Caramel Apple Empanadas
o you want dessert. Not just any dessert something warm, gooey, a little fancy-looking, but not “I spent three hours crying in the kitchen” fancy. Enter Caramel Apple Empanadas. They’re flaky, stuffed with cinnamon-y apples, dripping with caramel, and somehow make you look like you really have your life together. Spoiler: you don’t need to. These are shockingly easy, wildly comforting, and dangerously snackable. Let’s do this.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
First of all, it combines apples + caramel + flaky pastry. That’s already a win.
Second, these empanadas are way easier than they look. Like, “even-if-you-forget-what-you’re-doing-midway” easy.
Third, they’re perfect for literally everything dessert, brunch, midnight snack, emotional support pastry.
Also, IMO, anything that smells like caramel apples baking in the oven instantly improves your mood. Science probably agrees. And yes, they’re crowd-pleasers, which means people will ask for the recipe and you’ll casually say, “Oh this? Super simple.” Power move.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing weird here. No “extract of something you’ve never heard of.” Promise.
- Apples (3–4 medium) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. Tart = balance.
- Brown sugar – For that deep, cozy sweetness.
- Granulated sugar – Just a little backup sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon – Non-negotiable. This is the vibe.
- Nutmeg (optional) – Tiny pinch. Don’t get wild.
- Butter – Real butter. Please. Your empanadas deserve love.
- Caramel sauce – Store-bought is fine. Zero judgment.
- Empanada dough or pie crust – Whatever’s easier for you. We’re flexible here.
- Egg (for egg wash) – Makes them shiny and bakery-level pretty.
- Pinch of salt – Because desserts need balance too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the apples.
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Not huge chunks, not applesauce. Think “bite-sized happiness.” - Cook the filling.
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Toss in apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir and let it cook until the apples soften and everything smells amazing (about 8–10 minutes). - Add the caramel.
Drizzle caramel sauce into the apple mixture and stir. Don’t drown it we want gooey, not soup. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the dough later. - Prep the dough.
Roll out your empanada dough or pie crust and cut into circles. Roughly 4–5 inches works great. Perfection is optional. - Fill and fold.
Spoon apple filling into the center of each circle. Don’t overfill unless you enjoy cleaning ovens. Fold over, press edges, and crimp with a fork like you mean it. - Egg wash magic.
Brush the tops with beaten egg. This step = golden, glossy goodness. Do not skip. - Bake.
Place empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and irresistible. - Cool slightly… or don’t.
Let them cool for a few minutes. Or burn your tongue like the rest of us. Your call.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the empanadas.
More filling sounds better, but it will leak. Everywhere. Rookie mistake. - Skipping the egg wash.
You can, but then they’ll look sad and pale. We don’t want sad empanadas. - Not sealing the edges properly.
If they pop open in the oven, that’s on you. Crimp like you care. - Using watery apples.
Super juicy apples = soggy bottoms. And nobody wants that.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No empanada dough?
Pie crust works great. Puff pastry works even better, honestly. - Want it extra indulgent?
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. Crunch is underrated. - Dairy-free situation?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free caramel. Still delicious. - Trying to be “healthier”?
Use coconut sugar and bake smaller empanadas. They’ll still disappear fast. - No caramel sauce?
Cook the apples a little longer with extra brown sugar. Not the same, but still solid.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Empanadas are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy tools to make something seriously impressive. They’re cozy, flaky, sweet, and just the right amount of messy. Perfect for sharing or not. No judgment.
So go on, make a batch. Impress your family, your friends, or just yourself at 11 p.m. standing in the kitchen eating one over the sink. You’ve earned it.
