Description
These baked apple empanadas feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfectly golden and lightly sweetened, they make a delightful dessert or snack that blends comforting autumn flavors with a classic Latin treat. Easy to prepare and baked to crispy perfection, these empanadas are great for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Filling Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter pieces remain small and cold for a flaky crust.
- Form the Dough: Gradually pour in the cold water and apple cider vinegar, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the Filling: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture. Continue cooking until the filling thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely before assembling.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter using a cutter or glass.
- Fill and Fold Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges together, sealing them tightly by crimping with a fork to prevent filling leakage.
- Apply Egg Wash & Bake: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny golden finish, and optionally sprinkle granulated sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and a beautiful golden brown color. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a flakier crust, keep the butter and water as cold as possible when mixing the dough.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor in the filling.
- You can make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.
- Brush the empanadas with egg wash just before baking for a glossy finish.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
