There’s something magical about the combination of caramel, apples, and flaky pastry that makes Caramel Apple Hand Pies irresistible. Just picture biting into a warm, golden crust, only to be greeted by the sweet, gooey filling that bursts with flavors reminiscent of autumn. With every mouthful, the memory of crisp fall days and family gatherings comes rushing back.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Caramel Apple Hand Pies</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the best apple variety for Caramel Apple Hand Pies?
- Can I freeze Caramel Apple Hand Pies?
- How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking filling?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful treats are perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, making them an instant hit at any occasion. As you prepare to indulge in this flavor experience, just know that your taste buds are in for a joyous ride.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you don’t need to be a pastry chef to impress your friends
- The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a delightful explosion in every bite
- Their golden-brown appearance makes them visually appealing for any dessert table
- Versatile enough to serve at holidays or casual get-togethers, they fit right in anywhere
I still remember the first time I made these Caramel Apple Hand Pies; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for the flaky crust; use unbleached for a richer flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Chill it before cutting into the flour for a perfectly flaky texture.
Cold Water: Essential for bringing the dough together without melting the butter.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and filling; adjust based on apple tartness.
Baking Apples: Granny Smith works well for its tartness balanced by sweetness of caramel.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; it’s your secret weapon for decadence.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; sprinkle generously in the filling.
Egg Wash (Egg + Milk): Gives a beautiful golden hue when baked; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Create the Dough: Start by mixing flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut chilled butter into cubes and rub into flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water until combined, then form into a disc and chill.
Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, peel and chop baking apples into small pieces. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce until evenly coated. Let sit to absorb flavors while you roll out dough.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into thin circles. Aim for about 6 inches in diameter; you want them large enough to hold your filling but not so big they turn into UFOs.
Fill and Seal Pies: Place a generous spoonful of apple filling on one half of each circle. Fold over the other half and crimp edges with a fork to seal tightly—no one wants an apple explosion during baking!
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pies on lined baking sheets and brush with egg wash for that golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving—trust me, molten caramel can double as lava if you’re not careful! Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in!
And there you have it! Your very own batch of Caramel Apple Hand Pies ready to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy these delightful treats while basking in their warm flavors that evoke memories of fall festivities!
You Must Know
- Caramel Apple Hand Pies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart
- These delightful pastries are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in
- The aroma will have your mouth watering in no time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your apples—peel, core, and slice them before cooking the filling. This ensures even cooking and saves time later.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the spices for your favorite flavors; try nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. A pinch of salt enhances sweetness beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness or microwave for a quick treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve golden-brown crusts, brush with egg wash just before baking
- If apples are too juicy, add cornstarch to absorb excess moisture
- Use a fork to crimp edges for a professional look while sealing in flavor
Cooking these Caramel Apple Hand Pies reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited dessert. The smiles on their faces made every bite worth it.
FAQ
What is the best apple variety for Caramel Apple Hand Pies?
Granny Smith apples provide a great balance of tartness and sweetness for these pies.
Can I freeze Caramel Apple Hand Pies?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked hand pies; just add extra baking time when you cook them.
How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking filling?
Ensure that your dough is sealed well and avoid overfilling each pie with apples.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Caramel Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 hand pies 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, evoking the essence of autumn with every bite. These charming desserts are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, offering a delicious taste experience that will make your taste buds sing. With warm caramel and tender apples encased in golden-brown pastry, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to indulge in these irresistible treats that bring the joy of fall right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3–4 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on apple tartness)
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 cups diced)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- 1. Create the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and sugar. Cut in chilled butter until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples. Mix them with sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce; let sit to absorb flavors.
- 3. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll chilled dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- 4. Fill and Seal: Spoon apple filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- 5. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush pies with egg wash and bake on lined sheets for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- 6. Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg