Taco Bell makes these Mexican treats and now you can make them too. Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delicious and popular dessert option offered by the fast-food chain. These sweet treats combine the classic flavors of caramel and apple in a convenient and portable pastry. The empanadas are known for their warm, flaky outer shell that encases a delectable filling of spiced apple pieces and creamy caramel.
The Caramel Apple Empanadas are often served hot, making them an enticing option for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings. The crispy texture of the empanada shell contrasts beautifully with the soft and gooey caramelized apple filling, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
These empanadas are a perfect way to end a meal at Taco Bell or enjoy as a standalone dessert. Their small size also makes them a great on-the-go treat for those who want something sweet but not too heavy.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional empanadas or just looking for a tasty and convenient dessert option, Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanadas are sure to please with their delightful taste and satisfying sweetness.
SERVES: 12
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (12-ounce) package Stouffer’s frozen harvest apples
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 3½ cups baking mix
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Thaw the apples in the microwave at half power for 6–7 minutes. Let them stand for 3 minutes. Stir together with the flour.
- Melt the ¼ cup of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture, brown sugar, and allspice. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Coarsely mash the apple mixture and set aside.
- Stir together the baking mix and whipping cream with a fork until moistened. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 3–4 times.
- Roll the dough to ½″ thickness and cut into 12 (5″) squares.
- Divide the apple mixture into 12 servings and place 1 serving in the center of each square.
- Fold 1 side of the square over, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- A La Mode: Serve the warm empanadas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the hot empanada and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and textures.
- Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the caramel flavor by drizzling additional warm caramel sauce over the empanadas before serving.
- Whipped Cream: Top the empanadas with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the empanadas to add a hint of warmth and extra sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit: Accompany the empanadas with some fresh apple slices or other seasonal fruits to complement the flavors.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair the empanadas with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.
- Shareable Platter: Arrange the empanadas on a serving platter and serve with various dipping sauces like caramel, chocolate, or fruit preserves, allowing guests to customize their dessert experience.
- Festive Touch: For special occasions or holidays, consider garnishing the empanadas with colorful sprinkles or edible decorations to add a festive touch.
- Empanada Sundae: Create a fun dessert by cutting the empanadas into smaller pieces and layering them with ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce to make an Empanada Sundae.
