream scoop helps measure filling consistently.
Storage & Reheating
Store baked empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
Flavor Variations for Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
Cinnamon-Sugar Crunch
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your dough and roll freshly baked empanadas in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Sugar-Free Option
Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and a sugar-free caramel sauce for a lower-carb version.
Global Flavors
- Add cardamom and rose water for a Middle Eastern twist
- Mix in dulce de leche instead of caramel for a Latin American flair
- Include ginger and star anise for an Asian-inspired variation
Want another amazing apple dessert? Try these Apple Pie Cupcakes for a delightful twist on a classic!
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
These Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas are versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Alongside a cup of hot apple cider for an afternoon treat
- As part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and coffee
- Packed in lunch boxes or taken on picnics
For beverage pairings, consider:
- Warm spiced chai tea
- Hot chocolate with cinnamon
- Apple cider (hot or cold)
- Coffee with a splash of caramel syrup
Looking for more dessert inspiration? This White Chocolate Cranberry Tart makes a stunning addition to any holiday table!
FAQs About Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas
Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling separately up to 2 days in advance. Store both in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. You can also freeze assembled but unbaked empanadas – just add a few minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover empanadas?
For the crispiest results, reheat empanadas in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch (30-45 seconds), but the pastry won’t be as crisp.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making dough?
Yes! While homemade dough yields the best texture, refrigerated pie crust is a great time-saver. Roll it slightly thinner than it comes and proceed with the recipe as written.
For another comforting dessert option, try this incredible Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas for Special Diets
These empanadas can be adapted for various dietary needs:
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in the dough. You may need to add a bit more water and handle the dough gently.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace the egg wash with plant milk mixed with a bit of maple syrup.
Reduced Sugar: Cut the sugar in half and use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala to compensate.
Craving something with chocolate? This Chocolate Mango Cheesecake offers a delicious tropical twist!
Conclusion
These Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas are more than just a dessert – they’re a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a portable, delicious package. The combination of flaky pastry, warm spiced apples, and rich caramel creates a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, packing them for a picnic, or enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, these empanadas are sure to become a seasonal favorite. The best part? They’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while they bake!
Why not warm up your kitchen today with a batch of these delightful Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas? For a truly decadent experience, try them alongside these Black Forest Chocolate Crepes for an unforgettable dessert pairing!
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