Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a warm, handheld dessert that perfectly combines sweet apples, gooey caramel, and a golden, flaky crust. These treats are reminiscent of fair-style caramel apples but in a cozy, portable pastry form. Perfect for fall, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting sweet treat, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

ingredients

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

refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade empanada dough)granny smith applesbrown sugarsugarcinnamonbutterall-purpose floursaltcaramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)egg (for egg wash)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel, core, and finely dice the apples.

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy. Stir in a teaspoon of flour to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.

Unroll the pie crusts and cut into circles (about 4–5 inches in diameter).

Place a spoonful of the apple mixture and a drizzle of caramel sauce in the center of each circle.

Fold over to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges with a fork.

Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Let cool slightly before serving with an extra drizzle of caramel if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 empanadas.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Use premade apple pie filling to save time.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for added texture.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Try other fruit fillings like pear or peach for a seasonal twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
For longer storage, freeze unbaked empanadas and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and freeze them unbaked or baked. Reheat before serving for best results.

What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely, but you can also make your own for a richer flavor.

How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking?
Don’t overfill and make sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork. A bit of egg wash on the edges helps too.

Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, they can be deep-fried until golden brown, though baking is a lighter option.

Do I have to use pie dough?
You can use empanada dough, puff pastry, or even crescent roll dough as a substitute.

Are these very sweet?
They’re moderately sweet with a balance of tart apples and rich caramel.

Can I add spices besides cinnamon?
Yes, nutmeg, cloves, or apple pie spice are great additions for more depth.

Can kids help make these?
Definitely! They’ll love filling and sealing the empanadas.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Let the apple mixture cool before assembling, and don’t overfill.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas bring the cozy flavors of fall into every bite, wrapped in a flaky crust and dripping with caramel. Whether served warm from the oven or packed as a sweet on-the-go treat, these empanadas are a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s both easy and impressive