Easy Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Elevate Your Baking Game with Irresistible Apple Hand Pies

Dive into the world of exquisite baking with our delightful recipe for Apple Hand Pies. These portable pockets of golden flakiness are filled with a luscious apple concoction that marries the sweetness of Granny Smith apples with a medley of warm spices. Join us as we guide you through the journey of creating these hand pies from scratch, unravel essential cook notes, explore creative variations, and provide keto and low-carb adaptations for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, discover answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to ensure your apple hand pie adventure is a resounding success.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, or as needed

Instructions

Crafting the Crust:

  1. Butter Bliss:
    • Begin by cutting cold butter into small cubes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Eggcellent Binding:
    • Add a beaten egg to the mixture and gently combine until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a flaky texture.
  3. Chill Out:
    • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Creating the Apple Filling:

  1. Sautéed Splendor:
    • In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced Granny Smith apples and cook until they start to soften.
  2. Sweet Symphony:
    • Introduce brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the sautéed apples. Cook until the sugars dissolve and the apples are coated in the heavenly spice blend.
  3. Thickening Touch:
    • Sprinkle cornstarch over the apple mixture to absorb excess moisture, creating a thick, gooey filling. Stir well and let it cool.

Assembling the Hand Pies:

  1. Preheat and Roll:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  2. Cutting Perfection:
    • Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled dough. These will be the bases and tops of your hand pies.
  3. Filling and Sealing:
    • Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of the base circles. Place a second circle on top, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
  4. Venting Magic:
    • Create small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  5. Baking Beauty:
    • Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Cook Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the crust is cold to achieve a flaky texture.
  • Experiment with a mix of apple varieties for a diverse flavor profile.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the hand pies before baking for a sparkling finish.

Variations

  1. Caramel Drizzle Delight:
    • Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the hand pies before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
  2. Cheddar Infusion:
    • Incorporate a layer of sharp cheddar cheese between the apple filling and crust for a sweet and savory twist.
  3. Nutty Crunch:
    • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for added crunch.
  4. Maple Glaze Magic:
    • Drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled hand pies for a sweet and aromatic touch.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

  • Keto Option:
    • Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the crust for a low-carb alternative.
    • Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of white and brown sugar for both the crust and apple filling.
    • Opt for a sugar-free caramel sauce if including a drizzle.
  • Low-Carb Option:
    • Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour in the crust.
    • Use a low-carb sweetener in the apple filling, adjusting the quantity to your taste.
    • Omit any additional sugary toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A1: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.

Q2: Can I freeze the hand pies before baking? A2: Yes, you can assemble the hand pies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: How do I store leftover hand pies? A3: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for an extended shelf life.

Q4: Can I use pre-made pie crust? A4: While homemade crust enhances the flavor, pre-made crusts can be used for a quicker option. Ensure they are rolled to the desired thickness.

Q5: Can I use different fruits for the filling? A5: Certainly! Experiment with a variety of fruits like pears, berries, or peaches to create unique hand pie flavors.

Indulge in the joy of baking with these Apple Hand Pies, where the buttery crust cradles a spiced apple filling in a portable, handheld delight. Whether you’re savoring the classic version or exploring creative variations, these hand pies are a celebration of flavors and textures. So, preheat your oven, roll out the dough, and embark on a journey of creating irresistible Apple Hand Pies that are sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Your taste buds are in for a treat that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apples!