Description
Sweet Caramel Apple Empanadas are a quick dessert that feels like something out of a bakery but takes little effort to make. These golden, sugar-dusted pockets are filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a warm caramel drizzle—making them perfect for anyone looking for quick breakfast options, easy dessert ideas, or fall food ideas. Whether baked or fried, they’re an easy recipe that combines sweet, tart, and buttery flavors into one irresistible treat.
Ingredients
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
1 package premade pie dough or empanada wrappers
1/3 cup caramel sauce
1 egg
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes.
2. In a saucepan, combine apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until tender. Add flour if needed to thicken. Let cool.
3. Roll out pie dough slightly and cut into 4–5 inch circles, or use pre-cut empanada wrappers.
4. Spoon a tablespoon or two of filling into each dough circle. Fold in half and crimp edges with a fork.
5. Chill the filled empanadas in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
7. For baking: brush empanadas with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
8. For frying: fry 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
9. Sprinkle warm empanadas with cinnamon sugar.
10. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
Let the apple filling cool completely to prevent soggy empanadas.
Use egg wash for a beautifully golden baked crust.
Freeze unbaked empanadas flat before transferring to a bag for easy future baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: quick breakfast, easy dessert, caramel apple, fall recipe, snack ideas