When you think of fall, what comes to mind? For me, it’s apples—Granny Smiths piled high, waiting to be peeled, spiced, and tucked into something delicious. Today, we’re diving into a personal favorite: Caramel Apple Empanadas. These are flaky, golden pockets of joy filled with spiced apple chunks and a touch of creamy indulgence. If you love cozy desserts like these Caramel Apple Empanadas, you’re in for a treat.
In this article, I’ll walk you through not just the recipe, but also what makes Caramel Apple Empanadas so versatile, what dough works best, how to make them your own, and yes—how to freeze them like a pro. We’ll also link you to some of my other sweet treats like mini strawberry cheesecakes and death by chocolate cheesecake bars for more kitchen inspiration.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Caramel Apple Empanadas
Childhood Flavors Reimagined
I still remember the first time I bit into a warm apple empanada at a fall fair in Central Texas. It was buttery, sweet, and had that cinnamon tang that made it feel like home. Years later, I decided to recreate that experience in my own kitchen. Only this time, I added my own twist—cream cheese for richness, and a cinnamon-sugar coating that turns every bite into a hug. These Caramel Apple Empanadas are now a seasonal favorite at my house.
This recipe is part of my open cookbook, Empire of Recipes, where every dish has a story—and these Caramel Apple Empanadas are a chapter worth reading.
What Are Empanadas, Anyway?
Let’s break it down: Caramel Apple Empanadas are a sweet twist on the classic Latin hand pie. Their origins trace back to Spanish and Latin American cuisine, where dough is folded over various fillings and then baked or fried. Our version keeps it simple and sweet—with caramel-kissed apples and cream cheese tucked in a crisp shell.
To round out your dessert lineup, check out strawberry cheesecake rolls or sweet potato cheesecake—they’ll pair beautifully with these Caramel Apple Empanadas.
Choosing Dough & Mastering the Filling
The Best Dough for Apple Empanadas
When people ask “What dough do you use for Caramel Apple Empanadas?”—I always recommend Goya’s 5-inch empanada discs. They’re freezer-friendly and give you consistent results. You can use pie crust or puff pastry too, but dough thickness will affect baking time.
If you’re aiming for fewer calories, baking Caramel Apple Empanadas at 375°F until golden brown works great. Love that flaky finish? Fry them. Want dough inspiration? Try these cinnamon danish or a peach crumble next.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we go further, here’s exactly what you’ll need to bring these caramel apple empanadas to life:
Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1½ cups water
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- One 11.6 oz pack of 5” Goya empanada dough (or similar)
- 1½ to 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
This combination of tart apples, warm spices, and creamy filling creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Speaking of flavor, if you love that tangy-sweet combination, don’t miss my mini strawberry cheesecake recipe—it’s another crowd-pleaser that leans into fruit-forward indulgence.
How to Make the Perfect Apple Filling
The filling is where the magic happens. For this recipe, I use Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances beautifully against the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon. The key is chopping them small so they soften quickly and evenly. We simmer them with sugar, cornstarch (to thicken), cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten everything up. The result? A thick, almost jam-like texture that won’t leak out when fried.
But here’s where it gets better: the cream cheese layer. Adding a sweetened, vanilla-kissed cream cheese mixture gives these empanadas a luscious texture that’s both unexpected and irresistible. You’ll be reminded of those creamy no-bake brownie bites—only wrapped in a crispy, golden crust.
Frying, Baking & Sweet Finishes
Can You Bake Empanadas Instead of Frying?
Absolutely. While traditional empanadas are often fried for that unmistakable golden crunch, baking them offers a lighter alternative that’s still full of flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the assembled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them with an egg wash, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. You’ll trade some of the crispiness for a fluffier bite—but the taste remains rich and satisfying.
Still, if you’re like me and grew up watching a skillet of oil bubble away while something delicious fried to perfection, go the traditional route. A shallow fry in 1½ to 2 cups of vegetable oil at 350°F ensures your empanadas are evenly golden and crisp on all sides.
For more insight into freezing desserts post-cooking, especially if you’re making a batch in advance, take a look at how to freeze your cheesecake like a pro—many of the same storage principles apply.
Step-by-Step: Assembling & Cooking
Making caramel apple empanadas is surprisingly easy if you follow these steps:
- Make the apple filling: Combine chopped Granny Smith apples, water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook until thick and bubbly—about 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Mix the cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble: Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture and a heaping tablespoon of apple filling into the center of each empanada disc. Fold, press to seal edges with a fork.
- Fry or bake: Fry in hot oil (about 350°F) for 2–3 minutes per side or bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, toss each empanada in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. This step transforms them from good to unforgettable.
Looking to master other filled and fried delights? My air fryer chocolate lava cakes bring the same wow-factor with molten centers and crispy edges. Or, if you’re obsessed with flaky layers, don’t miss these strawberry cheesecake rolls for a fruity spin on classic comfort.
Freezing, Serving & Making Them Your Own
Can I Freeze Apple Empanadas?
Yes—you can and should freeze these Caramel Apple Empanadas if you’re into smart batch cooking. After assembling the empanadas (but before cooking), lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, you can fry them straight from frozen—just give them an extra minute or two in the oil. If you’re baking them, brush with egg wash and add 5–7 more minutes to your baking time.
Already cooked and want to save leftovers? Let them cool completely before wrapping each empanada in foil or placing them in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven to preserve crispness. For another freezer-friendly dessert, try the sweet potato cheesecake—it stores and thaws beautifully.
How to Serve and Customize Empanadas
These empanadas are delicious on their own, but here’s how to level them up:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent finish.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Want to go a little fancier? Pair them with a peach crumble or use them as part of a mini dessert bar. Their handheld size and cozy flavor profile make them perfect for entertaining.
And if you’re in the mood to experiment, try swapping the apples with pears or mixing in chopped pecans for extra texture. The cinnamon-sugar coating works just as well on other fruit fillings, too.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Empanadas are more than just a treat—they’re a memory wrapped in dough, fried or baked to perfection, and coated in cinnamon-sugar comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, these sweet hand pies are simple to make, easy to customize, and impossible to resist. Pair them with ice cream, drizzle on some caramel, or just eat them standing over the stove like I sometimes do (no shame). However you enjoy them, just know this: you’re going to want seconds.
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FAQs About Caramel Apple Empanadas
What are empanadas?
Empanadas are folded pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Originating in Latin America and Spain, they’re often baked or fried until golden. In our case, we’ve filled them with apples and cream cheese for a sweet twist.
What dough do you use for empanadas?
For ease and consistency, I recommend using Goya’s 5-inch empanada dough discs. They fry well, hold fillings without breaking, and save time.
Can you bake empanadas instead of frying them?
Yes! Bake them at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Brush with egg wash for that golden finish. You’ll get a lighter, slightly fluffier texture.
Can I freeze apple empanadas?
Definitely. Freeze assembled, uncooked empanadas on a tray, then store in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adjusting time slightly.
