Caramel Apple Empanadas: A Delicious Fall Dessert Recipe

Caramel Apple Empanadas: Prepare to be transported to a world of warm, comforting flavors with this delightful recipe! Imagine biting into a flaky, golden-brown pastry, the sweet aroma of caramelized apples filling your senses. Inside, a luscious, gooey caramel embraces tender apple pieces, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

Empanadas, pockets of deliciousness, have a rich history, tracing their roots back to Spain and Portugal. These savory or sweet pastries have since traveled the globe, adapting to local ingredients and culinary traditions. The beauty of the empanada lies in its versatility; it’s a blank canvas for creativity, and this Caramel Apple Empanadas recipe is a testament to that.

What makes these empanadas so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the satisfying crunch of the pastry, and the warm, comforting spices that evoke memories of autumn days and cozy gatherings. They’re surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect treat for a weekend baking project or a delightful dessert to share with friends and family. The combination of the soft, spiced apple filling and the rich caramel sauce is simply divine. Get ready to experience a taste of pure bliss with these homemade Caramel Apple Empanadas!

Ingredients:

• For the Empanada Dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• For the Caramel Apple Filling:
• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Making the Empanada Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout. This is crucial for creating flaky layers in the empanadas.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the dough tough. You want a shaggy dough that holds its shape when pressed together.
4. Form and Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking. You can even chill it overnight!

Preparing the Caramel Apple Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and create a consistent texture in the filling.
2. Combine Sugars and Spices: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk together to remove any lumps. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it cooks.
3. Add Butter and Apples: Add the butter to the saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced apples. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spice mixture.
4. Cook the Filling: Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the filling has thickened. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The apples should be tender but not mushy.
5. Finish the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. The heavy cream adds richness and helps to create a smooth, luscious caramel sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Let the filling cool completely before using it to fill the empanadas. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.

Assembling and Baking the Empanadas:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the empanadas from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled empanada dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough. Re-roll any scraps of dough to get as many circles as possible.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled caramel apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the empanadas to burst during baking.
4. Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out.
5. Egg Wash and Sugar: Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg wash. This gives them a golden-brown color and a shiny finish. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar for added sweetness and sparkle.
6. Bake the Empanadas: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the empanadas cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
2. Cook the Sugar: Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This takes patience, so don’t rush it! Watch carefully, as the sugar can burn quickly.
3. Add Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the butter. Be cautious, as the mixture may bubble up.
4. Add Cream and Salt: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add the salt.
5. Cool and Drizzle: Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled empanadas. The caramel will thicken as it cools.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the empanada dough. Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and make it tough. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and prevents the dough from shrinking during baking.
• Cool the Filling: Cooling the filling prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
• Seal the Edges Tightly: Sealing the edges tightly prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the apple filling and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the tartness of the apples you use.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to add other spices to the apple filling, such as ginger or cardamom.
• Make Ahead: The empanada dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. The apple filling can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Empanadas: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked empanadas. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations:

• Different Apples: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Braeburn for a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
• Raisins: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
• Cheese: Add a small cube of cream cheese to each empanada along with the apple filling for a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Different Glaze: Instead of caramel drizzle, try a simple powdered sugar glaze or a maple glaze.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s an experience. The warm, spiced apple filling, the gooey caramel, and the flaky, golden-brown crust all come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Seriously, these Caramel Apple Empanadas are a must-try for anyone who loves a good comfort food treat. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the results are absolutely divine. I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about them!

But the best part? You can totally customize these little pockets of deliciousness to suit your own tastes. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the dough before baking for an extra layer of sweetness and spice. Or, for a richer, more decadent flavor, incorporate a tablespoon of bourbon or rum into the caramel sauce. Trust me, it elevates the whole thing to a new level of sophistication.

And don’t even get me started on serving suggestions! While these Caramel Apple Empanadas are fantastic on their own, they’re even better when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess perfectly complements the warm, gooey filling, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience. You could also drizzle them with extra caramel sauce or sprinkle them with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

For a fun twist, consider making mini empanadas for parties or gatherings. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat that everyone will love. You can even set up a “build-your-own-empanada” station with different fillings and toppings, allowing your guests to create their own personalized masterpieces. Imagine the possibilities!

I truly believe that these Caramel Apple Empanadas are a recipe that everyone should have in their repertoire. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even just a cozy night in. They’re also a great way to use up leftover apples from apple picking season! Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is simply heavenly.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how easy and delicious these Caramel Apple Empanadas are.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking! I’m sure you’ll find that making these Caramel Apple Empanadas is a rewarding experience.