I love sharing this Taco Bell caramel apple empanada recipe because it’s surprisingly easy to make and sooo delicious!
You don’t need fancy ingredients; just grab some store-bought pie dough, apples, and caramels.
The key to making the empanadas truly special is to let the apple mixture cool before filling the dough.
Don’t forget to brush the empanadas with butter and a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking for a perfect sweet crust.
How to Make Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Apples (peeled and chopped)
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon (ground)
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 20 Caramel Candies
- 1 package Empanada Dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Egg (beaten for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a saucepan, combine chopped apples and water, then bring it to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about ten minutes or until the apples are tender.
Step 3:
Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter until everything mixes well.
Let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 4:
Melt the caramel candies in a microwave-safe bowl and mix them into the apple mixture.
Allow the filling to cool completely.
Step 5:
Place two tablespoons of filling on one half of each dough round.
Fold over and seal the edges with a fork.
Brush with egg wash.
Step 6:
Bake the empanadas for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Dough Choices:
If you can’t find empanada dough, try using pie crust or puff pastry as an alternative.
That way, you maintain the flaky texture, but each has its own unique flavor!
Caramel Consistency:
Make sure your caramel is nicely melted and smooth, so it mixes perfectly with the apples.
You want a nice gooey filling inside each empanada.
Handling Dough:
Keep the dough cool and work quickly.
This ensures it doesn’t get sticky or lose its shape.
A warm dough is more challenging to seal, so stay chill!
Perfect Seal:
Use a bit of water to moisten the edges of the dough. This helps them stick together, keeping all that delicious filling inside.
Customization:
Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or clove if you like extra spiced flavors.
You can adjust the sweetness, too, by altering the sugar or adding a touch of brown sugar for a richer taste.
What to Serve with Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanadas
Vanilla Ice Cream
When it comes to a warm and sweet dessert like caramel apple empanadas, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winning combination.
The creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crunchy empanada crust.
Let the ice cream melt over the warm empanada, and you’ll have a dessert experience worth savoring!
Whipped Cream
Another classic option to consider is some delightful whipped cream on the side.
Light and airy, whipped cream adds just the right amount of additional sweetness and fluff to your empanadas.
It’s versatile too, as you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
Spiced Hot Apple Cider
For something a bit outside the box, a mug of spiced hot apple cider complements the caramel apple flavor perfectly.
The warm cider emphasizes the apple notes in the empanada with every sip.
This pairing is especially nice on a chilly day when you’re cozying up by the fire.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzled over the top, salted caramel sauce enhances the rich caramel within the empanadas.
The hint of salt notes pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel and apple filling.
This sauce not only adds flavor but also a bit of decadence to your dessert.
Crème Fraîche
For something uniquely delicious, try serving your empanadas with a spoonful of crème fraîche.
Its tangy creaminess is an unexpected delight alongside the sweet and spicy filling of the empanada.
Add a little lemon zest to the crème fraîche for a refreshing twist that brightens up the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Apples
You can swap the apples in the recipe for a different type if you prefer another flavor or texture.
Fuji apples add sweetness, while Granny Smith apples provide a tart tang!
Alternative Sweeteners
Substituting regular sugar with honey or brown sugar can change the taste and sweetness level, giving a rich and cozy flavor.
If you want something less traditional, try using maple syrup for that autumnal touch.
Crust Choices
While a regular pie crust works great, using a puff pastry can make these empanadas lighter and flakier.
You could also try phyllo dough for a crispier experience!
Adding Nuts
For some added crunch, consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling.
It brings out an earthy flavor which complements the caramel beautifully.
Spice It Up
Feel free to adjust the cinnamon amount or add a pinch of nutmeg to suit your taste preference.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with cardamom for an aromatic twist!
How to Store Leftover Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanadas
Use an Airtight Container
You want to keep those leftovers fresh, so place them in an airtight container.
This helps prevent them from drying out and helps maintain their delicious texture.
Make sure to choose a container that leaves minimal extra space to reduce air exposure.
Refrigerate Promptly
Put the container with the leftover empanadas in the refrigerator to keep them at their best.
Refrigeration helps maintain their flavor and prevents spoilage for up to three days.
Make sure your fridge is set to a cooler temperature to preserve the treat’s goodness.
Freeze for Longer Storage
If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option!
Place the empanadas in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the bag with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Filling
One common mistake is overfilling the empanadas.
When you have too much filling, the seams might not seal properly, and the filling could ooze out during baking.
Try to stick to a couple of tablespoons per empanada to ensure they hold together.
Incorrect Dough Thickness
Another mistake is rolling the dough too thin or too thick.
If it’s too thin, the empanadas can break. If too thick, they may not cook evenly.
Aim for a consistent thickness to get perfectly baked empanadas every time.
Skipping the Egg Wash
Many people skip the egg wash, but it gives the empanadas that lovely golden brown color.
Brushing with an egg wash ensures a beautiful finish and a slight crispiness.
So don’t skip this step—it makes your empanadas look as good as they taste!
Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada Recipe
- 2 Apples peeled and chopped
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon ground
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 20 Caramel Candies
- 1 package Empanada Dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 Egg beaten for egg wash
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine chopped apples and water, then bring it to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about ten minutes or until the apples are tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter until everything mixes well.
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Melt the caramel candies in a microwave-safe bowl and mix them into the apple mixture.
- Allow the filling to cool completely.
- Place two tablespoons of filling on one half of each dough round.
- Fold over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake the empanadas for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
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