Description
These Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas are a handheld twist on classic apple pie, combining spiced apple filling, golden pastry, and a drizzle of buttery caramel. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking cozy fall flavors or unique treats for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
2 large apples, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 empanada discs or pie dough rounds
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/3 cup caramel sauce
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Peel and dice the apples into small chunks.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cook the filling for 8–10 minutes until apples soften and mixture thickens. Stir in vanilla, then remove from heat.
4. Lay out empanada discs or dough circles. Spoon filling on one half of each circle, leaving edge space.
5. Fold over to form half-moon shapes. Seal tightly with a fork or empanada press.
6. For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), brush with egg wash, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
7. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
8. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over empanadas and dust with powdered sugar.
9. Serve warm or let cool and enjoy anytime.
Notes
Don’t overfill the empanadas—too much filling can cause leaks.
For best flavor, use freshly made caramel sauce, but store-bought works great too.
Want a savory-sweet combo? Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the caramel drizzle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake or Fry
- Cuisine: American-Latin fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg