Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

If you adore autumn flavors and crave a sweet treat that feels just a little bit extra-special, these Caramel Apple Empanadas will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine tender pastry pockets filled with warming cinnamon apples and creamy cheese, fried until golden, then dusted in cinnamon sugar and finished with a drizzle of rich caramel—pure happiness in every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your quick glance at the lineup—simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Each one brings a little magic: apples for crispness, cinnamon for warmth, cream cheese for richness, and the empanada dough for that perfect flaky crunch.

• Granny Smith apples (2, about 4 cups chopped): Their tart flavor and firm texture hold up beautifully during cooking and provide the perfect “apple pie” bite.
• Water (1½ cups): Helps create the luscious sauce that forms the backbone of the apple filling.
• Sugar (¾ cup + ½ cup): Sweetens the apple filling and also makes the cinnamon-sugar coating for that craveable crunch.
• Cornstarch (¼ cup): Thickens the apple mixture so it holds inside the empanada.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon for filling, 2 tablespoons for coating): Brings warmth and a cozy aroma—don’t skimp!
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon for filling, 1 tablespoon for cheese): Brightens the apples and the cream cheese, balancing out all the sweetness.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temp): Adds dreamy creaminess and a touch of tang that makes the filling irresistible.
• Sugar (⅓ cup, for cream cheese): Makes the cream cheese layer sweet and dessert-ready.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Gives a hint of warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
• Empanada dough (11.6 oz, 5-inch rounds): Savory, tender, and ready to wrap all that goodness—look for the Goya brand if available.
• Vegetable oil (1½-2 cups): For perfectly frying the empanadas to golden perfection.
• Caramel sauce (for drizzling): The finishing touch—bringing it all together with a sweet, buttery flourish.

Variations

The beauty of Caramel Apple Empanadas lies in how easy they are to riff on—feel free to tailor them for your own cravings or what’s in your pantry. Have fun swapping, tweaking, or even giving them a totally new spin!

• Baked Instead of Fried: Looking for something a little lighter? Bake the assembled empanadas at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes until nicely golden.
• Try a Different Fruit: Swap in pears, mixed berries, or even peaches instead of apples for a seasonal twist.
• Go Nutty: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for lovely crunch and depth.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and check that your dough is vegan-friendly.

How to Make Caramel Apple Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in your chopped apples, let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, giving a few stirs as the apples soften and soak up that spiced syrupy goodness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, then beat again until totally smooth. This is the dreamy, tangy layer that makes these empanadas out-of-this-world delicious!

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Take one round of empanada dough and add 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture to the center, then top with 1 tablespoon of the apple filling. Moisten the dough’s edge with water, fold to form a half-moon, then crimp shut with a fork for that classic scalloped look (and to keep the gooey filling in place!).

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep skillet or cast iron pan to 375°F. Working in batches, fry a few empanadas at a time for just a couple of minutes per side. Remove them when beautifully golden and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Coat and Finish

Mix together ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. While the empanadas are still warm, toss each one in the spiced sugar to coat. Plate them up and don’t forget the crowning glory—a generous drizzle of thick, buttery caramel sauce. That’s the Caramel Apple Empanada finishing touch!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Empanadas

Garnishes

For that bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle an extra pinch of cinnamon sugar right before serving, and drizzle generously with smooth caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side turns every empanada into a show-stopping dessert!

Side Dishes

These empanadas absolutely shine on their own, but pair beautifully with hot apple cider, a mug of strong coffee, or even a caramel latte. For a special occasion, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Caramel Apple Empanadas on a rustic platter, dust them with powdered sugar, and nestle in cinnamon sticks for a cozy autumnal vibe. Or, for gatherings, try serving each empanada in a parchment sleeve with a tiny pot of caramel for dipping—adorable and practical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover empanadas keep surprisingly well! Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to three days. The crust stays slightly crisp and the filling is just as inviting.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled (unfried) empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid—just fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time. Already-cooked empanadas can also be frozen, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

To restore that irresistible crisp, pop leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the pastry a bit soft rather than delightfully crunchy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you try just one crowd-pleasing dessert this season, let it be these Caramel Apple Empanadas. They’re wonderfully nostalgic, a joy to make with friends or family, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen (and your heart) with spicy, sweet aroma. Give them a try—the only thing better than making them is watching them disappear!

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