If you have a sweet tooth and love warm, comforting treats, you are about to meet your new favorite dessert. This is The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe — a delightful twist on traditional empanadas filled with a luscious, spiced apple filling that’s tender and perfectly balanced. The flaky, golden-baked crust encases a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla that will have you savoring every bite. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for cozy afternoons or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, these apple empanadas bring the warmth of homemade goodness to any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every successful recipe starts with ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. For The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe, the basics are simple yet crucial — flour and butter create the tender crust, while the apples and spices sing together for a filling that’s irresistibly fragrant and sweet.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing a light and flaky texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the dough a subtle lift and softness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough, rounding out the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates that buttery, flaky crust everyone loves.
- ½ cup cold water: Binds the dough ingredients while keeping it tender.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the dough soft.
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced: The heart of the filling, tender and naturally sweet.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Provides deep, caramel notes to the filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, bringing classic apple pie vibes.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice complexity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with smooth, floral notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and balances sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling to perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch for thickening the filling.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a gorgeous golden shine on the crust.
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling): Adds a sparkling finish and a tiny crunch.
How to Make The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar — in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs; this step is key for a tender, flaky crust. Slowly pour in the cold water and apple cider vinegar, mixing just enough to form a dough. Don’t overwork it! Wrap the dough and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes while you prepare your decadent filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples soften and the mixture becomes fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the filling. Keep stirring until you reach a lovely, jammy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely — filling that is too warm will make the dough soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 4-5 inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass rim. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough in half to create half-moons, then seal the edges by crimping with a fork. This not only keeps the filling in but also gives that classic empanada look.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny crust. For an extra touch of sparkle and crunch, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. As your kitchen fills with the aroma of baked apples and spices, get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade treat!
How to Serve The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
These empanadas are stunning on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to the next level. You could also drizzle some caramel sauce for a decadent touch. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
Side Dishes
To turn your apple empanadas into a full dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple custard. A hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-laced filling — perfect for cool autumn evenings or cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the empanadas on a rustic wooden board with bowls of extra apple filling or caramel sauce on the side for dipping. You can also arrange them in a circular pattern on a festive platter to share with family and friends. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a sweet take-home gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra empanadas, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay delicious, and the flavors actually deepen with a day or two of resting.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to enjoy The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible — the crust can get soggy, and we all want that perfect flaky bite.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith create a nice balance, sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully too. Mixing types can add a lovely depth of flavor and texture to your filling.
Is it possible to make these empanadas vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk mixed with a little vinegar for the egg wash. The filling is naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze the empanadas after baking?
Yes, once fully cooled, you can freeze the baked empanadas in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven to restore that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
How can I make sure my crust turns out flaky?
Use very cold butter and don’t overwork the dough. Keeping the butter in small pieces coated in flour allows it to create steam pockets during baking, giving you that perfect flakiness.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or raisins add a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the soft apples and spice mix. Add them during the cooking process for best integration.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe — a perfect marriage of flaky, buttery pastry and soft, warmly spiced apple filling. Whether you’re baking for a casual family weekend or a special celebration, these empanadas are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a little happy dance. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find it becoming your go-to whenever you crave a cozy, homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug.
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The Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Baked Apple Empanadas feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a warm, spiced apple filling, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. The empanadas are baked to golden perfection, offering a delightful combination of sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For Assembling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add cold water and apple cider vinegar, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are softened and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
- Thicken the Filling: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture. Continue cooking until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about â…›-inch thickness. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles from the dough.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form half-moons and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish after baking. Optionally, sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and water are cold to achieve a flaky dough.
- Let the filling cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy empanadas.
- You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- Egg wash not only adds color but also helps the sugar stick to the surface.
- Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen before baking.
