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Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe | Sweet Fall Dessert

I’ve always been a sucker for caramel apple treats, and recently I decided to try a new twist: caramel apple empanadas recipe. I couldn’t believe how quick and simple they were to make! The combination of warm, spiced apples and gooey caramel tucked inside flaky pastry is pure magic.

Making them felt like creating a mini dessert masterpiece — just like when I bake my favorite crispy tomato herb cheese pan pizza recipe. I just had to share how I made these little pockets of autumn happiness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious caramel apple empanadas:

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into 8 wedges – tart apples hold up well during baking.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – prevents the apples from browning.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar – balances the tartness of the apple.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds that warm, classic apple flavor.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg – gives a subtle, nutty spice note.
Dash of allspice – enhances depth of flavor.
½ cup caramel bits or 15 soft caramels – melts easily into a smooth, gooey filling.
1 teaspoon milk – helps melt the caramel evenly.
1 refrigerated pie crust – Pillsbury works perfectly for a flaky texture.
1 egg, lightly beaten – seals and gives a golden shine to the empanadas.
Sanding sugar to sprinkle on top – optional, for a sweet crunch.

Note: This recipe makes 8 empanadas, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.

Variations

I like experimenting, so here are a few ways to switch things up:

Use dairy-free caramel and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.
Swap sugar for a sugar-free alternative if you’re watching carbs.
Add a handful of chopped nuts for a crunchier filling.
Mix in a few dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.

If you love adding a tangy kick to sweet dishes, you can also enjoy making my easy homemade quick pickled jalapenos recipe — they pair surprisingly well with savory or spicy snacks.

Cooking Time

These empanadas come together really fast:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I used to make the process smooth:

Oven – for baking the empanadas.
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking.
Knife and cutting board – for slicing apples.
Rolling pin – to slightly flatten pie crust.
4-inch round cutter – shapes the pastry into perfect rounds.
Microwave-safe bowl – to melt the caramel.
Pastry brush – for egg wash.
Fork – for crimping edges.

How to Make Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

Making these empanadas is easier than it looks. Here’s how I did it:

Prepare the Apples

I peeled and cut the Granny Smith apple into wedges and tossed them with lemon juice to stop browning. Then I sprinkled sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of allspice over the apples and set them aside. The spices instantly made my kitchen smell amazing!

Prepare the Pie Crust

I unrolled the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and rolled it out slightly. Using a 4-inch round cutter, I cut out 8 rounds. Each round would become an individual empanada, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Assemble the Empanadas

I placed each apple wedge slightly off-center on the rounds. Then, I melted the caramel bits with milk in the microwave, stirring until smooth. I drizzled about a teaspoon of caramel on each apple wedge, careful not to overfill.

Seal and Bake

Brushing the edges of each round with beaten egg, I pressed the edges together and crimped them with a fork. After brushing the tops with egg and sprinkling with sanding sugar, I baked them at 425°F for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

After letting them cool slightly, I drizzled extra caramel over the top and served them warm. The first bite was pure caramel-apple heaven!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make a big difference:

I always make sure the apples are not too large – they fit better in the pastry.
Don’t overfill with caramel, or it will leak during baking.
Chill the empanadas for a few minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
I like brushing extra egg on the edges for a shiny, golden finish.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

These empanadas are as pretty as they are tasty:

Serve them warm on a dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Dust with powdered sugar for a professional look.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Arrange on a platter for a party – they’re perfect for sharing!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per empanada:

Calories: 140 kcal – a sweet treat without overdoing it.
Protein: 2 g – minimal, but enough for a small snack.
Carbohydrates: 18 g – mainly from apple and pastry.
Fat: 6 g – gives the empanadas that flaky texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Let the empanadas cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Freezing: You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 1 month. Bake them straight from the freezer, just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until gooey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I can’t get enough of these empanadas:

Super quick and easy – perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Flaky pastry and gooey caramel – a match made in dessert heaven.
Versatile – customize the filling with nuts, dried fruit, or sugar-free options.
Kid-friendly – my kids loved making and eating them.
Perfect for any occasion – snacks, dessert, or party treats.

These caramel apple empanadas are my go-to when I want a simple, cozy dessert that still feels special. They’re quick, customizable, and always disappear fast!

Ben Carraoli