Caramel Apple Empanadas Clara quick dinners

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delicious twist on the traditional empanada, filled with tender spiced apples and gooey caramel, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They’re like handheld apple pies with a fun, caramel-loaded upgrade—perfect for fall gatherings, holiday treats, or any time you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the cozy flavor of apple pie with rich, melty caramel
• Handheld and easy to serve—no fork required
• Flaky, buttery crust with a warm, spiced filling
• Great for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for make-ahead desserts

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and diced
• Lemon juice
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Butter
• All-purpose flour (for thickening the filling)
• Soft caramels or caramel sauce
• Pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Sanding sugar or cinnamon sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Make the filling
   In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook until apples are tender and the mixture is thickened. Stir in a little flour to thicken, then remove from heat. Stir in chopped soft caramels or caramel sauce. Let cool.
2. Prepare the dough
   Roll out pie dough and cut into circles (about 4-5 inches wide). Spoon a tablespoon of filling into the center of each.
3. Seal and crimp
   Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Brush and sprinkle
   Brush each empanada with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar or cinnamon sugar.
5. Bake
   Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 2025 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool and serve
   Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel or serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 810 empanadas
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling
• Extra spice: Add a dash of allspice or ginger for a more complex flavor
• Mini version: Use smaller dough circles for bite-sized treats
• Use puff pastry: Swap the pie dough for puff pastry for a flakier texture
• Add a glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a quick icing drizzle

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to re-crisp
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 57 minutes to baking time

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, jarred caramel sauce or unwrapped soft caramels both work well.

What kind of apples should I use?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best and balance the sweetness.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, you can deep-fry them at 350°F until golden, but be sure to seal the edges tightly.

How do I keep them from leaking?

Avoid overfilling, and make sure the edges are well sealed with a fork or crimping tool.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze unbaked empanadas, then bake when ready.

Do I need to cook the filling before baking?

Yes, cooking the apples first ensures they’re soft and the mixture isn’t watery.

Can I use puff pastry instead?

Yes, it makes for an extra-flaky texture—just adjust bake time slightly.

Are they best warm or at room temp?

They’re delicious both ways, but warm with a scoop of ice cream is next level.

What dipping sauce goes well with these?

Try extra caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a cinnamon cream cheese dip.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pie dough or pastry and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas are everything you love about fall desserts in a fun, flaky package. With tender apples, rich caramel, and a golden crust, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether baked fresh or pulled from the freezer for a last-minute dessert, these empanadas will hit the sweet spot every time.

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