Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Caramel Apple Hand Pies are the nostalgic treat that always brings me back to crisp autumn afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. With buttery pastry hugging spiced apples and a gooey caramel surprise, these hand pies are everything I crave when the leaves start to turn. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy weekend project, they are easy to share and even easier to love.

I tried these for a school bake sale and they sold out within minutes Everyone raved about the surprise caramel center and their portable size makes them extra fun

Ingredients

• Large apples: Two sweet crispy apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith bring both tartness and structure for the perfect filling
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the apples cook down to a jammy texture Choose a fine grain for quick dissolving
• Ground cinnamon: The warming spice that defines an apple pie I recommend fresh cinnamon for the boldest flavor
• Lemon juice: Lifts and balances the sweetness Also keeps the apples from browning while prepping
• Unsalted butter: Gives richness to the filling Choose a good quality butter for flavor
• Caramel sauce: Brings gooey decadence Any thick jarred caramel will work or use homemade for a personal touch
• Refrigerated pie crusts: Using ready made crust saves time Be sure they are cold but pliable before rolling out
• Egg: For an extra golden and shiny finish on each hand pie Always use a fresh egg for the best glaze
• Powdered sugar: A finishing dusting is optional but adds that pretty bakery touch Sift before using to avoid clumps

Instructions

Prepare the apples:

Peel core and dice your apples into small even pieces Smaller pieces will cook evenly and fit better in the hand pies

Cook the filling:

In a medium skillet melt the butter over medium heat Add your apples sugar cinnamon and lemon juice Stir and cook until the apples are just tender about seven minutes The apples should soften but keep their shape

Add caramel:

Take the skillet off the heat Stir in the caramel sauce until melted and glossy This step coats the apples and brings everything together Let this mixture cool completely before filling your pies

Shape the crust:

Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface so they do not stick Cut each crust into four even squares for perfectly sized hand pies

Fill the pies:

Spoon roughly two tablespoons of cooled apple mixture onto the center of each dough square Try not to overfill or they might burst open while baking

Seal the pies:

Fold dough squares into triangles Press the edges together firmly with a fork to create a tight seal This important step keeps all the juicy filling inside

Prep for baking:

Set pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper Brush the tops with beaten egg for shine Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit on top of each for steam to escape

Bake:

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit Bake until golden brown which should take just over twenty minutes The crust should have a deep color and a slight sheen from the egg

Finish and serve:

Take the pies out and let cool on the tray for at least ten minutes This resting helps the caramel set Drizzle with more caramel and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like

My favorite part of these pies will always be that first caramel apple bite It reminds me of making caramel apples at the county fair with my cousins Baking these together now is a new tradition

Storage Tips

Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage keep refrigerated and reheat briefly in a toaster oven when ready to eat If you plan on freezing prepare the pies through the sealing step and freeze each one on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag This way you can bake fresh pies on demand

Ingredient Substitutions

If apples are not in season try using firm pears for an early autumn twist You can swap caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a deeper flavor or even chocolate sauce for the chocolate caramel lovers Pre-made gluten free pie crusts work just as well for those avoiding gluten

Serving Suggestions

These hand pies are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon Warm them in the oven before serving for a just baked feel I love packing them in lunchboxes for a joyful midday treat or wrapping them in parchment for a picnic

Cultural Context

Hand pies are rooted in old world traditions from Cornish pasties to American turnovers Each region puts its own twist on portable pastry treats The caramel apple filling makes these hand pies an especially American fall favorite channeling that fairground energy into your home kitchen

Seasonal Adaptations

• In summer try berries and lemon zest for a bright twist
• Add chopped pecans in autumn for crunch
• Use pears and ginger in winter for a fragrant filling

Success Stories

A friend made these for a Thanksgiving dessert buffet and they disappeared faster than the pumpkin pie My kids now ask for them as a special after school snack and making them together is a highlight of our fall weekends

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze make and assemble the hand pies through sealing Place in a single layer on a tray until solid then store in a bag When ready to bake brush with egg wash and bake straight from frozen at 375 degrees They might take a few more minutes but the result will be just as delicious

Hand pies are nostalgic, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. Try them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure autumn comfort.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the hand pies from leaking filling?

Seal the pastry edges well with a fork and avoid overfilling. Cutting a small vent on top helps steam escape.

→ Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance and store unbaked in the refrigerator. Bake fresh when ready to enjoy.

→ What apples work best for the filling?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a balanced flavor.

→ Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?

Store-bought or homemade caramel both work well. Use your preferred option for easy preparation.

→ How long do leftover pies stay fresh?

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for best texture.