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.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
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:
PrintCaramel 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
Keywords: Caramel Apple Hand Pies, Fall Desserts, Hand Pies, Apple Pie, Easy Fall Baking, Caramel Apple Pie