Apple Cinnamon Empanadas are the perfect accompaniment to the end of a Spanish-style meal. This easy recipe produces dessert empanadas that are incredibly tasty and satisfying!
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Most of us picture empanadas as a savory dish with chicken, beef or pork. But these apple cinnamon empanadas show just how good they can be sweet!
Why I like this recipe
In addition to being a simple recipe, assembling these apple empanadas are fun to make with your family or friends. If pressed for time, the empanadas may be assembled the day before serving and placed in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply bake and serve while they are still warm.
Traditionally dessert empanadas are served with a dipping sauce. For these apple cinnamon empanadas I recommend a creamy caramel sauce - either homemade or store-bought. Or consider warming a can of dulce de leche - yummy!
Storage
These dessert empanadas are best served the day they are made. If pressed for time, consider assembling the empanadas, place in the refrigerator and bake the day you will serve. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to one day.
FAQs
An empanada is a handheld turnover consisting of dough and filling that is either baked or fried. They are made by folding a sheet of dough over the filling and sealing it before cooking. The name comes from the Spanish word, ‘empanizado’, meaning ‘breaded.’
Certainly! There are many good recipes online for making empanada dough. There are also plenty of good commercial brands available if you want a quick and easy dessert.
More apple desserts
Looking for more delicious apple desserts? Check out these other recipes:
📋 Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 4" Empanada Discs
Filling
- 2 Large Tart Apples Chopped into ¼" cubes
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (1 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
Finishing
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted and cooled
- ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare Apples
- Peel and core apples. Chop into ¼" cubes.
- Place apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until apples have softened slightly (approximately 10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Remove saucepan from heat and allow to cool completely.
Assemble Empanadas
- Preheat conventional oven or air fryer to 350° F.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter. Cool slightly.
- Combine granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish or plate. Set aside.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the middle of each empanada disc.
- Brush a small amount of water on the lower half of the empanada disc. Fold empanada dough over so it meets the moistened half of the dough. Press lightly with fingertips.
- Using a fork, press the empanada dough to seal.
- Brush both sides of the sealed empanada with melted butter. Immediately roll in the cinnamon / sugar mixture. Place on a non-stick baking sheet.
Conventional Oven Baking
- Bake at 350° F for 18 - 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Baking
- Place in 350° F air fryer for 10 - 12 minutes.
Maryanne Leavey says
Great recipe! Love empanadas. Thanks for sharing!
CSNA Media says
Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. These empanadas are filled with a warm and spiced apple cinnamon filling that is perfect for any fall or winter gathering.
Marysa says
We just got an air fryer, and it would be fun to try out your recipe. We also love picking apples, and it sounds like the perfect recipe for ways to use up all those apples.
Ntensibe Edgar says
Yyyeeesssss! I think I will stuff my empanadas with some beef to start with. Add some apple and cinnamon in there and we are good to go!
Bryan says
I don't normally associate empanadas with dessert, but why not? And who doesn't love warm apples and cinnamon flavors?
Nyxie says
Wow! I had to read this twice because I thought they were savoury. They look similar to apple turnovers but with a crispier pastry.