Taco Bell Apple Empanada Recipe

Have you ever craved that warm, gooey caramel apple empanada from Taco Bell?

Start with a ready-made pie dough and a mixture of apple pie filling and caramel sauce.

Cut out circles for the empanadas, filling each with the sweet apple mixture.

For the best results, I recommend brushing the edges with an egg wash to seal them tightly.

Fry or bake these little delights until golden brown and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

How to Make Taco Bell Apple Empanada Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package Ready-Made Pie Crusts (2 crusts)
• 2 cups Apple Pie Filling
• 1 cup Caramel Sauce
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tbsp Butter (melted)
• 1 Egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple pie filling and caramel sauce.

Stir in the flour and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Let the filling cool completely.

Step 3:

Roll out the pie crusts and cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.

You should get about 5 circles per crust.

Step 4:

Place 2 tablespoons of the caramel apple filling on one half of each dough circle.

Brush the edges with water, fold over to enclose, and press to seal.

Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative look.

Step 5:

Brush each empanada with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6:

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh apples can be used instead of canned filling for an even more homemade taste.

Consider choosing apples like Granny Smith for a tart flavor.

Don’t Skip Cooling

Always let the caramel apple filling cool before adding it to the dough.

This prevents the dough from becoming soggy while baking.

Egg Wash for Shine

Brushing the empanadas with a beaten egg adds a lovely golden color and shine.

It enhances the presentation and makes them look more appetizing.

Experiment with Spices

Feel free to customize the spice blend to your taste.

Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can bring a unique twist.

Air Fryer Method

If you prefer, you can cook the empanadas in an air fryer at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.

This method provides a crispy texture and saves time.

What to Serve with Taco Bell Apple Empanada Recipe

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with caramel apple empanadas to create a classic dessert combination.

The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the warm, crispy empanadas perfectly.

Scoop generous portions of vanilla ice cream and place them beside each empanada for a delightful contrast.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream on your caramel apple empanada adds a fluffy, light component to the dessert.

You can make your own whipped cream or use store-bought to keep things simple.

The slight sweetness and lightness of the whipped cream balance the rich flavors of the caramel and apple filling.

Spiced Nuts

Spiced nuts, such as candied pecans or walnuts, add a crunchy texture to your dessert platter.

Sprinkle a handful of these nuts over the empanadas before serving for an unexpected yet delicious twist.

The spices in the nuts can enhance the warm, spiced flavors of the apple filling.

Hot Caramel Sauce

Drizzling hot caramel sauce over the empanadas takes their caramel goodness up a notch!

Prepare your caramel sauce at home or use a high-quality store-bought version for convenience.

The extra caramel can enhance the sweetness and provide a richer taste experience.

Cinnamon-Sugar Churros

Serve caramel apple empanadas with some homemade or store-bought churros dusted in cinnamon-sugar.

The churros and empanadas together offer a pleasing mix of textures and flavors that’s hard to beat.

Churros also add a slight doughy crunch, making them a great side option.

Variations and Substitutions

Fruit Fillings

Why stick to just apples?

Try pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cook them down the same way you would for the apple filling.

This makes for a fun way to experiment!

Spices

Don’t feel limited by just cinnamon and sugar.

Nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of ground cloves can add a unique depth.

Mix and match to discover your favorite combination.

Dough Choices

Instead of using store-bought pie crusts, you can make your own dough from scratch.

If you’re gluten-free, there are amazing gluten-free pie crust options available.

Explore and see what works best for you.

Cooking Methods

Not in the mood for baking?

Use your air fryer!

Set it at 330°F and cook your empanadas for about 10 minutes.

This gives them a crispy exterior without the need for a hot oven.

Sugar Alternatives

Watching your sugar intake?

Try substituting regular sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia.

Adding in natural sweeteners like honey or agave can also create a tasty treat without the refined sugar.

Adding Extras

Don’t be afraid to include extras like nuts or dried fruits.

Chopped walnuts or raisins can provide an exciting texture and flavor contrast.

Mix them into the fruit filling before sealing your empanadas.

How to Store Leftover Taco Bell Apple Empanadas

Ensuring your leftover apple empanadas stay fresh and delicious is easy!

After cooling the empanadas to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container.

Use Wax Paper or Parchment Paper

Place a layer of wax paper or parchment paper between each empanada to prevent sticking.

Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator.

Empanadas can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing for Extended Storage

Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap to retain moisture and prevent freezer burn.

Put the wrapped empanadas in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air to ensure freshness.

Label the bag with the date for easy reference.

Frozen empanadas can be stored for up to 3 months.

Avoid Using Paper Towels

Avoid lining the container with paper towels as they can become soggy and affect texture.

Alternatively, opt for a container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain crispness.

With these simple steps, your Taco Bell apple empanadas will remain fresh and tasty!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Dough

It’s easy to get excited about the filling, but don’t overstuff the dough.

If you add too much filling, the empanada might burst open while cooking.

Stick to 2 tablespoons of filling for each dough round to avoid this problem.

Not Sealing the Edges Properly

Properly sealing the edges of your empanadas is crucial to keeping the filling inside.

Use water to brush the border before folding the dough over the filling.

Ensure you press the edges to seal and crimp them well with your fingers or a fork.

Skipping the Preheat Step

Make sure you don’t skip preheating your oven or air fryer.

Starting with a cold cooking surface can result in uneven baking.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F or your air fryer according to instructions before you start cooking.