These Apple Caramel Hand Pies are the perfect fall treat—flaky, golden pastry filled with sweet and spiced apples, and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. The warm, buttery pockets are the ideal handheld dessert for any occasion.
Not only are these hand pies easy to make, but they also deliver the perfect balance of flavors—tart apples, rich caramel, and a hint of cinnamon. Serve them as an after-dinner treat, or take them to your next gathering to impress your friends and family with a sweet, homemade dessert. You can even prepare the filling in advance for an even quicker dessert option.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and lemon juice.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 squares.
- Spoon a tablespoon of caramel sauce in the center of each pastry square. Top with the spiced apple mixture and a small piece of butter.
- Fold the corners of the pastry square to form a pocket and press the edges to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
- Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4
Apple Caramel Hand Pies are the ultimate autumn dessert, offering the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. This recipe brings together the richness of caramel and the tartness of fresh apples, making it an ideal treat for fall or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting. The hand pies are easy to make and versatile, perfect for family gatherings, after-school snacks, or even as a sweet addition to a holiday spread.
A Perfect Fall Dessert
The apple filling in these hand pies is made with diced apples, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice, creating a delicious, sweet and tangy flavor profile. The addition of cinnamon warms up the filling, giving it that signature autumn taste. The puff pastry provides a light, buttery crunch that complements the soft apple filling perfectly.
Customization Options
While the basic apple and caramel filling is irresistible on its own, you can customize the hand pies to suit your taste. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture or mix in a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. If you want a more intense caramel flavor, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top before baking. You could even make these pies with other fruits like pears or berries if you’re looking for variety.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These Apple Caramel Hand Pies are a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling the pies. If you want to freeze them, you can freeze the assembled pies before baking. Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm them up, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through properly.
Serving Suggestions
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. If you’re hosting a fall dinner party, these pies make a beautiful dessert to share with guests. Pair them with a warm drink like apple cider, tea, or coffee for the perfect dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Caramel Hand Pies are incredibly easy to make but taste so indulgent. They are the perfect treat for busy bakers who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something sweet, these hand pies will satisfy your cravings with every flaky bite.
Why You’ll Love These Hand Pies:
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Simple Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients – puff pastry, apples, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and a touch of butter – you can create a dessert that tastes as though it came from a bakery. The filling is easy to prepare and adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice to each bite.
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Flaky Pastry: Puff pastry is the perfect base for these hand pies because it bakes up light and crispy with just the right amount of flakiness. This delicate, buttery crust is the perfect vehicle for the sweet apple and caramel filling inside.
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Versatile Filling: While the classic apple and caramel combination is delicious, this recipe can be customized to suit your tastes. For example, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture, or use a mix of apples – such as tart Granny Smith and sweet Gala apples – for a balanced flavor. You can also experiment with adding a dash of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the filling for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
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Make-Ahead Dessert: These Apple Caramel Hand Pies can be made ahead of time, which is a huge time-saver if you’re preparing for a gathering. You can either freeze the assembled hand pies before baking or refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and you’ll have warm, flaky hand pies in no time.
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Perfect for Sharing: These hand pies are portable, making them perfect for on-the-go snacks or party platters. The small, individual portions make them easy to share with friends and family, and they’re just the right size for satisfying a sweet craving without being too indulgent.
How to Serve:
Apple Caramel Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence. You can also drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top or dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Pair them with a warm beverage like tea, coffee, or apple cider for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
Storage Tips:
If you happen to have any leftover Apple Caramel Hand Pies (though that’s unlikely!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
A Perfect Fall Dessert:
There’s no better way to celebrate the flavors of fall than with these Apple Caramel Hand Pies. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a warm dessert after dinner, serve something special at a party, or bake up a batch to share with loved ones, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. With their combination of flaky pastry, sweet apples, and indulgent caramel, they bring the warmth and comfort of the season right to your plate.
Add this recipe to your collection and enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness of Apple Caramel Hand Pies anytime you need a dessert that’s both simple and indulgent.
Conclusion:
Apple Caramel Hand Pies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients—flaky puff pastry, sweet apples, and caramel sauce—they come together to create a warm, comforting dessert. You can easily customize the filling and make them ahead of time for added convenience. These hand pies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a cozy snack. Whether served with ice cream or on their own, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warm flavors of fall with this irresistible, handheld dessert!