Savory Golden Caramel Apple Empanadas
Indulge in the sweet and crisp flavor of these Savory Golden Caramel Apple Empanadas, inspired by the delicious treats from Taco Bell. These decadent pastries feature a cinnamon-spiced apple filling perfectly enveloped in a flaky, warm crust that melts in your mouth. Ideal for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack, these empanadas are drizzled with a luscious caramel glaze that takes them to the next level of dessert perfection. Once you master this delightful recipe, you’ll want to make these irresistible empanadas a regular feature in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stouffer's Frozen Harvest Apples
12 ounces (Thawed in the microwave)
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (For thickening apple mixture)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (Melted for cooking apples)
Light brown sugar
1/4 cup (Firmly packed, for sweetness)
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (For added flavor)
Baking mix
3 1/2 cups (For the empanada dough)
Whipping cream
1 cup (For creating dough)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted for brushing on tops)
Instructions
1
Thaw the Stouffer's Frozen Harvest Apples in the microwave on half power for 6 to 7 minutes. Allow them to stand for an additional 3 minutes before stirring in the flour to create a thickened filling.
2
In a medium skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the apple mixture, brown sugar, and allspice. Cook while stirring constantly for about 4 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and coarsely mash the apple mixture for even distribution. Set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix and 1 cup of whipping cream using a fork until the mixture just comes together. Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface for 3 to 4 times until smooth.
4
Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/2 inch and cut it into 12 squares, each measuring 5 inches.
5
Divide the cooled apple mixture evenly among the squares, placing one serving in the center of each square. Fold one side of the square over the filling and use a fork to press the edges together firmly to seal.
6
Place the sealed empanadas onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a golden finish.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Golden Caramel Apple Empanadas?
These are decadent pastries inspired by Taco Bell, featuring a cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust and drizzled with caramel glaze.
How many empanadas does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 empanadas, each approximately 5 inches in size.
What kind of apples are recommended for the filling?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of Stouffer's Frozen Harvest Apples.
How do I prepare the frozen apples?
Thaw the frozen apples in the microwave on half power for 6 to 7 minutes and let them stand for 3 minutes before use.
How is the apple filling thickened?
The filling is thickened by stirring all-purpose flour into the thawed apples and then cooking the mixture with butter and brown sugar.
What spices are used in the apple filling?
Ground allspice is used to provide the signature warm, spiced flavor.
What ingredients are needed for the empanada dough?
The dough is made using 3.5 cups of baking mix and 1 cup of whipping cream.
How do I mix the empanada dough?
Combine the baking mix and whipping cream in a large bowl using a fork until the mixture just comes together.
How many times should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded gently on a floured surface 3 to 4 times until it becomes smooth.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/2 inch before cutting it into squares.
What size should the dough squares be cut into?
The dough should be cut into 12 squares, each measuring 5 inches.
How do I assemble and seal the empanadas?
Place the apple filling in the center of a square, fold it over, and use a fork to press the edges together firmly.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The empanadas should be baked in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the empanadas need to bake?
Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
How do I achieve a golden finish on the crust?
Brush the tops of the empanadas with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before placing them in the oven.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
Yes, place the empanadas on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Are these empanadas served warm or cold?
They are best served warm to experience the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What type of sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar.
Is mashing the apples necessary?
The instructions recommend coarsely mashing the apple mixture after cooking to ensure even distribution of the filling.
What makes these empanadas 'Taco Bell inspired'?
They mimic the sweet, crisp, and flaky profile of the caramel apple empanadas previously found on the Taco Bell menu.
How much whipping cream is required?
You will need 1 cup of whipping cream for the dough.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is thawing the frozen harvest apples in the microwave.
How long does it take to cook the apple mixture on the stove?
The mixture should be cooked in a skillet for about 4 minutes until thickened.
What is the final touch mentioned for these empanadas?
A luscious caramel glaze is drizzled over the empanadas to take them to the next level of dessert perfection.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as flaky and warm, designed to melt in your mouth.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are ideal as either a sweet snack or a dessert at gatherings.
Is the allspice added before or after cooking?
The allspice is added to the skillet along with the apple mixture and brown sugar during the cooking process.
How much flour is used for thickening?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour for the thickening process.
Do I need any special equipment for the edges?
A simple fork is used to press and seal the edges of the empanadas.