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Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

Delight in these homemade Caramel Apple Empanadas featuring a warm apple cinnamon filling paired with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese center, all wrapped in flaky empanada dough and perfectly fried to golden perfection. Each empanada is finished with a cinnamon sugar coating and a luscious caramel drizzle, making this dessert a comforting fall favorite that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Cinnamon Filling

  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (about 4 cups)
  • 1½ cups water
  • ¾ cups sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Empanadas

  • 11.6 ounces 5-inch empanada dough (e.g., Goya brand)
  • 1½ to 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Additional

  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling (amount as desired)

Instructions

  1. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  2. Add Apples and Simmer: Once thickened, add the chopped apples to the sauce, stir well, and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and infused with the cinnamon sauce.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until fluffy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, then continue beating for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Empanadas: Lay out the empanada dough discs. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, followed by 1 tablespoon of the apple cinnamon filling on top. Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold the dough in half over the filling, and crimp edges closed firmly with a fork to seal.
  5. Heat Oil for Frying: In a cast iron skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Maintain consistent medium-high heat suitable for frying.
  6. Fry the Empanadas: Carefully place a few empanadas at a time in the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
  7. Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried empanadas and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
  9. Coat Fried Empanadas: While still warm, dip each empanada into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
  10. Serve with Caramel Drizzle: Arrange the coated empanadas on a serving plate and drizzle with caramel sauce generously. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beating for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature for a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
  • Work in batches while frying to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
  • For a homemade caramel sauce, you can melt sugar with butter and cream until smooth, or use a store-bought caramel drizzle for convenience.
  • These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh and warm to maintain their crispy texture and creamy filling.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Empanadas, apple dessert, fried empanadas, cinnamon sugar empanadas, creamy apple filling

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/caramel-apple-empanadas-recipe/