Caramel Apple Hand Pies

$- Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. Peel and dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend well with the caramel. - Caramel sauce: You can use store-bought caramel for ease, but homemade caramel adds a special touch. If you choose to make it, just melt sugar until it turns golden, then add cream slowly. - Other essential ingredients: - 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This spice gives warmth and flavor. - 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This keeps the apples fresh and adds brightness. - 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts: These save time and make the process easy. - 1 egg: Use this for an egg wash to create a golden crust. - 2 tablespoons sugar: Sprinkle this on top for a sweet finish. - Pinch of salt: This enhances all the flavors. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, caramel sauce, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apples are well-coated. - Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles about 4-5 inches in diameter. You need around 8 circles in total. - On one half of each pie crust circle, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the caramel apple filling. Be careful not to overfill! - Fold the other half of the crust over the filling to form a semi-circle. Press the edges down to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a nice touch. - Brush the tops of the hand pies with an egg wash made by whisking an egg in a small bowl. Sprinkle sugar on top for a sweet finish. - Cut a couple of small slits on top of each hand pie to let steam escape while baking. - Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. - Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce on top. - Avoiding overfilling: It’s easy to get carried away with filling. Use only 1-2 tablespoons of the caramel apple mixture. Too much filling can cause leaks during baking. Balance is key! - Sealing techniques: After filling, fold the crust over carefully. Press the edges down firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds style and ensures a good seal. - Egg wash tips: Whisk your egg well for the best wash. Brush it lightly on the tops of the pies. This gives them a golden, shiny finish. - Sugar sprinkling methods: Sprinkle sugar evenly over the crust after applying the egg wash. This creates a sweet, crunchy layer. It adds a nice touch to your hand pies. - Pairing with ice cream: Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm filling. It’s a delightful combination! - Drizzling caramel: For an extra treat, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top. This makes your hand pies even more tempting and delicious. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors for your hand pies. Use different fruits like pears or berries. You can mix apples with cranberries for a tart twist. For a more tropical touch, use pineapple or mango. Spices can also change the taste. Try adding nutmeg or ginger. A dash of vanilla can add depth too. Each fruit and spice gives a new flavor to enjoy. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer great choices. You can also make your own crust using almond or coconut flour. For vegan alternatives, skip the egg wash. Use plant milk as a wash instead. You can substitute the caramel sauce with a vegan version made from coconut cream and maple syrup. These adjustments keep the flavor while fitting your diet. To keep your hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. In the fridge, they will stay good for about a week. If you need to store them for an even longer time, consider freezing them. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, they can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover hand pies, reheating is simple. The best method is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. However, this may make the crust a bit soft. Enjoy your hand pies warm for the best taste! Can I use frozen pie crusts? Yes, you can use frozen pie crusts. They save time and are easy to work with. Just follow the package instructions to thaw them before rolling out. How long do these hand pies last? These hand pies last for about 3 days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them. Can I make the filling in advance? Absolutely! You can make the filling a day ahead. Just mix the apples, caramel, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble your hand pies. What should I serve with hand pies? Hand pies are great on their own but pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel on top adds extra flavor. How can I make these hand pies healthier? To make these hand pies healthier, use whole wheat pie crust. You can also reduce the sugar in the filling or add more apples for natural sweetness. Consider using a sugar substitute in your caramel sauce if desired. You’ve learned how to make delicious caramel apple hand pies. We covered all the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to try different fillings or adjust for dietary needs. Storing and reheating your treats is easy, too. Making these hand pies is fun and a great way to impress. Now, get cooking and enjoy every bite!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with these delicious caramel apple hand pies! Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, they'll fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet caramel and tart apples wrapped in a flaky crust. Ready in just 45 minutes, these hand pies are perfect for sharing or savoring yourself. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!

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Ingredients

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 egg (for egg wash)

2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the apples are well-coated.

Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). You will need about 8 circles total (4 for the bottom and 4 for the top of the pies).

On one half of each pie crust circle, spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the caramel apple filling. Be careful not to overfill!

Fold the other half of the crust over the filling to create a semi-circle. Press the edges down to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for a sweet crust finish.

Cut a couple of small slits on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for added indulgence.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 (2 pies each)