Description
These golden, flaky Caramel Apple Empanadas are filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with rich caramel before being baked to perfection. Finished with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping, they’re the ultimate fall dessert or sweet treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
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¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
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3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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¼ cup caramel sauce
For Assembly & Topping:
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
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Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms.
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Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
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In a bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside.
3️⃣ Preheat & Roll Out Dough:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness.
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Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
4️⃣ Fill & Seal Empanadas:
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Place 1 tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
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Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apples.
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Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
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Use a fork to crimp the edges to seal.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection:
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Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve:
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with extra caramel drizzle!
Notes
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Dough Tip: If the dough feels dry, add 1 extra tablespoon of ice water at a time.
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Caramel Alternative: Swap out caramel sauce for dulce de leche or maple syrup.
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Air Fryer Option: Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Empanada
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg