Caramelized Apple Empanadas with Almond Cream Drizzle
Indulge in these delightful Caramelized Apple Empanadas with a luscious Almond Pastry Cream. This recipe combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples, perfectly caramelized with brown sugar and cinnamon, enveloped in a flaky puff pastry. Each empanada is complemented by a drizzle of rich almond pastry cream, creating a heavenly dessert experience. Perfect for gatherings, this treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a touch of elegance to any table. Serve them warm, and watch your friends and family savor every bite!
8
Servings
437
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
large egg
1 (beaten)
unsalted butter
2-3 tablespoons (melted)
Granny Smith apples
3 large (cored, peeled, and cut into 1-inch dice)
turbinado sugar
1 dash (for sprinkling)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (for caramelizing)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1 pinch (for flavor enhancement)
bench flour
(for dusting the work surface)
Almond Pastry Cream
1/4 cup (at room temperature, for folding into apples)
frozen puff pastry
1 (17 1/3 ounce) box (thawed according to package directions)
whole milk
1 1/2 cups
sugar
1/2 cup (for sweetening)
almond paste
2 tablespoons (for cream flavor)
egg yolks
4 large (for thickening the custard)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening the cream)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (for enriching the cream)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large sauté pan, melt 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced Granny Smith apples and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
3
Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt, continuing to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the apples break down easily when pressed with a fork. Mash the apples into a chunky applesauce consistency and let them cool to room temperature.
4
Once cooled, fold 1/4 cup of the Almond Pastry Cream into the apples mixture and set aside.
5
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut out 4 large circles (4.5 inches in diameter) from each sheet, for a total of 8.
6
On the bottom half of each pastry circle, place 2 heaping tablespoons of the apple filling. Brush the edges with a bit of the beaten egg to help seal the empanadas.
7
Fold each pastry circle over the filling, pressing to seal them well before crimping the edges with the tines of a fork. Make 2 small slits on the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape.
8
Brush the tops of the empanadas with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle a dash of turbinado sugar for added flavor and texture.
9
Carefully transfer the empanadas to the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
10
Remove the empanadas from the oven and spoon additional Almond Pastry Cream over them while they are still warm. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
56g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Apple Empanadas with Almond Cream Drizzle?
They are a flaky dessert made with Granny Smith apples caramelized in brown sugar and cinnamon, filled into puff pastry and topped with an almond pastry cream.
How many calories are in one empanada?
Each serving contains 437 calories.
What type of apples are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for Granny Smith apples for their tartness and texture.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How many empanadas does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 empanadas.
How do you prepare the apple filling?
Sauté diced apples in butter, add brown sugar and cinnamon, mash into a chunky consistency, and then fold in almond pastry cream once cooled.
What kind of pastry is used for these empanadas?
The recipe uses frozen puff pastry that has been thawed.
How large should the pastry circles be?
The puff pastry should be cut into circles that are 4.5 inches in diameter.
What is the purpose of the egg wash in this recipe?
The egg wash is used to seal the edges of the empanadas and to give the tops a golden brown finish.
How long do the empanadas need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 20 minutes.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 56 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each empanada?
Each empanada contains 5 grams of protein.
What type of sugar is sprinkled on top before baking?
Turbinado sugar is sprinkled on top for extra flavor and texture.
How do you seal the empanadas?
Fold the pastry over the filling and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
Why should I make slits on the top of the pastry?
Slits allow steam to escape while the empanadas are baking.
What ingredients are in the almond pastry cream?
The cream is made from whole milk, sugar, almond paste, egg yolks, cornstarch, and unsalted butter.
Is there almond paste in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of almond paste are used to flavor the pastry cream.
How should the apples be cut?
The apples should be cored, peeled, and cut into 1-inch dice.
How many egg yolks are used for the almond cream?
The almond cream requires 4 large egg yolks.
Should the empanadas be served warm or cold?
They are best served warm, topped with additional almond pastry cream.
What amount of butter is needed for the apple filling?
You need 2 to 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
How long do you sauté the apples initially?
The apples are initially sautéed for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
The recipe contains 16 ingredients.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
You should use parchment paper to line the baking sheet.
What is the diameter of the puff pastry circles?
The circles should be 4.5 inches in diameter.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is used for flavor enhancement in the apple mixture.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the pastry cream.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for the apples?
The recipe specifically calls for brown sugar to achieve a caramelized flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, apple, almond, puff pastry, baked, and holiday dessert.