Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Hand Pies are everything you love about a classic apple pie—but easier, portable, and perfectly portioned. Each hand pie is filled with soft, cinnamon-spiced apples coated in rich caramel, wrapped in a flaky, golden crust that bakes to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering, preparing treats for the holidays, or simply craving a warm bakery-style dessert, these mini pies deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re kid-friendly, party-ready, and absolutely irresistible served warm with a caramel drizzle or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make Caramel Apple Hand Pies
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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Allow the filling to cool completely.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts. Cut each crust into 4 squares.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the center of each square.
- Fold each square in half to form a triangle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish and cut a small slit on top of each pie to vent steam.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Serve these delightful hand pies while warm for the best taste. You can enjoy them plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Drizzling extra caramel sauce or powdered sugar on top adds an extra special touch!
How to Store Caramel Apple Hand Pies
To store any leftover hand pies, place them in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Hand Pies
- Ensure your apples are diced into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Let the filling cool completely to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- For an extra crisp crust, you can sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking.
- Make sure to cut small slits in the crust to allow steam to escape while baking for a better texture.
Variation
1. Salted Caramel Pecan Hand Pies
Add chopped pecans to the caramel apple filling and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking. This adds a rich, nutty crunch with a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
2. Caramel Pear & Ginger Hand Pies
Swap apples for ripe pears and add a pinch of ground ginger or fresh grated ginger to the filling. The ginger adds warmth and depth, making this variation perfect for holiday baking.
3. Mixed Berry Caramel Hand Pies
Use a blend of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries mixed with caramel sauce for a sweet-tart twist. The berries create a vibrant color and juicy texture inside the flaky crust.
4. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Hand Pies
Add a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese to the bottom of each pie before adding the apple filling. The creamy cheesecake layer pairs beautifully with the caramel and apples.
5. Cinnamon Roll Apple Hand Pies
Brush the crust with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar before baking. This gives the pies a cinnamon roll-style exterior with a caramel apple center.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce in this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient and delicious option. Just make sure to choose a thick, high-quality sauce so it doesn’t run out of the pies while baking. If you prefer a salted caramel flavor, that also works beautifully and can help balance the sweetness of the apples. You can warm the sauce slightly to make it easier to mix with the filling.
2. How do I know when the hand pies are fully baked?
Your hand pies are done when the crust is golden brown, slightly puffed, and crisp around the edges. You may also see a bit of caramel bubbling through the vent slit—this is a good sign the filling is hot and ready. If they still look pale, give them a few more minutes until the crust turns a deep golden color.
3. Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling is perfect for making ahead! Simply cook the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce, then let the mixture cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time but also deepens the flavors as the apples absorb the caramel.
4. Can I freeze the hand pies before or after baking?
Yes, hand pies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them unbaked after assembling—just place them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time. Baked pies can also be frozen and reheated in the oven for a crisp, fresh-from-the-oven taste.
5. What type of apples are best for caramel apple hand pies?
The best apples for this recipe are firm, slightly tart varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. These apples hold their shape while baking and balance beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel. Avoid using soft apples like Red Delicious, as they may become mushy.
Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 large large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for cooking apples
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce plus extra for drizzling
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts contains 2 crusts
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash
Optional Toppings
- to taste Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium skillet, melt the 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.
- Remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce. Allow the filling to cool completely.
Assembly
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts and cut each crust into 4 squares.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the center of each square.
- Fold each square in half to form a triangle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish and cut a small slit on top of each pie to vent steam.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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