Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm and comforting: The apple cinnamon filling and cream cheese center create a perfect cozy flavor combination, ideal for fall or any time of year.
Crispy and golden: Fried to perfection, these empanadas have a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey filling.
Sweet and indulgent: A cinnamon-sugar coating and a caramel drizzle add extra sweetness, making these empanadas impossible to resist.
Perfect for sharing: With 12 empanadas, this recipe is great for a gathering, party, or dessert at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

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” empanada dough (Goya recommended)

For Frying:

1 ½ to 2 cups vegetable oil

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Drizzle:

Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Prepare the apple cinnamon filling:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Add the chopped apples, stir well, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the apples are tender. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the cream cheese mixture:

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the empanadas:

Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each empanada dough circle.
Add a tablespoon of the apple cinnamon mixture on top of the cream cheese.
Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold the dough in half, and crimp the edges closed with a fork to seal the empanada.

4. Fry the empanadas:

Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the empanadas in batches, carefully placing a few at a time in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating:

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar.
While the empanadas are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat both sides.

6. Finish and serve:

Drizzle each empanada with caramel sauce just before serving.
Serve the empanadas warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 empanadas
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Different fillings: Swap the apple filling for other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a fun twist on the classic.
Baked version: If you prefer baking to frying, brush the empanadas with an egg wash and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Vegan option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the empanada dough with a vegan version.

Storage

Storage: These caramel apple empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To restore their crispiness, reheat the empanadas in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze un-fried empanadas before frying. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Nutrition (Per Empanada)

Calories: 355 kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 185mg

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and fry the empanadas when you’re ready to serve.

How do I keep the empanadas crispy?

Fry the empanadas until they are golden brown, and make sure to drain them on paper towels after frying. If you’re making them in advance, reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Can I use a different type of dough?

You can use any empanada dough that you prefer or can find in your local store. Goya’s dough is recommended, but you can substitute with homemade or store-bought dough.

Can I make a sugar-free version?

To make a sugar-free version, substitute the sugar in the filling and cinnamon sugar coating with your preferred sugar substitute.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Empanadas are the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delicious combination of warm apple cinnamon filling, sweet cream cheese, crispy dough, and a drizzle of caramel. They’re perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging in a sweet treat. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these empanadas will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!