There is something truly magical about warm, flaky pastries filled with tender, spiced apples that evoke the cozy feeling of home and the joy of baking from scratch. This Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe delivers all that and more, blending the crisp sweetness of fresh apples with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up in a buttery, golden crust. Whether you share them at a family gathering or enjoy one solo with a cup of tea, these empanadas offer a comforting treat that’s surprisingly simple to make but irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients is the first step to delighting in these cozy baked treats. Each ingredient plays a key role to give the empanadas that perfect balance of crisp texture, warm sweetness, and tender filling.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender, flaky dough.
- Baking powder: Helps give the crust a light lift and melty crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the gentle sweetness.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough for balance.
- Cold unsalted butter: The secret to a flaky crust; keep it cold for best results.
- Cold water: Binds the dough just right to hold its shape without toughness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the dough’s flavor and helps tenderize it.
- Apples: Fresh and diced, they form the star of the filling with natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds richness and depth to the apple filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, comforting spice that’s classic with apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of earthiness and warmth.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the filling with a lovely floral note.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and balances sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly gooey without being runny.
- Water (for cornstarch mixture): Helps activate the thickening power.
- Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the empanadas a shiny, golden finish.
- Granulated sugar (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a delicate crunch and pretty sparkle.
How to Make Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl until well combined. This dry mix forms the foundation of your crust’s light, flaky texture. Then, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter creates those irresistible layers once baked. Gradually add in the cold water and apple cider vinegar, mixing just until the dough forms. Wrap it up in plastic and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and relax the gluten, ensuring tender, pliable dough ready for rolling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough chills, toss your peeled and diced apples into a saucepan with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until the apples soften and the spices bloom – this sweet, warmly spiced filling is the heart of your empanadas. Next, stir together cornstarch and a little water to form a slurry, then fold it into the apple mixture. Keep cooking and stirring until it thickens nicely. Remove from heat and let it cool completely so the filling firms up just right for stuffing.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your empanadas mess-free. Roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 4- to 5-inch circles using a cutter or a small bowl. Spoon a generous dollop of the cooled apple filling into the center of each circle. Then fold the dough over to create half-moons and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal in all that deliciousness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff up. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to help achieve a glossy, golden brown crust during baking. For an optional dazzling touch, sprinkle granulated sugar over each empanada before sliding them into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching as they turn a beautiful, appetizing golden color and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
How to Serve Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, these empanadas are delightful on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can make them even more special. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds creamy contrast, balancing the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked apple empanadas with a cup of strong coffee or a comforting chai latte to complement their warm spices. For brunch or dessert tables, fresh fruit or a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette can refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your empanadas on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and small bowls of caramel sauce. Wrap them individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming picnic or a sweet gift at gatherings. Presentation can be just as warm and inviting as the empanadas themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked apple empanadas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, place them in the refrigerator where they will last for about 4 days, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked empanadas. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until they regain their crispy crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. The oven method brings back the fresh-baked magic every time!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape nicely and balance sweetness well, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala depending on your flavor preference. Just keep an eye on the cooking time for the filling, since softer apples cook faster.
Is there a gluten-free way to make these empanadas?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for pastry. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough can be more delicate, so handle it gently and consider chilling it longer before rolling out.
Can these empanadas be made vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil, replace the egg wash with a mix of plant-based milk and maple syrup for gloss, and ensure any sugar you use is vegan-friendly. The filling is already naturally vegan.
Why do you add apple cider vinegar to the dough?
Apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the dough by slightly breaking down the gluten, which results in a more tender, flaky crust. It also adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the apple filling beautifully.
How do I prevent the filling from making the dough soggy?
Cooking the apple filling to reduce excess moisture before assembling helps quite a bit. Also, thickening the filling with cornstarch creates a more gel-like consistency that won’t leak. Make sure the filling is completely cool before stuffing the dough to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably special about whipping up a batch of these Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe that brings warmth and happiness into any kitchen. They combine simple ingredients to create big, comforting flavors that everyone will adore. So, grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and let the cozy magic unfold. I promise, once you take that first bite, these empanadas might just become your new favorite treat to share, celebrate, and savor.
Print
Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these warm, flaky Baked Apple Empanadas that combine a tender, buttery crust with a spiced apple filling. Perfect for a cozy dessert or sweet snack, these empanadas are baked to golden perfection and offer a comforting taste of fall flavors.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add cold water and apple cider vinegar to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Shape it into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to rest.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still hold some shape.
- Thicken the Filling: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the apple mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before assembling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about â…›-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out 4-5 inch circles.
- Fill and Shape Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg wash for a shiny golden crust. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired for extra sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the empanadas turn a beautiful golden brown color. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness in the filling.
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky dough texture.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top before baking instead of plain sugar.
- Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
