Irresistible Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe: Sweet Golden Treats

Sweet memories flood back when I bite into these delectable caramel apple empanadas that blend nostalgia with pure comfort.

Golden pastry pockets cradle a luscious apple filling bursting with warm spices.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create a delightful contrast in every single bite.

Mexican-inspired pastries like these remind us how simple ingredients can become extraordinary culinary magic.

Cinnamon and brown sugar mingle inside flaky dough, promising a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Each empanada tells a story of tradition and innovation, inviting you to savor every delicious moment.

Come explore this irresistible treat that turns ordinary afternoons into something spectacular.

Why Caramel Apple Empanadas Are Fall’s Best Dessert Pocket

• Craft Sweet Memories: Perfect for creating delightful dessert moments that bring families together around the table.
• Master Culinary Skills: Intermediate baking technique that helps home cooks develop pastry-making expertise without overwhelming complexity.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable recipe that works beautifully for casual gatherings, potlucks, afternoon tea, or weekend baking adventures with loved ones.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines classic caramel and apple tastes with a crispy fried exterior, delivering a mouthwatering contrast of textures and rich, comforting flavors that everyone will adore.

What You’ll Need For Caramel Apple Empanadas

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the empanada pastry that provides structure and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pastry.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the empanada crust.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and provides richness.
• Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together without developing too much gluten.

• Apples: Provide the primary fruit base with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, sweet coating to the apple filling.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and creates a rich caramel-like flavor.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple and caramel flavors.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying to create a crispy, golden exterior.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a shiny, golden-brown surface.
• Granulated Sugar: Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Dusted on top for a decorative and sweet finish.

Step-by-Step Magic for Caramel Apple Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare Flour Mixture

Sift together flour, salt, and sugar into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a fluffy foundation for your pastry dough.

Step 2: Blend Butter Into Flour

Break cold butter into tiny cubes and work into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Form Dough

Whisk an egg and slowly add cold water, gently mixing until the dough comes together as a smooth ball without excessive handling.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour, allowing gluten to relax and butter to solidify.

Step 5: Create Apple Caramel Filling

• Diced apples
• Caramel sauce
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until apples soften slightly.

Step 6: Cool Filling

Remove apple mixture from heat and let cool completely to maintain empanada structure.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Roll chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.

Step 8: Fill Empanadas

Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving edges clear for sealing.

Step 9: Shape Empanadas

Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges with a fork to seal completely.

Step 10: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk an egg and brush over empanadas to create a golden, shiny exterior.

Step 11: Add Sugar Topping

Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 12: Heat Oil

Warm vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.

Step 13: Fry Empanadas

Carefully fry empanadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 14: Drain and Finish

Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and dust with powdered sugar before serving warm.

Smart Moves for Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Choose Fresh Apples: Select crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your filling.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure flaky, tender empanada shells that won't become tough during cooking.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 375°F oil heat to prevent greasy empanadas and achieve a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Seal Edges Carefully: Press fork edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying, creating a tight seal that keeps caramel apple mixture inside.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare uncooked empanadas in advance and freeze for up to 2 months, allowing convenient make-ahead preparation for quick future desserts.

Flavorful Twists on Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace apples with a mix of diced mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, blending caramel sauce with coconut rum for a Caribbean-inspired version.
• Berry Decadent: Swap apples for a combination of mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, adding a touch of dark chocolate to the caramel filling.
• Pecan Praline Paradise: Incorporate chopped pecans into the apple mixture, creating a rich nutty flavor with a praline-style caramel sauce for extra depth.
• Autumn Spice Sensation: Enhance the filling with roasted butternut squash, adding warming spices like ginger and cardamom to complement the classic caramel notes.

Best Sips and Sides for Caramel Apple Empanadas

• Pair Perfectly with Caramel Apple Empanadas
• Craft a Warm Cinnamon Chai Latte: Spicy chai tea with steamed milk complements the caramel and apple flavors, creating a cozy autumn-inspired beverage that echoes the empanadas' warm spices.
• Select a Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scoop: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast to the hot, crispy empanadas, while its smooth sweetness balances the caramel's richness.
• Create a Salted Caramel Drizzle Companion: Extra salted caramel sauce on the side allows guests to enhance the empanadas' flavor profile, adding an indulgent touch that deepens the dessert's complexity.

How to Keep Caramel Apple Empanadas Tasting Fresh

• Place cooled caramel apple empanadas in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they remain fresh and ready to reheat whenever a craving strikes.
• Allow freshly fried empanadas to cool completely at room temperature. Store in a sealed container with a loose lid to prevent condensation, keeping them crisp for up to 2 days.

Your Caramel Apple Empanadas Questions Answered

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This recipe requires intermediate baking skills. Home cooks with basic pastry experience can successfully make these empanadas with patience and careful preparation.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling out.

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal. They provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness and hold their shape well during cooking. Avoid very soft apples that might turn mushy.

• Is it necessary to use a deep fryer?

No, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or large deep skillet.

Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 42-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel apple empanadas blend Mexican culinary traditions with irresistible dessert charm. Crisp pastry pockets filled with spiced apple and caramel create a delightful treat you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1 large egg
• 2–3 tbsp cold water

Filling Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Sift flour, salt, and sugar into a large mixing bowl, creating a light, airy base for the dough.
2. Cut cold butter into small cubes and incorporate into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Whisk the egg and gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball without overworking.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax and butter to firm up.
5. Peel and dice apples into small, uniform cubes for even cooking and consistent filling.
6. Combine diced apples with caramel sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until apples soften slightly.
7. Remove apple mixture from heat and let cool completely to prevent soggy empanadas.
8. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.
9. Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving edges clear for sealing.
10. Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape, crimping edges with a fork to seal completely.
11. Whisk egg and brush over empanadas to create a golden, glossy finish.
12. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added crunch and sweetness.
13. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
14. Carefully fry empanadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
15. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and dust with powdered sugar before serving warm.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to ensure maximum flakiness and prevent butter from melting during preparation.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for better structural integrity and balanced sweetness in the filling.
• Allow filling to cool completely to prevent dough from becoming soggy and maintain crisp empanada texture.
• Consider baking as a healthier alternative to frying by brushing with egg wash and baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg