Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, sweet, and slightly tart flavors of apples wrapped in a flaky crust, especially when enhanced with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are the perfect handheld treat to satisfy your fall cravings or any time you’re in the mood for a homemade pastry that’s both elegant and easy to make. With a buttery, flaky crust and a rich apple filling spiked with cinnamon, each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you love desserts that feel homemade but look bakery-worthy, these hand pies will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility—the crust is tender and flaky, the apple filling is perfectly spiced, and the salted caramel adds just the right touch of indulgence without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fruit. Plus, making hand pies means you get individual portions that are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights in.

The recipe uses basic pantry staples and fresh apples, making it an accessible and budget-friendly dessert. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, these hand pies are straightforward to assemble with a few helpful tips that ensure success every time. If you enjoy classic apple desserts, you might also want to check out the Classic Apple Crisp, which shares similar flavors with a different texture and presentation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile. The cold butter ensures the crust is flaky, while the cinnamon and brown sugar perfectly complement the tartness of the apples. For the salted caramel sauce, I highly recommend using a Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce for the best flavor and quality, but store-bought works well too.

How To Make Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step ensures a flaky texture for your crust.

Step 2: Add Ice Water

Slowly pour in 1/4 cup of ice water, stirring gently with a fork. Add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too dry and doesn’t come together. Once the dough starts to form, gather it into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, peel and dice 2 large apples into small, even-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples evenly. This filling is sweet, spiced, and ready to be encased in our flaky dough.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut until all dough is used.

Step 5: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top of the filling for that irresistible flavor boost. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pies completely and prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to create a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked. This step adds a lovely shine and helps the crust brown evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

• Keep everything cold: Use cold butter and ice water to ensure the dough is flaky. Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinking during baking.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open in the oven. A tablespoon of filling per pie is just right.
• Seal edges well: Use a fork to crimp edges tightly, and if needed, dab a little water or egg wash along the edges to help them stick better.
• Use tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
• Let pies cool: Allow the pies to cool for 10-15 minutes before eating so the filling sets slightly and avoids burns.

Variations and Customizations

• Different fillings: Swap out apples for pears, peaches, or berries for a seasonal twist.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the apple filling for a more complex spice profile.
• Drizzle with glaze: After baking, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze or extra caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
• Make mini pies: Use smaller cutters to create bite-sized hand pies, perfect for parties or snacks.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For even longer storage, freeze the unbaked pies by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ

Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making my own dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust can save time and works well for this recipe. Just thaw it according to the package instructions, roll it out slightly, and proceed with filling and assembling the hand pies.

What type of apples are best for these hand pies?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp are ideal because they maintain their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet filling and salted caramel.

How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges tightly by pressing firmly with a fork, and consider brushing a little egg wash or water along the edges before sealing. Don’t overfill the pies, and avoid rolling the dough too thin.

Can I make these hand pies vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk mixed with a little maple syrup or a vegan egg wash substitute for brushing the tops. For the salted caramel, use a dairy-free version or make your own using coconut milk.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that bring together the classic flavors of apple and cinnamon with the indulgent richness of salted caramel, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a wonderful way to enjoy a homemade dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy, sweet snack, these hand pies hit all the right notes. Don’t forget to try pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or serve them alongside other favorites like Cinnamon Muffins for a sweet breakfast spread. Happy baking!