Caramel Apple Empanadas: The Perfect Fall Dessert

Sharing is caring!

When autumn rolls in, bringing its golden hues, crisp air, and comforting scents, our culinary cravings often shift to warm, spiced treats. Caramel Apple Empanadas perfectly capture the season’s essence with their flaky crust, tender apple filling, and a luscious caramel center. These little pockets of indulgence combine the best of classic apple pie and caramel candies, creating a dessert that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering or enjoying one with a cozy cup of tea, Caramel Apple Empanadas will quickly become a favorite in your seasonal repertoire.

Print

Their charm lies in their simplicity. Made with store-bought pie crusts, fresh apples, and a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is straightforward and approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Despite their ease, the results are nothing short of impressive. Each empanada is a delightful package of warm spiced apples and melted caramel, all encased in a golden-brown crust sprinkled with sugar for an irresistible crunch. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible dessert and explore the nuances of its flavors and textures.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Empanadas

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients:

• Granny Smith Apples: Known for their tartness, Granny Smith apples provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and sugar. Their firm texture ensures the filling holds its shape after baking.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the apple filling while enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice is a quintessential partner to apples, evoking all the cozy flavors of fall.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness to the filling, balancing the sweetness.
• Premade Pie Crusts: Using store-bought pie crusts saves time without sacrificing the flaky, buttery texture we love in desserts like this.
• Caramels: Soft, chewy caramels are the heart of each empanada, melting beautifully during baking to create a gooey center.
• Egg Wash: A simple mixture of egg yolk and water helps seal the empanadas and gives them a gorgeous golden sheen.
• Turbinado Sugar: The coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sparkle to the baked empanadas.
• Caramel Sauce (Optional): Drizzling the finished empanadas with caramel sauce takes this dessert to the next level, adding extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your empanadas bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a mixing bowl, combine the apple wedges with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated, allowing the mixture to infuse the fruit with its sweet, spiced flavors. Set aside while you prepare the crust.

Step 3: Cut the Dough
Unroll the premade pie crust and use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out eight equal circles. This size is perfect for individual servings, making the empanadas easy to handle and serve. Place the dough circles onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Empanadas
Place one apple wedge and an unwrapped caramel onto the center of each dough circle. The caramel will melt during baking, creating a rich and gooey core that pairs beautifully with the tender apples.

Step 5: Seal the Edges
Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash to ensure a secure seal. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to crimp them shut. This step not only secures the filling but also gives the empanadas a charming, decorative edge.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the tops of the empanadas with more egg wash to promote even browning. Sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar for a delightful crunch and sparkle. Use a fork to prick a few venting holes in the top of each empanada, allowing steam to escape during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the empanadas in your preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the aroma of cinnamon and caramel fills your kitchen.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for at least five minutes. This brief cooling period allows the caramel to thicken slightly, ensuring a gooey but manageable filling. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

As you take your first bite of a Caramel Apple Empanada, you’ll be greeted by the satisfying crunch of the sugar-dusted crust, followed by the warmth of spiced apples and the oozy richness of caramel. The flaky pastry provides a buttery base that melts in your mouth, while the tartness of the apples balances the sweetness of the filling. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the crisp exterior to the tender fruit and velvety caramel. The aroma is equally captivating, with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the air, making this dessert as delightful to smell as it is to eat.

Tips and Tricks

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, opt for another firm variety like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. For a dairy-free option, use vegan pie crusts and dairy-free caramel.
• Variations: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch. For a spicier twist, mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves with the cinnamon.
• Serving Suggestions: These empanadas are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, cider, or tea.
• Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Apple Empanadas are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall’s flavors. They’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy schedules, yet they deliver bakery-quality results. Their portable size makes them perfect for sharing, whether at a family dinner, potluck, or picnic. Most importantly, they’re a reminder of the joy that comes from simple, homemade treats that warm the heart and soul.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embrace the season with these delightful Caramel Apple Empanadas. With their irresistible combination of flavors, textures, and aromas, they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your fall baking adventures.