Best Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe

Imagine biting into a pocket of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples encased in a golden, flaky pastry: that’s the irresistible joy of Best Baked Apple Empanadas. This recipe brings together crisp apples, cozy spices, and a tender, buttery dough for a dessert that’s practically made for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want something special to sweeten up your day, Best Baked Apple Empanadas are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Best Baked Apple Empanadas is delightfully simple, but each component is essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature golden hue. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base of your empanada dough, giving it structure and lightness.
• Granulated sugar (for dough): A little sweetness helps the pastry brown and enhances the apple flavor inside.
• Salt: Even desserts need a pop of salt to balance sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Cold butter is the secret to achieving a wonderfully flaky and tender crust every time.
• Large egg (for dough): Helps hold the dough together, adds richness, and aids in browning.
• Cold water: Just enough to bind the dough, while keeping it tender — add it gradually and stop when the dough holds together.
• Apples (peeled, cored, diced): The star of the show; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp bring the best tart-to-sweet ratio and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
• Brown sugar (for filling): Adds caramel-like depth and richness to the apple filling.
• Granulated sugar (for filling): Balances the tartness of the apples and enhances their natural sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Warms everything up with its signature cozy aroma and taste.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch delivers an earthy, autumn-like depth that works wonders with apples.
• Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the filling and prevents the apples from browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture, so your empanadas stay crisp and never soggy.
• Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on before baking for a beautifully shiny, golden finish.
• Optional coarse sugar: Sprinkled over the top, it adds sparkle and a sweet crunch.

How to Make Best Baked Apple Empanadas

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is where the magic happens for that perfectly flaky crust, so don’t rush it! Add the egg and cold water gradually, stirring until the dough just comes together. Shape your dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, giving it time to properly rest and get ready for rolling out.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, get your apple filling on the stove. In a medium saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to soften just a little and the whole mixture to thicken slightly. Once done, let the filling cool completely so it won’t melt your pastry later on.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Once your dough is rested and your filling is cool, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cutter or a bowl to cut out circles about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal in all that juicy apple goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the assembled empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each one with a little beaten egg for that gorgeous golden sheen. If you love a bit of extra sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the empanadas are golden brown and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let them cool for a few minutes—if you can resist—and enjoy!

How to Serve Best Baked Apple Empanadas

Garnishes

Best Baked Apple Empanadas are already a treat on their own, but a little garnish makes them extra special. Try dusting them with powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish, drizzling with homemade caramel sauce, or even adding a dollop of whipped cream right before serving. If you’re feeling decadent, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will turn these empanadas into a show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

These empanadas pair beautifully with a cup of strong black coffee or a mug of spiced chai. For an autumn-inspired dessert platter, serve them alongside roasted nuts or fresh fruit slices. If you’re making them for brunch, consider adding a bowl of Greek yogurt and honey, or a fruit salad to keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange Best Baked Apple Empanadas on a wooden board with small bowls of toppings: caramel sauce, whipped cream, and cinnamon sugar. You can even tuck a few into bakery boxes tied with string for a sweet edible gift. For family desserts, simply pile them high on a platter and let everyone dig in while they’re still warm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Best Baked Apple Empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, let them cool completely before sealing them up. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, just don’t forget to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These empanadas freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or surprise guests. Once fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, bake them straight from frozen at 350°F until heated through and crisp.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat empanadas in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave—but just a few seconds will do, and note that the crust will be softer than oven-heated.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade dough?

Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought pie crust works as a quick substitute for homemade dough in the Best Baked Apple Empanadas. While the flavor and texture might not be quite as rich, you’ll still get a tasty treat with much less effort.

What kind of apples work best for these empanadas?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the top picks for Best Baked Apple Empanadas because they hold their shape well and offer a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness. Steer clear of overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which can become mushy during baking.

How do I prevent my empanadas from leaking?

Make sure to let the apple filling cool completely before assembling and avoid overfilling. Sealing the edges firmly with a fork and brushing the edges lightly with water or egg before crimping can help create a tight seal that keeps all that delicious filling inside.

Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, Best Baked Apple Empanadas are perfect for making ahead! Prepare and assemble them up to a day in advance and store in the fridge, unbaked. When you’re ready, just bake as directed for fresh, warm empanadas without the fuss.

Is it possible to make these vegan or gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute a plant-based butter and use a flax egg for the pastry to make it vegan. There are also excellent store-bought and homemade gluten-free flour blends you can use—just be sure to adjust any liquid amounts as needed and keep an eye on the dough texture.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Best Baked Apple Empanadas is a sure way to bring smiles around the table, whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself. The recipe is straightforward, fun, and endlessly rewarding, delivering warm, spiced apples and beautifully golden pastry every single time. I absolutely encourage you to give Best Baked Apple Empanadas a try—there’s just nothing quite like the first bite!

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