Vegan Apple Empanadas Recipe

Baking these apple empanadas feels like crafting little pockets of autumn bliss, with each bite perfectly balancing the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon-kissed apples and the flaky, tender crust. The process is simple yet rewarding, making for a delightful treat that’s both nostalgic and modern, ideal for cozy gatherings or a tranquil afternoon indulgence.

I adore making recipes that deliver warmth to the dining table, such as these Vegan Apple Empanadas. Their flaky dough, made from all-purpose flour and solid coconut oil, is the perfect foil for a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.

Next to these, no one would ever suspect that empanadas could be vegan. This recipe is a good one to have in your back pocket for when you need to feed both vegans and nonvegans.

Vegan Apple Empanadas Recipe Ingredients

• Flour: Provides structure and texture, rich in carbohydrates.
• Coconut Oil: Solid fat substitute; adds moisture and subtle flavor.
• Apples: High in fiber, natural sweetness, and vitamin C.
• Sugar: Sweetens filling, enhances flavor balance.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; known for antioxidants.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor; prevents apple browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens filling without altering taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens sweetness; aromatic essence.
• Plant-based Milk: Provides a glossy finish; binds pastry edges.

Vegan Apple Empanadas Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon plant-based milk (for brushing)

How to Make this Vegan Apple Empanadas Recipe

1. In a big bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the solid coconut oil to the bowl and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

2. Slowly incorporate the cold water into the flour mixture, blending until the dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrapping it in plastic. Chill it for at least 30 minutes.

3. In the meantime, prepare the filling by mixing the diced apples, sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the apples are tender, which should take from 5 to 7 minutes.

4. In a tiny bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the apple filling, continuously stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

5. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cutter, cut out circles from the dough, making each one about 4 inches across.

7. Put a tablespoon of the apple filling in the middle of each circle of dough. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon. Press the edges with a fork to seal.

8. Move the empanadas to the baking sheet you prepared earlier. Using a brush, lightly paint each empanada with plant-based milk, preparing it for the oven.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the empanadas turn a golden brown color.

10. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.

Vegan Apple Empanadas Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Fork or pastry cutter
3. Plastic wrap
4. Medium saucepan
5. Small bowl
6. Spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Rolling pin
9. Flour for dusting
10. Round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter)
11. Baking sheet
12. Parchment paper
13. Pastry brush
14. Oven

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of oil instead of coconut oil?You can definitely use vegan butter or another solidified plant-based fat, but for best results in achieving a flaky crust, stick with coconut oil.
• What type of apples are best for this recipe?Apples that are firm, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, retain their shape very well during baking and perfectly contrast the sweet filling with their nice tartness.
• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?Indeed, it is possible to employ a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in the making of the empanadas so that they are gluten-free; however, the texture may vary slightly.
• How long do these empanadas stay fresh?The optimal way to enjoy them is fresh, but they can be stowed away in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?The dough can indeed be prepared a day ahead. Place it in the refrigerator, securely wrapped in plastic wrap, and it will be ready to use when you are.
• Is it necessary to brush the empanadas with plant-based milk?Plant-based milk can be used to brush on the empanadas before baking. This does two things for the empanadas: 1. It gives them a slight shine. 2. It helps them brown evenly. Brushing the empanadas with plant-based milk is not essential; the empanadas will still taste delicious even if you don’t brush them.
• Are there any optional additions to the filling?If you wish, you may include a small amount of raisins or chopped nuts in the filling to give it some added texture and flavor.

Vegan Apple Empanadas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, whereas all-purpose flour is just that—an all-purpose flour.
Coconut oil: May be replaced with vegan margarine for a distinctive taste and texture.
Sweetener: Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave syrup can be used in place of sugar.
Juice from lemons: One can use lime juice for a similar, if slightly distinctive, taste.
Milk made from plants: Any plant-based milk, like almond, soy, or oat, can be used in place of cow’s milk for brushing.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough and Tools: For a flakier crust, ensure both your bowl and implements (like the fork or pastry cutter) are cold before mixing the dough. You can even chill the flour for a bit. Keeping everything cold helps maintain those coarse crumbs, leading to a lighter, flakier dough.