Description
These Caramel Apple Empanadas are flaky, golden hand pies filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel. An easy fall dessert that tastes like individual caramel apple pies—perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a cozy treat served warm with ice cream. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce or 6–8 soft caramel candies, chopped
- 1 box refrigerated pie crusts or 10–12 empanada dough discs
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in caramel sauce or chopped caramels until melted and combined.
- Roll out dough and cut into 4–5 inch circles. Add a spoonful of filling to the center of each round.
- Fold over into a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- For a salted caramel version, sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking.
- Use puff pastry for a flakier variation—adjust bake time as needed.
- Canned apple pie filling + caramel is a quick shortcut.
- Drizzle extra caramel on top after baking for more indulgence.
