Bake up sweet fall vibes in these handheld pies that deliver flaky, juicy goodness in each bite!
My favorite food truck in the world sells only empanadas, water, and coffee. Unfortunately, I now live hundreds of miles away from that food truck. So when I discovered this apple empanadas recipe, I was elated! After a long dry spell, I can finally enjoy these tasty little handhelds again!
Empanadas trace their roots to medieval Spain and Portugal, where they were first documented as savory pastries filled with meat or seafood. Over the centuries, these portable pies traveled with explorers and settlers to South America, the Caribbean, the Philippines, and beyond, evolving into countless regional specialties along the way. You might hear them called empanadillas or pastelillos, reflecting local traditions and flavors. While dishes like samosas from South Asia or pierogis from Eastern Europe aren’t directly related, they share the universal appeal of a delicious, handheld pastry with a flavorful filling. This global love for stuffed dough makes empanadas a true culinary ambassador, connecting cultures through the simple joy of good food.
These apple empanadas taste just like apple pie—cinnamony and sweet-tart—and deliver pure satisfaction with every bite of the flaky, tender crust. Plus, they’re pretty easy to make, especially if you get the kids involved! I love making the dough in advance and having it ready when my nieces and nephews come over. We have such fun getting covered in flour as we roll out the dough and shape the empanadas! This fall, we’re planning an apple-picking outing with the sole purpose of choosing varieties we can use in this recipe.
Whether you’re packing them for a picnic, serving them as dessert, or snacking on them as you head out on errands, empanadas might become your go-to handheld.
Are These Apple Empanadas Healthy?
These apple empanadas combine simple ingredients to create a comforting treat with a balance of carbs, fats, and natural fruit sugars. The apples provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing beneficial nutrients and natural sweetness to the filling. The all-purpose flour and granulated sugar supply energy mainly through refined carbs, and the unsalted butter adds richness and saturated fat. Overall, these empanadas should be considered an occasional indulgence and enjoyed in moderation.
To make the empanadas healthier, consider swapping the all-purpose flour for whole-grain flour and replacing the regular sugar with coconut sugar or another lower-glycemic sweetener. Use a 1:1 ratio of a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. For a vegan version, opt for plant-based butter alternatives—preferably in solid sticks for similar texture—and sub in plant-based milk or aquafaba for the egg wash to retain that golden finish.
Picking Apples For Empanadas
Choosing the right apple variety is key to achieving an empanada filling that’s flavorful, tender, and not too watery. The best apples for baking are those that hold their shape during cooking and have a balanced tartness, which keeps the filling from becoming mushy or overly sweet. Classic choices include Northern Spy, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Cortland, and Golden Delicious—varieties that are known for their firm texture and bright, tangy flavor. If you can find Northern Spy, it’s a top pick for its exceptional baking qualities.
You can also use Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples, which are sweeter and juicier. If you do, consider reducing the added sugar slightly and draining off any excess juice after you chop them to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. For the best flavor and texture, try mixing two or more apple varieties. Combining tart and sweet apples creates a more complex and satisfying filling that holds up beautifully in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let leftover empanadas cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze cooled baked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag—this keeps them from sticking together. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. You can also freeze unbaked empanadas the same way, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time noted in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Apple empanadas make a sweet ending for almost any meal, including picnics! Serve them alongside a Greek Cucumber Salad, these crunchy Cucumber Sandwiches, and these Paleo Baked Zucchini Fritters for a delightful warm-weather feast. Add a refreshing Watermelon Slushie or a pitcher of Cucumber Agua Fresca for an impressive end-of-summer table.
Ingredients
For The Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
For The Filling:
- 3 large apples peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg beaten for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Make The Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make The Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook until apples are soft and the mixture has thickened, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
Assemble And Bake The Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles using a 4-inch cutter.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly. Serve while warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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