Description

Portable, flaky homemade hand pies filled with spiced apples and rich salted caramel sauce. These treats are easy to make, perfect for fall gatherings, and can be customized with various spices or mix-ins.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup vegetable shortening
6–8 tablespoons ice water
1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup salted caramel sauce
Flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add cold butter and shortening, working them into the flour with a pastry cutter or fingers until it resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter chunks.
Drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
To make caramel (optional): Melt granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in warm heavy cream, then butter, salt, and vanilla. Cool until thick but pourable.
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and brown sugar, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened and syrupy. Stir in cinnamon and let cool completely.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out one disk of dough to ⅛ inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of cooled apple mixture in the center, topped with a dollop of caramel.
Brush edges with water, fold dough over to create a half-moon, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Poke 2-3 holes in the top for steam.
Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway, until deep golden brown. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep all ingredients cold for a flaky crust. Ensure the apple filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent leaking. These can be frozen unbaked and baked straight from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cook time. For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hand pie
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 250
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: apple hand pies, salted caramel, homemade pie crust, fall dessert, portable dessert, easy baking