Homemade Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe: Golden Sweet Bliss

Warm, golden pastries filled with spiced apple goodness make these baked apple empanadas a delightful treat for any occasion.

sweet cinnamon notes dance through a flaky crust that wraps tender fruit in a comforting embrace.

Crisp autumn apples bring depth and richness to this classic Latin American dessert.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and homemade love.

The aroma of baking empanadas fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and spiced, these pastries offer a delectable journey for your taste buds.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this irresistible dessert.

Sweet Apple Hand Pies Fresh Perks

• Customize with Ease: Personalize these hand pies by experimenting with different spices or fruit fillings, making them a versatile dessert for any mood or preference.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Compact and individually sized, these hand pies are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations where guests can enjoy a handheld treat.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: Combining simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, this recipe delivers a homemade dessert that feels both nostalgic and special without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Crowd-Winning Flavor: The combination of piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves creates a rich, warm flavor profile that transforms ordinary apple hand pies into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Ingredients for Sweet Apple Hand Pies

• Apples: Tender, sweet fruit that creates the core of the hand pie filling.
• Piloncillo: Traditional Mexican unrefined sugar that adds rich, deep sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apple browning.
• Vanilla: Provides warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Cinnamon, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the apple's natural sweetness.

• Flour: Provides structure for the hand pie crust.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the pastry.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.
• Butter: Creates flaky, rich texture in the crust.
• Eggs: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Water: Helps bring the dough together.

• Egg White, Sugar: Used for brushing and sprinkling on top for a golden, crisp finish.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Craft Apple Filling

Slice apples into small, delicate pieces.

• Chopped apples
• Piloncillo
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Whole cloves

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Let the mixture bubble and soften for 15-20 minutes until apples transform into a luxurious, caramelized mixture.

Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Flaky Pastry Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Cold unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Ice water

Pulse ingredients until they magically transform into a cohesive dough.

Knead gently on a clean surface, then divide into 16 equal portions.

Step 3: Shape Delicate Pie Disks

Roll each dough piece into a graceful 6-7 inch circle.

Layer these tender disks between sheets of parchment paper.

Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to ensure maximum flakiness.

Step 4: Assemble Pocket Pies

Place a generous spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each disk.

Fold edges over to create beautiful half-moon shapes.

Crimp and seal edges using a fork to lock in the delicious filling.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully cut small vents on top of each hand pie.

Brush with whisked egg white and sprinkle with sparkling sugar.

Slide into a preheated 375°F oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Apple Hand Pie Success

• Cook apples slowly to evaporate excess liquid, preventing soggy pie bottoms and ensuring a concentrated, rich filling.
• Chill dough for exactly 30 minutes to make rolling easier and prevent butter from melting, creating flakier hand pies.
• Use a fork to crimp pie edges completely, preventing filling from leaking during baking and maintaining a neat presentation.
• Experiment with different piloncillo varieties or add a pinch of nutmeg for a more complex, warm spice profile in the apple filling.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and xanthan gum to create a similar texture for those with dietary restrictions.

Apple Hand Pie Variations to Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly option. Use gluten-free all-purpose blend to maintain similar texture and structure.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use flax egg instead of chicken eggs to bind the dough. Replace honey or refined sugar with maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Substitute piloncillo with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use tart Granny Smith apples to reduce overall sugar content. Skip additional sugar sprinkle on top.
• Tropical Fruit Remix: Replace apples with diced mango, pineapple, or passion fruit. Add shredded coconut to filling for Caribbean-inspired flavor profile. Keep original spice combinations for depth.

Ways to Serve Sweet Apple Hand Pies

• Cozy Picnic Companion: Pack these hand pies in a cute basket for a delightful outdoor meal with friends and family.
• Dessert Cafe Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant touch.
• Breakfast Treat: Pair with morning coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet start to your day, perfect with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individually in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads delicious cheer.

Storing Apple Hand Pies Properly

• Store completely cooled hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for quick dessert options.
• Warm refrigerated pies in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy crust. Frozen pies can be reheated directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to baking time.
• Keep freshly baked hand pies at room temperature for up to 2 days, but ensure they're placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges completely by pressing with a fork or crimping with your fingers. Remove excess filling near the edges and avoid overfilling the pie disks.

• Can I use a different type of sugar instead of piloncillo?

Yes, you can substitute piloncillo with brown sugar or raw sugar. The key is to maintain a similar caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough before forming hand pies?

Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinkage and makes the dough easier to handle. It also ensures a flakier, more tender crust when baked.

• What's the best way to cut slits in the hand pies?

Use a sharp paring knife and make 2-3 small cuts on top of each hand pie.

Baked Apple Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet, golden-brown Apple Empanadas invite culinary adventurers into a world of comforting Latin American pastry perfection. Flaky dough wraps around warm cinnamon-spiced apples, promising a delightful journey through traditional flavors that will satisfy any dessert craving you hold.

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Ingredients

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Filling:

• 5 large honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) Mexican piloncillo (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 ml) ground cloves

Dough:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 cup (227 g) cold butter, cut into pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water

Topping:

• 1 egg white
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) turbinado sugar

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Instructions

1. Simmer diced apples with piloncillo, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until fruit softens and liquid reduces.
2. Pulse flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, eggs, and water in a food processor until dough coheres. Gently knead mixture into a smooth ball.
3. Divide dough into 16 equal portions and roll each into thin, round 6-7 inch disks. Layer disks between parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm.
4. Place a precise portion of apple mixture in the center of each chilled disk. Carefully fold dough over filling, creating half-moon shapes and firmly crimp edges to seal completely.
5. Create small decorative vents on pie tops using a sharp knife. Delicately brush surfaces with beaten egg white and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until pastries transform into golden, crispy hand pies.

Notes

• Spice Customization Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for deeper flavor complexity in apple filling.
• Texture Enhancement Chill dough thoroughly to ensure flaky, crisp pastry that doesn’t become tough during baking.
• Dietary Adaptation Substitute gluten-free flour blend and plant-based butter for vegan and gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
• Storage Solution Store hand pies in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg