Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Apple Empanadas are a warm and comforting dessert filled with tender spiced apples and gooey caramel, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They combine the cozy flavors of a classic caramel apple pie with the handheld convenience of an empanada, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple sweet treat.

ingredients

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

apples (peeled, cored, and diced)brown sugarsugarground cinnamonnutmegunsalted buttervanilla extractsaltcaramel candies or caramel sauceempanada dough or refrigerated pie crustegg (for egg wash)

directions

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

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced apples until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.

Add brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Stir in vanilla extract.

Remove from heat and let the filling cool. Once cooled, mix in chopped caramel candies or drizzle in thick caramel sauce.

Roll out the empanada dough or pie crust and cut into circles (about 4–6 inches in diameter).

Place a spoonful of the apple-caramel filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.

Brush with egg wash and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 10-12 empanadas.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use puff pastry for a lighter, crispier crust.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for added texture.

Swap out caramel candies for dulce de leche for a creamier filling.

Make mini empanadas for bite-sized party treats.

storage/reheating

Store Caramel Apple Empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a softer texture.
For longer storage, freeze baked empanadas for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the apple-caramel filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely, it works great and saves time.

Do I have to cook the apples first?
Yes, cooking them helps soften the texture and blend the flavors before baking.

Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can deep fry them at 350°F until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

What apples work best?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well during cooking.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes, just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run out during baking.

How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking?
Seal the edges well and avoid overfilling. Also, make sure the filling is cooled before assembling.

Are these good cold?
They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

Can I add other fruits?
Yes, try mixing in pears, raisins, or cranberries for a twist.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, dough, and a dairy-free caramel alternative.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas bring the best of fall flavors into a delicious, portable dessert. With their flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and rich caramel center, they’re sure to impress your family and guests alike. Whether you bake them for a cozy evening or a festive get-together, they’re a sweet treat that delivers comfort in every bite.