Introduction

These caramel apple hand pies are perfect for an after-school snack or a quick dessert. They take less than 20 minutes to pull together and bake, delivering warm, gooey satisfaction with minimal effort. For another speedy sweet treat, try these Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe – Easy Dessert Treat.

Ingredients

The combination of warm, spiced apples and rich, gooey salted caramel wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust makes these hand pies an irresistible treat.

• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 sticks cubed butter, very cold
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• 3 apples, cubed (mix of sweet-tart apples such as Golden Delicious, Fuji, Jonagolds)
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Timing

Context: This is about 30% faster than most traditional hand pie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven

Gather 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough, 1 can of apple pie filling, and ¼ cup of caramel sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. This high temperature ensures the pastry bakes up golden and flaky.

Step 2 — Unroll and Separate the Dough

Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a clean, dry surface. If your dough has perforations, press them together to seal. This creates a solid base for your hand pies and prevents filling from leaking.

Step 3 — Cut the Dough into Squares

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 equal squares. This is the perfect size for a personal, handheld treat that’s easy for kids to hold.

Step 4 — Add the Apple and Caramel Filling

Place one heaping tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of each dough square. Drizzle about a teaspoon of caramel sauce over the apples. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.

Step 5 — Fold and Seal the Hand Pies

Fold one corner of the dough square over the filling to the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Use a fork to firmly press and crimp the edges shut. This seal is crucial to keep the delicious filling inside during baking.

Step 6 — Transfer to a Baking Sheet and Bake

Place the sealed hand pies on an ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown. The high heat ensures a quick bake, keeping the total time under 20 minutes.

Step 7 — Cool and Add Extra Caramel

Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot. For an extra treat, drizzle with additional caramel sauce just before enjoying your perfect after-school snack or quick dessert.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Pastry — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust to make these hand pies celiac-friendly without sacrificing the flaky texture.
• Lower-Carb Crust — Swap the traditional pastry for an almond flour or coconut flour-based dough to reduce the net carbohydrate content significantly.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Replace regular butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter to create a dairy-free version that’s just as rich.
• Reduced-Sugar Filling — Use a sugar-free caramel sauce and sweeten the apple mixture primarily with a touch of monk fruit or stevia to cut down on added sugars.
• Protein Boost — Add a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides or vanilla protein powder to the pastry dough for an easy protein enhancement that doesn’t alter the flavor.
• Low-Sodium Option — Opt for unsalted butter and ensure your caramel sauce is a low-sodium variety to better control the salt content in this quick dessert.
• Whole Wheat Pastry — Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a fiber-rich alternative with a nuttier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic pairing, serve these hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pack them in a lunchbox for a special treat; they are perfectly portable.
• Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Pair with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of apple cider for a cozy after-school snack.
• Arrange on a rustic wooden board for a charming display at a fall gathering or potluck.
• For a fun twist, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

These caramel apple hand pies are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect choice for any occasion that calls for a quick and delicious treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly juicy apples, which can make the pastry soggy. Fix: Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and release less liquid.
• Mistake: Overfilling the hand pies, causing the filling to leak out during baking. Fix: Use a modest tablespoon of filling per pie and leave a clean half-inch border for sealing.
• Mistake: Not chilling the assembled pies before baking, leading to misshapen pastries. Fix: A quick 15-minute chill in the freezer helps the butter in the crust firm up for a flakier result.
• Mistake: Skipping the egg wash or milk glaze, resulting in a pale, less appealing finish. Fix: A simple brush of beaten egg or milk before baking gives them a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Mistake: Sealing the edges poorly, which allows caramel to bubble out. Fix: Press the edges firmly with a fork or crimp with your fingers to create a tight, decorative seal.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong oven temperature, risking undercooked pastry or burnt filling. Fix: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure an accurate 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
• Mistake: Cutting slits in the top crust that are too small, trapping steam and making the pies puff up. Fix: Make two or three substantial slits on top to allow steam to escape gracefully.
• Mistake: Handling the dough too much, which can make the pastry tough instead of tender. Fix: Work quickly and keep ingredients cold to prevent the butter from melting before baking.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place unbaked or fully cooled baked pies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which usually takes 5-10 minutes.

These storing methods ensure your caramel apple hand pies remain a perfect for an after-school snack or a quick dessert whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Hand Pies are the ultimate solution for a fast, delicious treat. Perfect for an after-school snack or a quick dessert, they truly take less than 20 minutes to pull together and bake. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below! If you love easy apple desserts, you might also enjoy this Looking for a no-fuss fall dessert? This Apple Cobbler with cake mix is quick, cozy, and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream..

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

These hand pies feature a tender, flaky all-butter pie dough filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and rich salted caramel, perfect for an after-school snack or quick dessert.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 hand pies 1x
• Method: Dessert/Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 sticks cubed butter, very cold
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• 3 apples, cubed (mix of sweet-tart apples such as Golden Delicious, Fuji, Jonagolds)
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. For the Pie Dough: Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Add cubed, very cold butter and pulse until butter is the size of large peas.
2. Add 6 tablespoons of ice water and pulse until the mixture is combined and moist but not wet. Add additional ice water if needed.
3. For the Filling: Toss cubed apples with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Roll out the pie dough and cut into rectangles. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each rectangle.
5. Add a drizzle or spoonful of salted caramel sauce over the filling.
6. Fold the dough over to form a pocket and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
7. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor. Keep the dough cold to ensure flakiness. The salted caramel can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

FAQs

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. This makes them a perfect for an after-school snack or a quick dessert, as you can have them ready to pop in the oven.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator; gently reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore the flaky texture.