What To Know
- Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together.
- For a more intense flavor and to release some of the moisture from the apples, you can cook the filling on the stovetop for a few minutes.
Fall is officially here, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the sweet scent of baking apples. While apple pie is a classic for a reason, we’re shaking things up this season with a fun twist: apple pie empanadas! These handheld treats combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience and portability of empanadas. So, grab your rolling pin and get ready to learn how to make apple pie empanadas that are sure to become a new family favorite.
Gather Your Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for these delicious apple pie empanadas.
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Mastering the Dough: A Flaky Foundation
The secret to perfect empanadas lies in a flaky, buttery dough. Here’s how to create the foundation for your delicious treats:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, resulting in a flaky texture.
Crafting the Apple Filling: A Sweet and Spicy Symphony
While the dough chills, let’s create the heart of your empanadas: the apple filling.
1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. You can choose your favorite variety, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are known for their flavor and texture in pies.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
3. Cook the Filling (Optional): For a more intense flavor and to release some of the moisture from the apples, you can cook the filling on the stovetop for a few minutes. Simply heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the apple mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and release some of their juices. This step is optional, but it will enhance the flavor of your empanadas.
Shaping the Empanadas: A Culinary Art Form
Now that the dough and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble your apple pie empanadas.
1. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 6-inch circle.
2. Fill the Empanadas: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
3. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough circle in half, bringing the edges together to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers to seal.
4. Brush with Glaze (Optional): For a golden brown finish, whisk together the egg yolk, water, and sugar. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the glaze.
Baking to Perfection: A Golden Embrace
With your empanadas assembled, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection.
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Empanadas: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the empanadas cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a simple glaze.
A Bite of Fall: Serving Up Your Apple Pie Empanadas
Your apple pie empanadas are now ready to be enjoyed! These delightful treats are perfect for a cozy fall afternoon, a picnic in the park, or even a sweet ending to a hearty dinner. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
More Than Just a Snack: A Celebration of Flavor
These apple pie empanadas are more than just a delicious snack; they’re an opportunity to celebrate the flavors of fall and share a taste of tradition with your loved ones. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and flaky dough creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a cozy autumn evening. So, gather your friends and family, and savor the joy of homemade apple pie empanadas.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I freeze the empanadas before baking?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake from frozen, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What are some other filling ideas for empanadas?
A: The world is your oyster! You can use any type of fruit filling, such as blueberries, strawberries, or peaches. You can also try savory fillings, such as ground beef, chicken, or cheese. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust for the empanadas?
A: Definitely! If you’re short on time or prefer not to make the dough from scratch, you can use store-bought pie crust. Just be sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: How long do the empanadas last?
A: Baked empanadas will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
