Description
Rustic, handheld pastries filled with spiced caramelized apples and gooey salted caramel, topped with flaky sea salt. These impressive yet easy-to-make treats are perfect for fall parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp mix), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/2 cup thick salted caramel sauce
- 2 sheets pie dough or puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (like Maldon) for sprinkling
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and release juices.
- Stir in apple cider and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a glossy syrup.
- Remove from heat and stir in the salted caramel sauce. Let the filling cool completely (about 20 minutes on counter or 10 in fridge).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut into 4×4 inch squares (for puff pastry) or 8-inch circles (for pie dough).
- Place a spoonful of cooled filling in the center of each dough piece, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Brush edges with water, fold dough over filling to seal, and crimp edges with a fork. Poke 2-3 steam vents in the top.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent soggy dough. Do not overfill the pies to avoid leaking. For best results, use high-quality salted caramel that is thick but pourable. These taste better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: fall dessert, apple hand pies, salted caramel, party treats, easy dessert, puff pastry recipes, apple pie alternative