Fall is here, and it’s time to indulge in warm, sweet treats! These Caramel Apple Hand Pies combine flaky crusts with gooey, spiced apple filling and rich caramel. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, these pies are simple to make and easy to share. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and discover how to create your own tasty fall delight!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 5-6 tablespoons ice water
– 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Sugar for sprinkling
The base of these hand pies is simple and fresh. First, I use 2 cups of all-purpose flour to form the dough. I add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar for flavor. The butter gives the dough a nice texture. I use 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed. Keep it cold for flakiness! I then add 5-6 tablespoons of ice water, just enough to bring the dough together.
The filling is where the fun begins. I choose 3 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. After peeling, coring, and dicing them, I mix them in a bowl with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the flavors. Finally, I drizzle in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce to make each bite sweet and gooey.
I brush the tops of the pies with 1 egg for a golden finish. A sprinkle of sugar adds a nice touch too. With these ingredients, we create a tasty fall treat everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
To start, combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. This blend gives your dough flavor. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add 5-6 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough holds together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
Now let’s prepare the filling. Take 3 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and dice them. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This mix brings out the apples’ natural sweetness. Finally, drizzle in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce, and stir until the apples are well-coated.
Assembling the Pies
After chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles that are 4-5 inches in diameter. On one half of each circle, place a tablespoon of the apple filling. Leave some space around the edge. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal. Make small slits on top to let steam escape.
Baking the Hand Pies
To bake, apply an egg wash. Beat 1 egg in a small bowl and brush it on top of the pies. Sprinkle some sugar on top for sweetness. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. For perfect browning, watch them closely during the last few minutes. Enjoy your lovely caramel apple hand pies!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overworking dough: Working the dough too much makes it tough. Mix until just combined.
– Not sealing edges properly: A good seal keeps the filling inside. Use a fork to press the edges.
Best Practices for Flaky Dough
– Temperature control for ingredients: Keep your butter cold. This helps create a flaky crust.
– Resting time for dough: Let the dough chill for 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and improves texture.
Serving Suggestions
– Pairing with ice cream or whipped cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds great creaminess. Whipped cream is light and fluffy.
– Creative serving ideas: Serve the pies on a wooden board. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch.
Variations
Flavor Alternatives
You can change the taste of your caramel apple hand pies by using different apples. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp gives sweetness. Mixing varieties creates more depth in flavor. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth, while ginger brings a nice kick. Experiment with these flavors to find your perfect pie.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need gluten-free hand pies, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands offer great options that work well in recipes. For those who are dairy-free, swap unsalted butter for dairy-free butter. Coconut oil also works, adding a slight coconut flavor. These swaps keep the taste delicious while fitting your diet.
Sweet and Savory Variations
You can also create fun sweet and savory hand pies. Add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for an extra treat. Chocolate pairs well with caramel and apples. For a savory twist, try adding cheese and vegetables. Spinach and feta create a tasty filling. You can fill these pies with whatever you love. The options are endless, so get creative!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your caramel apple hand pies fresh, store them properly. Place leftover hand pies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat your hand pies, reheating is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and warm. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This method works great for keeping that perfect texture. Enjoy your delicious hand pies just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust. It saves time and effort. Pre-made dough is convenient. It can help you focus on the filling. However, store-bought crusts may lack the fresh taste of homemade. They can also be less flaky. If you wish for a special touch, try making your dough. It’s easy and fun!
How do I know when the hand pies are done?
Look for a golden-brown color on the crust. This shows they are baked well. You can also check for bubbling filling. If you see steam escaping from slits, they are likely done. The crust should feel firm to the touch. If unsure, you can always bake them a bit longer.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. This makes for an easy assembly later. You can also freeze the unbaked hand pies. Just make sure to wrap them well. When ready to bake, no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What kind of caramel sauce should I use?
You can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. Store-bought is quick and tasty. Look for high-quality options with real ingredients. If you want a personal touch, try making your own. Homemade caramel is rich and creamy. It adds a special flavor to your pies. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s smooth and pourable!
You’ve learned how to make delicious apple hand pies from scratch. We covered the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You can even explore fun variations or serving ideas. Enjoying these tasty treats with ice cream or changing flavors keeps things interesting. Remember to store any leftovers properly so they stay fresh. Now, it’s time to try making your hand pies, impress your friends, and savor every bite!
