As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with cool breezes, I find myself craving the warm and comforting flavors of fall. The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe has long been my go-to for celebrating this enchanting season, and now I’ve discovered a delightful twist: Apple Hand Pies. These golden little pockets of goodness are bursting with SweeTango apples, caramelized to perfection and wrapped in a flaky crust that shatters beautifully at the first bite.
I remember the first time I made these hand pies; my neighbors were thrilled when the sweet aroma wafted through the air. They couldn’t resist stopping by to see what was cooking and left with smiles—and some of those delicious hand pies! It’s amazing how a humble apple dessert can bring people together, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a cozy gathering.
With a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to top them off, these Apple Hand Pies are not only impressively easy to make but are also the perfect treat to share or savor all on your own. Get ready to embrace the flavors of autumn with every delightful bite!
Why is The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe special?
Uniquely Delicious: These Apple Hand Pies boast a warm, sweet filling made from SweeTango apples, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, they’re small enough to share and delightful enough to impress.
Simple Preparation: The recipe’s straightforward steps make it accessible for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or at brunch for a twist on traditional apple pie.
Make Ahead Option: Chill the dough overnight for an easy, time-saving solution when preparing for a crowd.
Fresh from Home: Say goodbye to fast food and embrace homemade goodness that nourishes both the body and soul.
The Ultimate Apple Pie Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need for those tasty hand pies!
For the Filling
- SweeTango apples – the perfect balance of sweet and tart to create a delicious filling.
- Salted butter – adds richness and enhances the flavor of the apple mixture.
- Brown sugar – for that deep caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
- Pumpkin pie spice – a warm blend that adds depth and coziness to every bite.
- Lemon juice – brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- Salt – enhances all the sweet flavors in this decadent filling.
For the Pastry
- Evaporated milk – adds creaminess and helps create a tender crust.
- Beaten egg – serves as a binder for the dough to keep it together.
- AP flour – the foundation for your pastry, giving it structure.
- Sugar – adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- Lard or shortening – creates a flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
For Frying and Finishing
- Canola oil – ideal for frying your hand pies to golden perfection.
- Cinnamon and sugar – for a deliciously sweet and spiced finishing touch that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe that’ll warm their hearts and fill their tummies!
How to Make Apple Hand Pies
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Combine the evaporated milk and beaten egg in a bowl, then set aside. This mixture will create a creamy texture for your pastry dough.
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Mix together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture for your crust.
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Blend the wet and dry mixtures gently until just moistened. Remember not to overwork the dough, as it benefits from a light touch for that perfect flakiness.
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Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps with rolling it out later!
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Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and dicing them into half-inch pieces. Discard the peels and cores to focus on that delicious filling.
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Heat a 14-inch non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and brown sugar together until bubbling, creating a sweet base for your apple mixture.
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Add the diced apples, pumpkin pie spice, and lemon juice when the butter is foaming. Increase the heat to medium-high to ensure the apples caramelize beautifully.
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Cook the apple mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing occasionally, until it thickens and caramelizes around the apples, creating a luscious filling.
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Transfer the apple mixture onto a non-stick baker’s mat in a tray and allow it to cool completely before filling your pies.
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Roll the chilled pastry dough onto a lightly floured surface, creating circles about 6 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick, to form your hand pie shells.
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Spoon the cool apple mixture onto half of each dough circle and fold it over to create half moons. Use a turnover press if you have one for a perfect shape!
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Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 335 degrees Fahrenheit, making the perfect environment for frying your hand pies.
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Fry the hand pies for 6 to 7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown, allowing that delightful aroma to fill your kitchen.
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Transfer the hot pies onto a baking tray and sprinkle generously with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, inviting finish.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to enjoy cozy homemade goodness even on your busiest days! You can make the pastry dough and chill it up to 24 hours in advance, covering it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. The apple filling can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring all those delightful flavors meld together. When ready to assemble and fry, simply roll out the chilled dough, fill it with the prepped apple mixture, and fry for a deliciously fresh treat. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have homemade Apple Hand Pies that are just as delicious with minimal fuss when it’s time to serve!
What to Serve with Apple Hand Pies?
What perfect companions can elevate your Apple Hand Pies into a cozy, satisfying meal?
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully alongside warm hand pies, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the hand pies adds a luxurious sweetness that complements the apple filling perfectly.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the pies, refreshing your palate with each bite.
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Hot Apple Cider: Sipping spiced apple cider warms the soul and enhances the fall flavors of your homemade treats.
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Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese pairs delightfully, providing a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the apple filling.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall spirit with a flavorful latte that mirrors the spices in the hand pies, making for a cozy treat.
Imagine gathering around the table with these delightful sides, creating warm memories over a shared love of food!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their flakiness.
Fridge: For longer freshness, place them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen for a delicious treat anytime!
Reheating: To reheat, place the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Enjoy your homemade The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe!
Tips for the Best Apple Hand Pies
Use Fresh Apples: Select firm, fresh SweeTango apples for a filling that is flavorful and holds up well during cooking.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling your pastry dough! It prevents it from becoming too soft and makes rolling out much easier.
Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious not to overfill the hand pies, as this can cause them to burst during frying. Stick to about one tablespoon of filling.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your canola oil temperature steady at 335 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior without burning the pies.
Cool Completely: Allow the cooked pies to cool slightly before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. This helps the topping stick better and enhances the flavor.
Embrace these helpful tricks for The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe to impress friends and family with delicious results!
The Ultimate Apple Pie Variations
Feel free to explore and personalize your apple hand pies for even more delightful flavors and textures.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for an equally tasty treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Fruit Fusion: Add chopped pears or berries to the apple filling for an enticing twist that elevates the fruit flavors beautifully.
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Caramel Drizzle: Once fried, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pies for a gooey, irresistible dessert that’ll have everyone wanting more.
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Savory Spin: Incorporate diced bacon or cheese into the apple filling for a unique sweet-and-savory hand pie perfect for brunch!
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Spiced Variations: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile that warms the heart.
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Dairy-Free: Replace evaporated milk with almond or coconut milk, and use a plant-based butter for a delightful hand pie that’s kind to dairy-free diets.
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Crispy Oven-Baked: For a lighter option, brush the filled pastries with egg wash and bake them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes for a golden, flaky finish.
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Mini Hand Pies: Cut the dough into smaller circles for bite-sized treats that are adorable and perfect for parties or gatherings.
These variations will help you create something special every time, inviting moments of joy with each delicious bite!
Apple Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best apples for my hand pies?
Absolutely! For the ultimate apple flavor, I recommend using SweeTango apples. They’re known for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, which complements the caramelized filling wonderfully. Look for firm apples with vibrant color and avoid any with dark spots or blemishes.
How should I store my apple hand pies?
Very simply! Once cooled, keep your hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful flakiness. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them wrapped tightly; they’ll last about a week.
Can I freeze apple hand pies?
Definitely! To freeze, first cool the hand pies completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. For a quick snack, you can reheat them directly from the freezer; just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky or crumbly?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Conversely, if it’s crumbly, it might be too dry; add a teaspoon of cold water or evaporated milk gradually until it comes together. Remember, a light touch is best—overworking can lead to a tough crust!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Of course! If you have allergies, be cautious with the ingredients. The recipe contains gluten from the flour and dairy from the butter and evaporated milk. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk. Always check with friends and family for specific dietary restrictions when sharing your delicious hand pies.
How can I ensure my hand pies are perfectly crispy?
To achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior, it’s key to maintain your frying oil temperature at around 335°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy, and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, as that can cause the temperature to drop. Frying in small batches will yield perfectly crispy apple hand pies that everyone will love!
Enjoy making The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe!
The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe for Cozy Family Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the evaporated milk and beaten egg in a bowl, then set aside.
- Mix together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Blend the wet and dry mixtures gently until just moistened.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and dicing them into half-inch pieces.
- Heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and brown sugar together until bubbling.
- Add the diced apples, pumpkin pie spice, and lemon juice. Increase heat to medium-high.
- Cook the apple mixture for 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens and caramelizes.
- Transfer the apple mixture onto a non-stick baker’s mat and allow it to cool completely.
- Roll the chilled pastry dough onto a lightly floured surface, creating circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- Spoon the cool apple mixture onto half of each dough circle and fold it over to create half moons.
- Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or pot to about 335 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the hand pies for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer the hot pies onto a baking tray and sprinkle generously with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.