Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet apples, gooey caramel, and flaky pastry with these Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies. Perfect for snacking or dessert, these hand pies are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. The perfect balance of flavors with tart apples, sweet caramel, and a hint of cinnamon.
2. Quick and easy prep time, making it ideal for a delicious treat on the go.
3. Great for meal prep or serving at parties and gatherings.

Ingredient Notes:

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the pastry.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough.
• Baking powder: Helps the dough rise and become flaky.
• Cold unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the pastry.
• Cold sour cream: Keeps the dough tender and moist.

For the filling:

• Small diced Granny Smith apples: Adds a tart flavor and texture.
• Fresh lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a zesty kick.
• Cinnamon: Infuses warm, spicy notes into the filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the apples.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling.
• Store-bought soft caramels: Provides a gooey, sweet caramel surprise.

Finishing Touches:

• Egg wash: Gives the hand pies a golden, shiny finish.
• Large flake sea salt: Adds a touch of saltiness to enhance the caramel flavor.
• Crystal sanding sugar (optional): Adds a sparkly touch to the hand pies.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix in the sour cream until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
5. In a bowl, toss together the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and flour.
6. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture and chopped caramels onto each dough circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork.
8. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt.
9. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Helpful Tips:

• Chill the dough before rolling it out for easier handling.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the hand pies for clean edges.
• Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
2. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
3. Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair these Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store, place the hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?

• Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience.

1. Can I freeze these hand pies before baking?

• Yes, you can freeze the assembled hand pies and bake them from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed.

1. How can I prevent the hand pies from becoming soggy?

• Make sure to vent the hand pies before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent sogginess.

1. Can I use caramel sauce instead of soft caramels?

• Yes, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before sealing the hand pies for a gooey caramel experience.

Conclusion:

These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these hand pies are sure to satisfy your cravings. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!

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