Caramel Apple Hand Pies

When the crisp autumn breeze rolls in and apple orchards are bursting with fresh fruit, it’s time to embrace the comforting flavors of the season. Caramel Apple Hand Pies are the ultimate fall apple desserts — portable, indulgent, and packed with the sweet-tart taste of apples wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect harmony of warm spiced apples and gooey caramel.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, planning a Thanksgiving dessert spread, or simply craving a cozy treat on a chilly afternoon, these hand pies are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Why Caramel Apple Hand Pies Are the Perfect Fall Dessert

Apple pie is a timeless classic, but hand pies bring a delightful twist. Instead of serving slices, you get individually portioned mini pies — perfect for parties, picnics, or a grab-and-go snack. Plus, they’re easier to store, freeze, and serve without needing plates or utensils.

By adding caramel to the filling, you elevate the flavor from traditional apple pie to a rich, decadent, and irresistible treat. This makes them stand out among other fall apple desserts and gives you something special to share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Dough (You can also use store-bought)

2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

3 cups (about 3 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Pinch of salt

the Caramel Sauce

½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
Pinch of salt (optional for salted caramel)

Assembly

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk (to mix with egg wash)
Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Fork for crimping edges
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1: Prepare the Pie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
Divide the dough in half, shape into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pro Tip: Keeping your butter cold ensures a flaky, tender crust — one of the key secrets to perfect hand pies.

2: Make the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
Cook for about 5–6 minutes until apples soften slightly and release their juices.
Stir in the flour to thicken the mixture, then add the vanilla extract.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies.

3: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a clean, dry saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
Add the butter and stir until fully melted.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously).
Add a pinch of salt if making salted caramel.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
Use a round cutter (about 4–5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
Place half of the circles on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon a small amount of cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
Drizzle with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce.
Place a second dough circle over the filling and press edges gently to seal.
Use a fork to crimp edges for a decorative finish.
Brush tops with egg wash (egg beaten with milk) and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

5: Bake the Pies

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra caramel sauce for dipping.

Helpful Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Choose the right apples: For fall apple desserts, Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. A mix of both creates a balanced flavor.
Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Keep portions moderate for neat results.
Seal well: Use a fork to crimp edges tightly to prevent leakage.
Chill before baking: If the dough gets too warm while assembling, pop the pies in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge for quick assembly.
Freezing option: Unbaked pies can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (Per Hand Pie, Approximate)

Calories: 310 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Cholesterol: 48 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Sugar: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g

Why These Hand Pies Are the Star of Fall Apple Desserts

There are plenty of fall apple desserts out there — from classic apple crisps to layered apple cakes — but these caramel apple hand pies offer something unique:

Portion control without sacrificing flavor.
Mess-free serving for parties and gatherings.
Customizable flavor with different caramel types or spice blends.
Portable treat perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, and picnics.

They embody everything we love about fall: warm spices, seasonal fruit, and rich caramel — all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry shell.

Creative Serving Ideas

Drizzle with extra caramel sauce right before serving for a glossy, mouth-watering finish.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast that’s irresistible.
Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.
Pair with hot apple cider for the ultimate cozy fall afternoon treat.

Storing and Reheating

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: Keep for up to 5 days; reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
In the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until warm.

Conclusion – Your New Go-To Fall Treat

Caramel Apple Hand Pies are more than just a dessert — they’re a bite-sized celebration of everything autumn has to offer. They combine the nostalgia of apple pie with the indulgence of caramel and the convenience of a handheld pastry.