Embark on a culinary adventure with our Baked Apple Empanadas recipe, a delightful treat that brings together the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and the luxurious texture of buttery pastry. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in, these Baked Apple Empanadas are not just easy to make but also a joy to eat. This recipe offers a foundation for creativity, allowing you to customize the fillings to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you stick with the classic apple or explore other fillings, making Baked Apple Empanadas can become a new baking tradition in your home. From the initial preparation to the final dusting of sugar, every step in crafting these Baked Apple Empanadas is filled with the potential for personalization and culinary expression.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: 10 empanadas
Ingredients for Your Baked Apple Empanadas:
- Dough:
- 1 quart butter, softened
- 1.5 pounds cream cheese, softened
- 2 quarts all-purpose flour
- Apple Filling:
- 16 small apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 pinches salt
Directions to Create Baked Apple Empanadas:
- Dough Preparation:
- Mix butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually stir in flour until the dough comes together into a ball. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight, ensuring the dough is firm for easier handling.
- Apple Filling:
- Combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally. Cook until apples reach a chunky applesauce consistency, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before assembling the empanadas.
- Assembling the Baked Apple Empanadas:
- After chilling, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball, and then flatten into a 3- to 4-inch circle. Spoon the apple filling onto one side of each circle, moisten edges with water, fold over, and press to seal.
- Place your Baked Apple Empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven until the empanadas are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Empanadas:
- Rolling the dough to the right thickness is crucial for the perfect texture. Aim for neither too thick nor too thin.
- Baking times may vary based on your oven and altitude, so keep an eye on your empanadas as they bake.
Nutritional Information of Baked Apple Empanadas(per serving):
- Calories: 374
- Total Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Cholesterol: 68mg
- Sodium: 198mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 36g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Total Sugars: 15g)
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy crafting these Baked Apple Empanadas, a simple recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!