Apple Empanadas: The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm Apple Empanada fresh from the oven. The flaky pastry giving way to a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling creates a moment of pure culinary joy that’s hard to beat. As someone who often finds myself scrambling to prepare impressive yet simple treats for unexpected guests, these Apple Empanadas have become my secret weapon.

The aroma of these Apple Empanadas baking is simply irresistible – warm cinnamon and sweet apples wafting through your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen with curious anticipation. What makes this recipe truly stand out is the perfect balance of a crisp, golden exterior and a tender, flavorful filling that captures the essence of homemade comfort food.

Whether you’re looking for the best apple empanadas for dessert or need an impressive treat for a gathering, this recipe delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. Let me show you how to create these delightful handheld pastries that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Empanadas

• ✅ These homemade apple empanadas with cinnamon require just simple pantry ingredients
• ✅ The flaky apple empanadas dough recipe creates the perfect texture every time
• ✅ They’re easy apple empanadas for parties – make ahead and bake when needed
• ✅ Versatile recipe allows for countless apple empanadas filling ideas and variations
• ✅ These traditional apple empanadas with pastry crust impress without complicated techniques
• ✅ Perfect for beginners looking to learn how to make apple empanadas from scratch

Ingredients for Apple Empanadas

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup tepid water

Dietary alternative: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

For the Filling:

• 3 large sweet or semisweet apples (about 24 ounces), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Pro Ingredient Tip: For the best flavor in your Apple Empanadas, use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a perfect sweet-tart balance.

For the Topping:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Sugar, for sprinkling

How to Make Apple Empanadas – Step by Step

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and water.

Step 3: Using a fork or wooden spoon, gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Making the Apple Filling

Step 6: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 7: Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Step 8: Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the apples have softened but still maintain some texture.

Step 9: Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the Apple Empanadas.

Assembling and Baking

Step 10: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 11: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 12 equal portions.

Step 12: On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 5-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick.

Step 13: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each circle.

Step 14: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together firmly.

Step 15: Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the Apple Empanadas.

Step 16: Transfer the assembled empanadas to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 17: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.

Step 18: Brush each empanada with the egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar.

Step 19: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Apple Empanadas are golden brown and crisp.

Step 20: Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Apple Empanadas

• Keep ingredients cold: For the flakiest dough, make sure your water is cold and don’t skip the refrigeration step.
• Don’t overfill: The secret to perfectly sealed Apple Empanadas is using just the right amount of filling – about 2 tablespoons per empanada.
• Create steam vents: Make a small slit on top of each empanada with a knife to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing filling leakage.
• Customize your spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to your filling for unique homemade apple empanadas with cinnamon variations.
• Try cream cheese filling: For an indulgent twist, try making apple empanadas with cream cheese filling by adding 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to your apple mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Empanadas

These versatile treats are delightful on their own but can be elevated in several ways:

• For an indulgent dessert, serve your baked apple empanadas with caramel sauce drizzled over the top.
• Create the perfect dessert plate by serving apple empanadas served with vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast.
• Dust warm empanadas with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
• For brunch, pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
• Serve alongside our homemade spiced apple cider for a complete fall-inspired treat.

Nutritional Information for Apple Empanadas

Per serving (1 empanada):

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

This recipe creates a balanced treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while providing some fiber from the apples.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store cooled Apple Empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: These Apple Empanadas freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen Apple Empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients for making apple empanadas?

The main ingredients for Apple Empanadas include all-purpose flour, olive oil, water, apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. You’ll also need an egg for the egg wash and additional sugar for sprinkling on top.

How long does it take to bake apple empanadas?

Apple Empanadas take approximately 20-25 minutes to bake at 375°F (190°C). They’re ready when the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Can apple empanadas be fried instead of baked?

Yes, Apple Empanadas can be fried instead of baked. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Baking is generally considered healthier, while frying creates an extra crispy texture.

How do you make dough for apple empanadas?

The dough for Apple Empanadas is made by combining flour, sugar, and salt, then adding olive oil and water to form a cohesive dough. After kneading until smooth, the dough needs to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling and filling.

Conclusion

These Apple Empanadas are truly one of those versatile recipes that work for almost any occasion – from casual family desserts to elegant dinner party finales. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet, spiced apple filling creates a treat that’s both comforting and impressive.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Making Apple Empanadas from scratch might seem intimidating at first, but once you try this straightforward method, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Have you tried making these Apple Empanadas? I’d love to hear about your experience or any creative variations you’ve tried! Drop a comment below and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who appreciate homemade goodness.

Now you know how to make the best Apple Empanadas at home – happy baking!

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