Get ready to treat yourself with my Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies! These delicious desserts combine sweet apples and rich caramel, all wrapped in a flaky crust. In this article, I’ll guide you step by step through making these irresistible treats. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, you’ll find tips and tricks to create the perfect hand pies. Let’s dive in and make dessert a moment to savor!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 6–8 tablespoons ice water
– 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Sea salt flakes for topping
The main ingredients make these hand pies special. First, the all-purpose flour provides a great base for the dough. The salt and sugar balance the flavors. Chilled butter gives the crust its flaky texture. Ice water helps bring the dough together quickly.
Next, the apples shine in this recipe. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. The brown sugar adds depth, while cinnamon and lemon juice brighten the mix. Salted caramel sauce is a must. It brings that sweet, salty flavor that makes these pies irresistible.
Recommended Tools
– Mixing bowl
– Rolling pin
– Cookie cutter or glass
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients. A rolling pin helps roll out the dough evenly. You can use a cookie cutter or a glass to shape the dough circles. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper keeps the hand pies from sticking. This setup ensures your baking process runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on creating delicious treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Use a whisk to blend them well. Then, cut in 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed butter. Aim for a mix that looks like coarse crumbs. Next, slowly add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
For the filling, take 3 medium apples, peel and dice them. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well-coated. If you want, drizzle in 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce and gently fold it in. This adds a rich flavor to the filling.
Assembling and Baking
Once your dough is ready, roll out one disk on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are 4-5 inches wide. Place about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with your fingers or a fork. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the hand pies with a beaten egg for a golden color. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for extra flavor. Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Enjoy them warm!
Tips & Tricks
Dough Tips
– Keeping butter cold for a flaky crust: Cold butter makes a tender and flaky crust. Cut the butter into small cubes and chill it in the fridge before using. When you mix it into the flour, do so quickly. The less the butter warms up, the better your crust will be.
– How to prevent shrinking during baking: To stop your dough from shrinking, let it rest. After mixing, wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax. When rolling out, don’t stretch the dough; let it fall naturally into shape.
Filling Variations
– Adjusting sweetness with different apple types: Different apples give different flavors. Granny Smith apples are tart and great for balance. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Mix them for a more complex taste.
– Enhancing flavors with additional spices: You can add spices to make your filling pop. Consider nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A pinch of cloves can also add depth to your apple mixture. Experiment to find your perfect blend.
Serving Suggestions
– Best serving ideas and pairing options: Serve these hand pies warm with vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs well with the warm, sweet filling. You can also serve them with whipped cream for a light touch.
– Drizzling options for extra caramel flavor: For an extra treat, drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top. Just warm it slightly to make it easier to pour. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combo.
Variations
Alternative Fillings
You can switch up the filling in your salted caramel apple hand pies. Try using pears or peaches for a fruity twist. You can also use berries for a tart flavor. For nut lovers, adding chopped pecans or walnuts can bring a nice crunch. Want something rich? Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Mix them with apples for a great blend of flavors. You can even go savory! Fill your pies with cheese and herbs or cooked meats for a fun snack.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, it’s easy to adjust the recipe. Use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for the best texture. You might need to tweak the amount of liquid. Gluten-free flours absorb more moisture, so add a little more water if the dough feels dry. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency. It should still be easy to roll out.
Mini and Bite-Sized Versions
Mini hand pies are perfect for parties or snacks. To make them, roll the dough out thinner and cut smaller circles, about 3 inches in diameter. Adjust the baking time, too. Smaller pies will bake faster, so check them after 15 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy. These bite-sized treats are fun to eat and share.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your salted caramel apple hand pies fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps reduce moisture and keeps the crust crispy. They last up to three days in the fridge. If you want them warm, just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze hand pies before baking. Assemble the pies, but do not bake them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for two hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, you can cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Avoiding Sogginess
To keep the crust crispy, avoid stacking the hand pies. Use parchment paper between layers if you must stack. Store them in a container that allows for airflow. A wire rack works great for this. Keeping them in a cool, dry place also helps maintain that crunch.
FAQs
How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce?
To make salted caramel sauce from scratch, follow these simple steps:
1. Gather your ingredients: You need sugar, water, heavy cream, butter, and sea salt.
2. Combine sugar and water: In a saucepan, mix one cup of sugar with a quarter cup of water. Stir until dissolved.
3. Cook the mixture: Heat over medium heat. Do not stir. Watch for a golden color.
4. Add cream: Once golden, remove from heat. Slowly whisk in half a cup of heavy cream. Be careful, it will bubble.
5. Add butter and salt: Stir in four tablespoons of butter and a pinch of sea salt. Let it cool.
This sauce is rich, sweet, and perfect for drizzling over your hand pies.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust. Here are the pros and cons:
– Pros:
– Saves time and effort.
– Consistent texture and flavor.
– Cons:
– Less control over ingredients.
– May not be as flaky as homemade.
If you want a quick dessert, store-bought crust is a good choice. If you have time, homemade adds a special touch.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, here’s how to fix it:
1. Add more flour: Sprinkle a little flour onto the dough and knead gently.
2. Chill the dough: Place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This firms it up.
3. Use floured surfaces: Always roll out on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
These steps will help you achieve the right dough consistency for your hand pies.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious hand pies. We covered the main ingredients like apples, butter, and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for making the dough and filling, plus helpful tips to ensure success. Remember, you can easily customize flavors and try different fillings. Keep your hand pies on point by following storage tips for freshness. With practice, you’ll master this simple dessert. Enjoy baking and sharing your sweet treats!
