Caramel Apple Empanadas with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze
Flaky empanadas filled with sweet caramelized apples, finished with a warm cinnamon sugar glaze for a delightful dessert. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers (5-inch diameter) empanada dough discs, granulated sugar, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 (5-inch diameter) empanada dough discs
- 2 medium, peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or tart variety)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- for brushing egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 medium peeled and diced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and caramelize.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Stir this into the apples and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Let cool slightly.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place one empanada dough disc on a flat surface and spoon 2 tbsp of the apple filling in the center.
- Step 4: Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water). Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press edges with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining discs and filling.
- Step 5: Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining egg wash and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 6: While baking, whisk together 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to make a glaze.
- Step 7: Remove empanadas from oven and drizzle with cinnamon sugar glaze. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramel Apple Empanadas with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Caramel Apple Empanadas with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramel Apple Empanadas with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramel Apple Empanadas with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramel Apple Empanadas with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?
Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
