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

Scale

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