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!
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
¼ cup ice water
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup caramel sauce
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside.
3️⃣ Preheat & Roll Out Dough:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness.
Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
4️⃣ Fill & Seal Empanadas:
Place 1 tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apples.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
Use a fork to crimp the edges to seal.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection:
Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with extra caramel drizzle!
Dough Tip: If the dough feels dry, add 1 extra tablespoon of ice water at a time.
Caramel Alternative: Swap out caramel sauce for dulce de leche or maple syrup.
Air Fryer Option: Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/caramel-apple-empanadas/