Easy Dulce de Leche and Apple Empanadas (Baked)

Name: Easy Dulce de Leche and Apple Empanadas (Baked)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Diced Apples (about 1/4" dice, approximately 3 apples – See notes); 2 tablespoons Butter; 4 tablespoons Dulce de Leche; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1 Large Egg plus 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash); 12 Empanada Discs (5" size – see notes); Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling – see notes.)

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5 from 10 votes

Ah, the bliss of biting into a warm, flaky empanada filled with a delightful combination of sweet and creamy dulce de leche and spiced apples. The burst of flavors in these delicious Apple Empanadas (Empanadas de Manzana) is a true delight. And the best part? They're not only a breeze to make, but they're also the perfect sweet treat for any occasion!

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this easy dessert recipe in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for fall gatherings or cozy nights.

Sweet Fruit Filled Empanada Dessert Recipe on blue plate

Dessert Empanadas are a staple in many Latin American kitchens, showcasing the region's love for sweet pastries. Think of them as a delightful twist on mini apple pies. Their crispy exterior and sweet filling are akin to the baked apple empanadas that warm us up during the Fall season.

Apples are one of our favorite filling options for empanadas, and this sweet empanada recipe celebrates that perfectly!

This apple empanadas recipe is perfect for beginners, with all the tips and tricks you need to whip up these heavenly hand pies in no time. For another fantastic empanada option, my friend Ashley from The Little Black Skillet blog has a deliciously simple recipe for Onion, Ham, and Cheese Empanadas. And this amazing Pineapple Empanadas step-by-step video from my Costa Rican friend Mara will make you an empanada wizard in no time! ? They’re easy to make and equally irresistible!

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Why You Will Love This Fruit-Filled Empanada Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients and Substitutions
Cook’s tip for how to make a Cinnamon Sugar Mixture at home
Instructions
Cook’s Tip for Sealing the Empanadas
Recipe Variations
Storage suggestions
Apple Empanadas Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Recipes
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Why You Will Love This Fruit-Filled Empanada Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and creamy Dulce de Leche pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced apples, creating an indulgent balance of flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you bake, use a different dough, or try the air fryer, this recipe allows you to customize the texture and cooking method to suit your preferences for a delicious result every time.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these empanadas quickly, making them a perfect dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or the perfect sweet treat any day of the week!

Equipment

For this recipe, you will need a sheet pan, parchment paper, small bowl, and a pastry brush.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need to make these delightful treats:

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Apples cut in a 1/4" dice – We used Honeycrisp Apples in this recipe, but other good options are Braeburn and Granny Smith apples.
Butter - this gives the apple filling a delicious rich flavor and texture.
Dulce de Leche - Store-bought Canned Dulce de Leche works perfect for this recipe.
Ground Cinnamon
A Large egg plus water - for creating an egg wash
Empanada Discs (5" size) – A suitable substitute for empanada discs is store-bought refrigerated pie crust. See instructions below for how to use this alternative to empanada discs.
Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling) – see instructions below on how to make your own Homemade Cinnamon Sugar.

Cook’s tip for how to make a Cinnamon Sugar Mixture at home

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with a whisk or a spoon to thoroughly blend them until evenly mixed. Store in an airtight container or a spice jar with a shaker lid for easy use. Cinnamon sugar can be adjusted to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of cinnamon. You can also substitute white sugar with turbinado sugar for a subtle caramelized flavor.

Instructions

How to Make Homemade Apple Empanadas

Create the Sweet Apple Filling

Step 1 - Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small pieces, 1/4-inch pieces.
Step 2 - Cook the Apples: In a medium frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are softened but not mushy.
Step 3 - Add Dulce de Leche: Once the apples are soft, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dulce de Leche and Ground Cinnamon. Mix well to coat the apples and cook for an additional 1 minute until the mixture is warm and well blended. Be careful not to overheat the dulce de leche to prevent it from becoming too thick or burning.
Step 4 - Cool the Mixture: Remove the pan from heat and let the apple mixture cool completely. This cooling step is important to prevent the empanada dough from becoming too soft when filled.
Step 5 - Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parcvhment paper.
Step 6 -Prepare the Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create the egg wash. This gives your empanadas a beautiful golden brown finish.

Gather the remaining filling ingredients and assemble the empanadas

Ingredients for Dulce de Leche and Apple Empanadas

Fill the Empanadas: Place one empanada disc on a flat surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each disc.

Step 2: Lightly brush the edges of the disc with the egg wash. This will help the dough seal properly.

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sealing the edges of fruit filled empanadas recipe

Step 3: Seal the Empanadas.
To ensure a tight seal, press the edges with the tines of a fork or use your fingers to crimp the edges in a decorative style. You can also use your fingers to create your favorite folding of the edges.

Dulce de Leche and Apple Empanadas arranged on sheet pan

Step 4: Prepare for Baking. Arrange the sealed empanadas on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the remaining egg wash for a golden finish while baking.

Cook’s Tip for Sealing the Empanadas

Have fun sealing your empanadas! To achieve the characteristic fold of Latin empanadas, start by pinching and sealing the edges, then fold and twist small sections of the dough inward, working your way around the edge in a rope-like pattern, known as "repulgue" (or “crimping” in English). This technique gives the empanadas a decorative look while securely sealing the filling inside.

Brushing the tops of fruit filled empanadas with egg wash

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the remaining egg wash for a golden finish while baking.

poking holes with a fork to apple empanadas

Use the tines of a fork to poke a few small slits on top of each empanada to allow steam to escape.

apple empanadas on baking sheet sprinkled with cinnamon sugar

Sprinkle each empanada generously with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and flavorful crust.

Bake the empanadas for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, let the empanadas cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy these delicious, caramel-filled apple empanadas!

Dulce de Leche and Apple Empanadas served on blue background

There you have it! Your guide to creating these easy dulce de leche and apple empanadas. These cinnamon apple empanadas are not only a delicious treat, but they also bring a little piece of Latin culture right into your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy dessert or share them with friends and family, these empanadas will bring smiles all around.

Don’t forget to add an extra drizzle of Dulce de Leche and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each empanada for an extra delicious treat!

apple Empanadas served on a red stand and drizzled with dulce de leche

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Apple Empanadas: For a quicker version, prepare as usual and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Voila! You have delicious air fryer empanadas in no time!
Apple Empanadas with Puff Pastry: To make apple empanadas with puff pastry, roll out the puff pastry dough and cut it into 5-inch circles. Add the fruit filling in the center, fold the dough over, and seal the edges with a fork or by crimping. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until the puff pastry is golden and flaky for an extra crispy, airy texture. This puff pastry variation creates a light, crispy, and flaky crust texture due to its multiple buttery layers, while the original recipe using empanada discs has a sturdier, more tender texture with a slight chew, without being overly crisp. Both are delicious but offer different mouth feels.
Other Flavors: To enhance the flavor profile of your dish, adding Vanilla Extract to the fruit filling can provide a subtle sweetness . A sprinkle of Ground Cloves will infuse a warm, slightly spicy note, adding a cozy, aromatic touch.

Storage suggestions

These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up again.

Apple Empanadas Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples should be used for baked apple empanadas?

For a cooked apple filling in baked empanadas, Granny Smith apples are excellent for their tart flavor and firmness, which hold up well during cooking. Honeycrisp and Braeburn apples are also great options, offering a balance of sweetness and texture that doesn’t turn mushy when baked.

Is empanada dough the same as pie dough?

Empanada dough and pie dough (or pie crust) are similar but not the same. Empanada dough is typically less flaky and more tender, while pie dough is flaky pie crust that’s more delicate, designed to create layers when baked.

Can empanadas be made in advance?

You can assemble the empanadas beforehand, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush them with egg wash, and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.

Do fruit empanadas need to be refrigerated?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can refrigerate if you’re not eating them within a couple of days.

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