Description
Caramel Apple Handheld Empanadas — Buttery, flaky pastry pockets filled with spiced apples and rich caramel, baked to golden perfection for a warm, grab-and-go dessert delight.
Ingredients
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, diced
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
12 soft caramel candies, chopped
1 package refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough rounds
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional: cinnamon sugar, for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft.
Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir into apple mixture and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped caramel candies. Let cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out pie dough (if needed) and cut into 5-inch circles.
Place 1 tbsp of apple-caramel filling on one side of each dough circle.
Fold over, press edges with a fork to seal, and place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake or Fry:
Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
Bake: 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Or Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm for gooey caramel goodness!
Notes
These freeze well before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Perfect for fall parties, bake sales, or Thanksgiving dessert spreads.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
