Golden, flaky, and filled with warm spiced apples, these Baked Apple Empanadas are the ultimate comfort dessert. Wrapped in a tender pastry shell and baked to a crisp, they boast a satisfying crunch with every bite, revealing a gooey cinnamon-apple center that feels like a hug from the inside out. These handheld treats are a cozy fusion of Latin pastry tradition and American apple pie flavors, making them perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or a delightful anytime snack.
What sets this dessert apart is the balance between simplicity and flavor. The crust is buttery and crisp without the hassle of deep frying, and the filling is rich with caramelized apple chunks and a hint of nutmeg. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a cozy kitchen project, Baked Apple Empanadas promise a bite-sized experience full of nostalgia and warmth.
Ingredients for this Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade pastry dough)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the apples are soft but still hold their shape. If the mixture seems too watery, stir in the cornstarch and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using store-bought empanada discs, lay them out and allow them to soften slightly. If making dough from scratch, roll it out and cut into 4–5 inch circles.
Step 3: Fill the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leaking. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
Step 4: Crimp and Vent
Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges of each empanada for a decorative and secure seal. Cut a small slit or poke a hole in the top of each one to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each empanada for a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar for extra crunch. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the empanadas cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm for the best experience, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Empanada)
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on dough brand and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best for empanadas?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and balance sweetness and tartness well.
Can I use puff pastry instead of empanada dough?
Yes, puff pastry will give you a flakier texture. Just be sure to seal the edges well and monitor baking time as puff pastry cooks faster.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Avoid overfilling and make sure the dough edges are tightly sealed, preferably crimped with a fork. Chilling before baking also helps.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the empanadas and refrigerate them overnight or freeze them unbaked for later use.
Are these empanadas gluten-free?
Not typically, but you can use a gluten-free pastry dough to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
What can I serve with apple empanadas?
They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but fresh filling provides better texture and flavor. If using canned, reduce the sugar slightly and skip the cooking step.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free pastry dough, and substitute the egg wash with plant milk or maple syrup.
Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 10 empanadas 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
Golden, flaky, and warmly spiced, these Baked Apple Empanadas are your next favorite treat. Whether you’re searching for quick breakfast options, cozy dessert ideas, or an easy recipe that brings everyone to the kitchen, this is it. Imagine tender apple chunks infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, wrapped in buttery pastry, and baked until perfectly crisp. These empanadas are a nostalgic nod to homemade apple pie, made even easier to enjoy. Ideal for breakfast ideas, snack-time surprises, or festive dinner ideas, they’re perfect for making ahead or serving fresh out of the oven. The scent alone is reason enough to bake them today.
Ingredients
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, diced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade dough)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Add cornstarch if needed and cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment. Soften store-bought dough or roll out homemade dough into 4–5 inch rounds.
- Spoon apple filling into center of each dough circle. Fold over and seal edges.
- Crimp edges with a fork and cut a slit on top for steam.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.