Caramel Apple Empanadas

Caramel Apple Empanadas: A Sweet and Crispy Treat

If you’re looking for a delicious fall dessert or a sweet treat to impress your guests, these Caramel Apple Empanadas are the perfect solution. With a crispy, fried empanada dough, a luscious apple cinnamon filling, and a creamy cream cheese mixture inside, this dessert is like taking a bite out of a caramel apple wrapped in a warm, golden crust. Topped with cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these empanadas are indulgent, comforting, and full of flavor!

Ingredients:

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (about 4 cups)
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

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

For the Empanadas:

• 11.6 ounces (5-inch) empanada dough (such as Goya)
• 1 ½ – 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the chopped apples and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender. Once done, set the apple mixture aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat again for another 2 minutes until smooth and well-combined.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Lay the empanada dough discs flat on a clean surface.
• Place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each disc, followed by 1 tablespoon of the apple cinnamon filling.
• Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold the dough in half, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

4. Fry the Empanadas:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or frying pan to 375°F.
• Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
• Once fried, remove the empanadas from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:

• In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
• While the empanadas are still warm, dip each one into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly.

6. Serve:

• Place the empanadas on a serving plate and drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Serve warm and enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy, spiced filling!

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 empanadas
• Calories per Serving: 350 kcal

Tips for Perfect Empanadas:

• Sealing the Dough: Make sure to seal the edges tightly by crimping them with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking while frying.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil reaches 375°F for perfectly crispy empanadas. Frying at a lower temperature may result in greasy empanadas, while higher temperatures may burn the outside before the inside cooks.
• Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own for an extra special touch!

These Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delightful combination of tart apples, creamy filling, and crunchy dough, all topped with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. They are the perfect sweet treat for fall or anytime you’re craving something warm and comforting. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these empanadas are guaranteed to become a family favorite!

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