These caramel apple empanadas bring together tender cinnamon-spiced apples and rich caramel sauce wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Think apple pie meets hand-held dessert — easy to bake, simple to serve, and perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekends. If you love apple desserts like apple pie enchiladas, this recipe belongs on your list.
Why You’ll Love It
- Handheld and mess-free: No forks required.
- Classic flavors: Apples, cinnamon, and warm caramel.
- Easy dough options: Store-bought or homemade.
- Great for sharing: Ideal for parties and bake sales.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 10 empanada discs or pie dough rounds
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple mixture into the center of each empanada disc. Drizzle lightly with caramel sauce.
- Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal edges with a fork.
- Transfer to baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
- Crunch factor: Mix chopped pecans into the filling.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Substitutions
- Swap caramel sauce for dulce de leche.
- Use pear slices instead of apples for a twist.
- Try puff pastry if empanada dough is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. These pair beautifully with cozy treats like baked apple cider donuts or a slice of apple loaf cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp.
FAQs
Can I make caramel apple empanadas ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours.
Do they freeze well?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked empanadas and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
More to Try
Conclusion
These caramel apple empanadas deliver everything you want in a fall dessert: warm spices, gooey caramel, and flaky pastry. They’re easy to bake, fun to eat, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Caramel Apple Empanadas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These caramel apple empanadas bring together tender cinnamon-spiced apples and rich caramel sauce wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Think apple pie meets hand-held dessert — easy to bake, simple to serve, and perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 10 empanada discs or pie dough rounds
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple mixture into the center of each empanada disc. Drizzle lightly with caramel sauce.
- Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal edges with a fork.
- Transfer to baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
Notes
Try chopped pecans for added crunch, or swap the apples for pears. You can also air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramel apple empanadas, fall dessert, hand pie, apple pastry