Picture the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, enveloping you in coziness.
Apple empanadas are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that transforms simple ingredients into golden, flaky pastries filled with sweet, spiced apples.
As they bake, the empanadas fill your home with a comforting warmth, inviting everyone to gather around.
Let’s bring this delicious treat to life and savor the taste of homemade goodness together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife
- 1 Fork
- 1 Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup ice water
- 3 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking apple empanadas, here’s a timeline you can follow:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline:
- Reading the Recipe:
- Time Allotted: 5 minutes
- Activity: Familiarize yourself with the ingredients, steps, and equipment needed.
- Prep Work:
- Time Allotted: 20 minutes
- Activity:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in the chilled, diced butter using a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- While the dough chills, peel, core, and dice the apples. Mix the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in another bowl.
- Resting Time:
- Time Allotted: 15 minutes (including 5 minutes overlap with prep work)
- Activity: Dough rests in the refrigerator.
- Assembling Empanadas:
- Time Allotted: 15 minutes
- Activity:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut out circles using a round cutter or a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Use a fork to press and seal the edges.
- Baking:
- Time Allotted: 25 minutes
- Activity:
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet.
- Mix the beaten egg with milk and brush the tops of the empanadas.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cooling Time:
- Time Allotted: 10 minutes
- Activity: Let the empanadas cool before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Cut in the butter using a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In another bowl, mix diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut out circles using a round cutter or a bowl.
Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Use a fork to press and seal the edges.
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet.
Mix the beaten egg with milk and brush the tops of the empanadas.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair the warm empanadas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, indulgent dessert experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the empanadas to enhance their sweetness and add a rich, buttery flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a light and creamy contrast to the flaky pastry.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries to introduce a burst of color and tangy taste that complements the sweet apple filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the empanadas with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation and an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage
Store apple empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze apple empanadas, first cool them completely.
Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap.
Then place them in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat apple empanadas, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10 minutes. This preserves the crispiness of the crust while warming the filling.
Final Thoughts
Apple empanadas are a delightful dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with a flaky, buttery crust.
This Mexican-inspired treat is perfect for any occasion, offering both a satisfying sweetness and a pleasing texture.
The key to achieving the perfect empanada lies in the preparation of the dough and the care taken in crafting the filling.
Confirming that the butter is well-chilled before incorporating it into the dough is essential for a flaky crust.
Additionally, allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator helps in maintaining its consistency, making it easier to roll out and shape.
When preparing the apple filling, the combination of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, providing a balanced flavor profile.
Baking the empanadas at the right temperature guarantees that they achieve a golden-brown color and a crisp texture.
For extra crispiness, a light sprinkle of sugar on top before baking can add a delightful crunch.
Allowing the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving assures that they set properly, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Apples With Another Fruit?
Absolutely, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches. Choose ripe, yet firm fruit for ideal texture. Enhance flavors by adjusting sugar and spices. Your creativity transforms classic recipes into personalized culinary masterpieces. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
What Is the Nutritional Information per Empanada?
You’re curious about the nutritional information per empanada. Each one has approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors and textures with each bite.
Are There Gluten-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?
You’re looking for gluten-free alternatives? Swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a nutty twist. Confirm the dough’s consistency by adjusting liquid ratios. Enjoy a delightful, artisanal treat without gluten’s constraints!
How Do I Prevent the Empanadas From Leaking During Baking?
Seal the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Make certain your dough’s not overly moist. Chill the empanadas before baking to help them hold shape. For extra flair, pinch and twist the edges for a decorative touch.
Can I Use Pre-Made Pastry Dough Instead?
Absolutely, you can use pre-made pastry dough, saving time without sacrificing elegance. Choose a high-quality dough for best results. Guarantee it’s adequately thawed, so you can shape and seal it effortlessly, maintaining that perfect, delectable appearance.
Apple Empanadas
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife
- 1 Fork
- 1 pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup ice water
- 3 apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut out circles using a round cutter or a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Use a fork to press and seal the edges.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet.
- Mix the beaten egg with milk and brush the tops of the empanadas.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
