Description
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
– 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but not mushy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Allow the filling to cool completely.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts. Cut each crust into 4 squares.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the center of each square.
6. Fold each square in half to form a triangle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
7. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish and cut a small slit on top of each pie to vent steam.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 hand pies
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor in the filling.
Chill the hand pies for 10 minutes before baking to prevent the crust from shrinking
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Remove from heat, stir in caramel, and let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Crust: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut each crust into 4 equal squares.
3. Assemble the Pies: Place 2 tablespoons of cooled filling in the center of each square. Fold one corner over to the opposite corner to create a triangle. Seal edges by pressing firmly with a fork.
4. Final Prep for Baking: Transfer pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with beaten egg wash. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake and Finish: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling with extra caramel and dusting with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These hand pies are delicious on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch spread, pair them with coffee or chai tea. They also make a perfect portable dessert for picnics or lunchboxes when packed after cooling completely.
How-to Summary
Create delicious apple caramel hand pies by cooking a spiced apple filling, folding it into pie crust squares, sealing, and baking until golden. The key steps are letting the filling cool completely before assembling and venting the tops before baking for the perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, the apple-caramel filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using for easy assembly.
Can I use homemade pie crust? Absolutely. A homemade crust will work perfectly. Just ensure it is rolled to a similar thickness as the refrigerated crusts for even baking.
How should I store leftover hand pies? Store cooled pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
Can I freeze unbaked hand pies? Yes. Assemble the pies, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the caramel sauce? You can use dulce de leche or a thick butterscotch sauce. For a less sweet option, try a tablespoon of brown sugar mixed with a teaspoon of cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm filling, which can make the crust soggy and difficult to seal. Always cool it completely.
- Overfilling the crust squares, which causes leakage during baking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons.
- Forgetting to cut a steam vent, leading to pies bursting open in the oven.
- Skipping the egg wash, which gives the pies a professional, golden-brown finish.
- Not chilling the assembled pies before baking if your kitchen is warm, as this helps the crust hold its shape.
Conclusion
These Apple Caramel Hand Pies are a simple yet impressive treat that combines classic flavors in a fun, portable format. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve perfectly flaky crusts filled with sweet, spiced apples and rich caramel. They are versatile for any event and sure to become a favorite recipe.