There’s something irresistibly comforting about apple pies, and these Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies take that comfort to a whole new level! Imagine warm, spiced apples and gooey caramel encased in a flaky, buttery crust, all wrapped up in a convenient hand-held pie. These little pockets of joy are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive dessert, or even a sweet addition to lunchboxes.

Recipe Summary: These Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a fun twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a sweet caramel sauce that takes the filling to the next level. With a store-bought pie crust making prep a breeze, you can enjoy these delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen. They bake up golden and crisp, with a tender apple filling that oozes caramel in every bite.

Personal Story: I first made these hand pies when my kids were looking for a fun after-school snack, and they were an instant hit. The combination of Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies was so decadent and satisfying, and the hand-held size made them perfect for little hands. Now, they’re a regular request at family gatherings and playdates, and I love how they make everyone smile!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies:

• Quick and Easy: Using store-bought pie crust saves time, making this recipe simple and fast.
• Caramel Bliss: The addition of caramel sauce adds a rich, indulgent touch to the classic apple filling.
• Handheld Convenience: Perfect for on-the-go snacking or packing into lunchboxes.

How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter or the rim of a glass.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   • Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle.
   • Fold the dough in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
4. Bake the Hand Pies:
   • Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.

Tips For Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies

• Use a Rolling Pin: If the pie crust is too thick, roll it out slightly to ensure the hand pies bake up nice and crisp.
• Prevent Spills: Make a small slit or two on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape and prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Different Fruits: Substitute apples with pears or berries for a different flavor.
• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make these hand pies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling.
• Whole Wheat Crust: Use a whole wheat pie crust for added fiber.

Closing: And there you have it—a delightful recipe for Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies that will bring smiles to every face. Enjoy these sweet treats warm from the oven or as a delightful snack any time of day. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes for more tasty inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Can I freeze these hand pies?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will work just as well. Make sure it’s chilled before rolling out.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time. For a homemade touch, you can make your own caramel sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

What should I do if the filling leaks out while baking?

If the filling leaks, it’s usually because the pies weren’t sealed properly or there was too much filling. Make sure to press the edges firmly and use only a heaping tablespoon of filling.

Can I make a mini version of these hand pies?

Yes, you can use a smaller cutter to make mini hand pies. Just adjust the baking time to ensure they cook through.

How can I make the hand pies more festive?

Brush with a bit of milk before baking and sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter to make them more festive.

Can I use a different type of caramel sauce, like salted caramel?

Absolutely! Salted caramel will add a delicious, savory touch to the sweet apple filling, enhancing the flavor even more.

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Easy Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dessert, Snacks, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Filling:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• For the Pie Crust:

• 1 package of store-bought pie crusts (usually contains 2 crusts)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions

• Prepare the Filling:
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce. Let cool slightly.
• Prepare the Pie Crust:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter or the rim of a glass.
• Assemble the Hand Pies:
• Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle.
• Fold the dough in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
• Bake the Hand Pies:
• Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.