Taco Bell fans, rejoice! The beloved Caramel Apple Empanada is making a triumphant return to menus nationwide (check your local Taco Bell for availability). This flaky, warm treat filled with sweet caramel and tart apple filling has been sorely missed, and its comeback is cause for celebration. But what if you can’t wait for your next Taco Bell run, or if the empanada isn’t available near you? Fear not! We’ve got you covered with a fantastic homemade recipe that captures the essence of the Taco Bell classic, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert anytime you crave it.
**The Caramel Apple Empanada Craze: Why It’s So Popular**
The Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Its appeal lies in the perfect combination of textures and flavors: a crispy, golden-brown pastry shell encasing a warm, gooey filling that balances the sweetness of caramel with the slight tang of apple. It’s the ideal grab-and-go dessert, a comforting treat that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
The limited-time availability of the empanada only adds to its allure. Knowing it won’t be around forever encourages fans to indulge while they can, creating a sense of urgency and excitement around its return. This scarcity, combined with the deliciousness of the product, has cemented the Caramel Apple Empanada’s status as a Taco Bell legend.
**Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanada: A Closer Look**
Before we dive into the homemade recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes the Taco Bell version so special. The empanada typically features:
* **A Crispy Shell:** The pastry is usually a pre-made, pre-cut dough that’s deep-fried to a golden-brown perfection. The frying process creates a blistered, flaky texture that’s incredibly satisfying to bite into.
* **A Warm, Gooey Filling:** The filling is a mixture of diced apples, caramel sauce, and spices. The apples are cooked until softened, and the caramel sauce binds everything together, creating a rich and decadent center.
* **Cinnamon Sugar Coating:** The empanada is often dusted with cinnamon sugar, adding a touch of sweetness and warmth that complements the other flavors.
While the exact ingredients and preparation methods are proprietary, we can glean enough information to create a delicious homemade version that closely resembles the original.
**Homemade Caramel Apple Empanada Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide**
This recipe aims to recreate the flavors and textures of the Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada in your own kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are incredibly rewarding.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Pastry Dough:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water
* **For the Apple Filling:**
* 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
* **For Frying:**
* Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
* **For Coating:**
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Equipment:**
* Large bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Knife or pizza cutter
* Small bowl
* Fork
* Deep-frying thermometer (optional, but recommended)
* Slotted spoon
* Paper towels
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, but not completely incorporated.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want to avoid developing too much gluten, which will result in a tough pastry.
4. **Form a Disc and Chill:** Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
**Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling**
1. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice (if using), and caramel sauce. Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
**Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas**
1. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. You may need to divide the dough in half to make it easier to work with.
2. **Cut Out Circles:** Use a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You should be able to get about 6-8 circles from each half of the dough, depending on the size.
3. **Fill the Empanadas:** Place a spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or the empanadas may burst during frying.
4. **Seal the Empanadas:** Fold the dough circle in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
**Step 4: Fry the Empanadas**
1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, filling it to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a deep-frying thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If the dough browns quickly and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully place the empanadas into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy empanadas.
3. **Fry Until Golden Brown:** Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them over during frying.
4. **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the fried empanadas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar**
1. **Combine Cinnamon Sugar:** In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
2. **Coat the Empanadas:** While the empanadas are still warm, sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the Caramel Apple Empanadas warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Different Apples:** Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite flavor combination. Braeburn, Gala, and Fuji apples are also good choices.
* **Add Spices:** Feel free to add other spices to the filling, such as ginger, cloves, or allspice.
* **Make Your Own Caramel Sauce:** For an extra special treat, make your own homemade caramel sauce. There are many easy recipes available online.
* **Baking Option:** If you prefer not to fry the empanadas, you can bake them instead. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
* **Air Fryer Option:** Air frying is another healthier alternative to deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
* **Try Different Dough:** Instead of making your own dough, you can use store-bought puff pastry or pie crust for a quicker option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make Mini Empanadas:** Cut the dough into smaller circles and use less filling to create bite-sized mini empanadas.
**Why This Recipe Works**
This recipe is designed to be accessible and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The use of readily available ingredients and simple techniques ensures that anyone can create a delicious homemade version of the Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada.
The key to success lies in using cold butter for the pastry dough, which creates a flaky texture. Chilling the dough before rolling it out also helps to prevent it from becoming tough. The apple filling is perfectly balanced with sweetness, tartness, and spice, and the cinnamon sugar coating adds the final touch of deliciousness.
**Beyond the Empanada: Other Taco Bell Inspired Treats**
If you’re a Taco Bell fanatic, you might be interested in trying other recipes inspired by their menu items. Here are a few ideas:
* **Crunchwrap Supreme at Home:** Recreate the iconic Crunchwrap Supreme with seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a crispy tostada shell, all wrapped in a large flour tortilla.
* **Cheesy Gordita Crunch Copycat:** Make your own Cheesy Gordita Crunch by wrapping a crispy taco shell with a flatbread smeared with melted cheese.
* **DIY Mexican Pizza:** Layer seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and cheese between two crispy tostada shells, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Taco Bell Sauce Recipes:** Find recipes online for Taco Bell’s various sauces, such as mild, hot, and fire sauce. These sauces are perfect for adding a kick to your homemade tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
**The Return of the Empanada: A Culinary Celebration**
The return of the Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada is more than just a menu update; it’s a culinary celebration. It’s a chance to relive fond memories, indulge in a beloved treat, and share the experience with friends and family.
Whether you choose to head to your nearest Taco Bell or try your hand at making your own homemade version, the Caramel Apple Empanada is a must-try dessert that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So, grab a fork, take a bite, and savor the deliciousness!
**Final Thoughts**
While waiting for the actual Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada to become available in your area, this recipe offers a fantastic alternative. The homemade version is a delicious and satisfying treat that captures the essence of the original. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding baking project that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Happy baking (and eating)!
Enjoy the return of this Taco Bell Classic and may all your cravings be satisfied. Happy Cooking!