If you’re looking for the perfect fall dessert, look no further than Caramel Apple Hand Pies. These delightful treats combine a flaky, buttery crust with the warm flavors of caramel and spiced apples, making them a cozy, handheld indulgence that’s ideal for any autumn gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 tsp salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
Fill the Pies: Spoon a small amount of the apple mixture and caramel sauce onto one half of each dough circle, leaving space at the edges. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Bake: Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Tips:
Warm and Fresh: These hand pies are best served warm, straight from the oven. Let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to set. You can enjoy them as they are, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Garnish Ideas: For added presentation, dust the hand pies with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.
Perfect for Parties: These hand pies are a great option for fall parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a grab-and-go dessert for family picnics or tailgates.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within 1-2 days, store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the pies are fully cooled before sealing them to avoid sogginess.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the pies in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
Freezing: To store for a longer period, freeze the hand pies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or until golden brown.
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FAQs:
Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of making my own?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie dough as a convenient substitute. It won’t be quite as flaky as homemade, but it will still work well and save time in the preparation process.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hand pies up to the baking stage and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, freeze them before baking for longer storage (up to 3 months) and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.
What other fillings can I use for these hand pies?
While caramel and apple are classic, you can experiment with different fillings. Try using cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings, or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist. Just be mindful not to overfill to avoid leaks during baking.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
To prevent leaks, make sure to leave some space at the edges when adding the filling and press the edges of the dough together firmly with a fork to seal. Brushing the edges with a little beaten egg can also help create a stronger seal.
Conclusion:
Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the combination of buttery pastry and warm, caramel-spiced apples. They’re easy to make, perfect for fall, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try them at your next autumn gathering or bake a batch to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
📖 Recipe:
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Caramel Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a cozy fall treat with these Caramel Apple Hand Pies. Made with a buttery, flaky crust and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and caramel sauce, these pies are perfect for any gathering. Easy to make and delicious, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water
3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
- Spoon apples and caramel onto half of each dough circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
For a flakier crust, make sure your butter is very cold before mixing into the flour.
You can use store-bought pie dough to save time.
If you prefer a sweeter filling, add an extra tablespoon of caramel sauce or use a sweeter apple variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 pies
- Calories: 290 kcal
