Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyIt wouldn’t be fall without apple pie. These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delicious and sweet way to celebrate the season. With a homemade pie crust, fresh apple filling, and salted caramel that you can hold in your hand, what’s not to love?
I think I share a new pie recipe here on Inspired by Charm every fall. This year we’re making these Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies. I thought we’d mix it up and try something different and I’m so glad that I did. I couldn’t love these pies more. They might be one of my new favorite fall foods!
Not only are they delicious, but they look adorable too. I used this hand pie maker to shape and cut the pie dough. It was a bit fussy (I’ve explained more below), but it ended up working out.
While many love pumpkin recipes for the fall (don’t get me wrong I do too), I love a deliciously spiced apple recipe too. The blend of tart, sweet, and crisp apple with warming cinnamon is just unbeatable.
I also used my favorite. homemade pie crust recipe to create these hand pies. I find it pretty quick and easy to make my own crust and it’s much better than the store-bought. However, there’s no shame in using store-bought as it will work great too.
I want to mention this wonderful vintage picnic basket pie carrier that I got while I was out thrifting. Isn’t it perfect for these apple hand pies? I love vintage finds. I decided to style them in it and I think they look so cute. You’re all ready for a fall picnic, outdoor party, tailgate, or even movie night on the couch. I love taking a few extra easy steps to make things look special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These Salted Caramel Hand Pies are the epitome of indulgence! Picture this: golden, flaky pastry enveloping a luscious pool of gooey, homemade salted caramel. The contrast between the buttery crust and the sweet-salty caramel is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Don’t let the word “pies” intimidate you! As someone who cherishes simplicity, I know how important it is to create recipes that are approachable for everyone. These hand pies are a cinch to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
- Unlike a full-sized pie that requires slicing and serving, these hand pies are wonderfully convenient. They’re perfectly portioned for on-the-go snacking or as a delightful addition to any party spread.
Ready to give these salted caramel apple hand pies a try? Let’s get into the kitchen, put on our aprons, and get to work.
Ingredients
Ready to bake these apple hand pies? You’ll require a few key ingredients to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
- granny smith apples
- granulated sugar
- all-purpose flour
- fresh lemon juice
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- pie crusts
- soft caramel
- flaky sea salt
- egg
- course sugar
How to Make
I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl stir together the apple, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
- If using homemade dough, roll out your dough to a 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a mini pie maker to cut out your pie dough.
- Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the center of one round.
- Add a bit of the chopped caramel candies on top of the filling. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg mixture over the edges of the dough.
- Add another circle of dough to the top. Crimp the ends together with the pocket pie maker or use a fork.
- Transfer the pies to your prepared baking pans.
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- Brush the top of the pies with the remaining egg mixture.
- Sprinkle with sanding sugar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
That’s it! Your pies are complete and ready to be enjoyed.
Recipe Notes and Variations
There are a few things I wanted to mention to help you along with this salted caramel apple hand pies recipe.
- I used the larger square caramels for this recipe. You could also use these little caramel bits. I think they still sell them. It would be easier to just throw a few of these into your pies rather than unwrapping and cutting the larger caramels.
- I wrote the directions incorporating the mini pie mold that I used. However, the cutting process can easily be done with a 4-inch round cutter. Follow the same steps, just use a fork to crimp the ends together.
- I found using one of these hand pie makers to be a little fidgety. It didn’t always seal the two pie layers today. In the end, everything worked out (as you can see). I only had two pies that leaked. So, if you decide to use it, just be aware it requires some patience.
- Be sure to print or save my homemade pie crust recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer a few questions you may have about making these tasty apple hand pies.
Can I prepare the hand pies in advance?
Absolutely! These hand pies can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unbaked hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and, once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy, and you’ll have freshly baked hand pies in no time.
How do I prevent the caramel from oozing out during baking?
To avoid any caramel leakage, make sure to seal the edges of the hand pies tightly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or use the “rope” method to create a decorative border that helps keep the filling intact. Additionally, chilling the assembled hand pies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking can also help the pastry hold its shape.
Can I use a different type of pastry for these hand pies?
While the recipe is designed for a buttery and flaky pastry, you can certainly experiment with other types of pastry, such as puff pastry. Keep in mind that the baking time and results may vary slightly, so it’s always a good idea to do a test batch if you plan to make any substitutions.
Can I reheat the hand pies?
Absolutely! If you have any leftovers or want to enjoy the hand pies warm, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help revive the flakiness and enhance the caramel’s gooeyness.
Can I make these hand pies vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter and use a dairy-free caramel recipe. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or a store-bought gluten-free pastry. Be sure to check the ingredient labels carefully to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
- Caramel Apple Muffins
- Apple Fritter Bread
- Apple Cranberry Tart
- Apple Streusel Cake
- Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread
- Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
You’re definitely going to want to add these salted caramel apple hand pies to your fall baking list. They’re tasty, so cute, and perfect for the autumn season. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Salted Caramel-Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 2 granny smith apples cored, peeled, and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 packages store bought pie crusts or make homemade (my recipe is linked below.)
- 8 soft caramels* roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt
- 1 large egg
- sanding sugar
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl stir together the apple, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
- Use a pocket pie maker to cut out your pie dough. (Alternatively, you can use a 4-inch circle cookie cutter to cut out the dough**.)
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture into the center of one round.
- Add a bit of the chopped caramel candies on top of the filling. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg mixture over the edges of the dough.
- Add another circle of dough to the top. Crimp the ends together with the pocket pie maker or by using a fork.
- Transfer the pies to your prepared baking pans.
- Brush the top of the pies with the remaining egg mixture. If you’re not using the lattice cut side of the cutter, cut a couple of small slits into the top of each pie. Sprinkle with sanding sugar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the pies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Adorable and delicious! I couldn’t ask for more.