Apple hand pies are tasty and super easy to make. They pack all the goodness of a traditional apple pie into a small, easy-to-eat size. Perfect for quick snacking or desserts, their delicious crust and spiced apple filling hit the spot.
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A delicious and simple treat, using refrigerated canned biscuits, fresh apples, and some powdered sugar, you can quickly create these tasty snacks.
These pies are perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Golden brown with a yummy crust and sweet apple filling, they’re hard to resist and easy to whip up.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- With straightforward steps, they’re simple to prepare, even for beginners who are just getting started.
- Easy to personalize with different spices, fillings, or a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness.
- These apple hand pies are easy to take with you and share with friends and family.
Recipe Ingredients
- Apple Pie Filling: Sweet and spiced apple goodness, the heart of your hand pies.
- Canned Refrigerated Biscuits: Fluffy pockets of dough ready to cradle that apple filling.
- Powdered Sugar: A snowy dusting for a sweet finish that’ll make your hand pies look irresistible.
- Oil for Frying: The secret to achieving that golden, crispy perfection on the outside.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears, peaches, or berries to create a unique fruit filling. Mixing in cranberries or rhubarb can add a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Savory Hand Pies: Don’t limit yourself to sweet fillings! Try making savory hand pies with ingredients like cheese, ham, or spinach. It’s a great way to switch things up.
- Fun Shapes: Instead of sticking to the traditional half-moon shape, try cutting the pastry into fun shapes like hearts, stars, or even animals. This adds a playful twist to your hand pies and makes them even more enjoyable.
How To Make Apple Hand Pies
Step #1. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer.
Step #2. Flatten canned biscuits and add 2-3 tablespoons of apple pie filling.
Step #3. Seal the pies and fry for 3 minutes per side until golden.
Step #4. Remove from oil, drain, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Recipe FAQs
Seal the edges well by crimping with a fork. You can also prick a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked hand pies. For unbaked, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked, let them cool completely before freezing.
Bake frozen unbaked hand pies directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Expert Tips
- Work with chilled dough to make it easier to handle and less likely to tear. If the dough becomes too warm, refrigerate it for a few minutes before continuing.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the pies in small batches. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
- Brushing the tops of your hand pies with a beaten egg gives them a lovely golden color and a bit of shine.
- After frying, place the pies on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess.
What To Serve Apple Hand Pies With
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of light, airy whipped cream complements the warm, spiced apple filling perfectly, adding a delightful contrast to the flaky crust.
Drizzling warm caramel sauce or a bit of honey over the hand pies adds an extra layer of sweetness and a nice finishing touch.
More Dessert Recipes To Consider
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Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple pie filling
- 1 tube canned refrigerated biscuits (about 8 biscuits)
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 2 quarts oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Place a paper towel over a plate or a tray to prepare the area for drying the fried pies.
- Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- While the oil is heating, take out the canned refrigerated biscuits.
- Flatten each biscuit gently. Use a rolling pin for even thickness if available. Aim to make them as thin as possible without tearing.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of apple pie filling into the center of each flattened biscuit. Be careful not to overfill to ensure proper sealing.
- Fold the biscuits in half, forming a half-circle shape with the filling inside.
- Use a fork to press the edges firmly together, sealing the filling inside.
- Carefully place the pies into the preheated oil, avoiding overcrowding. They should be submerged.
- Fry for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pies from the oil.
- Place them on the prepared plate/tray with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- While still warm, sprinkle the pies generously with powdered sugar.
- Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. A drop or increase in temperature can affect the texture and taste of the pies.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings like cherry, peach, or even savory fillings like ham and cheese.
- These pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
- Be extremely careful while working with hot oil to avoid splatters and burns.
- Ensure the pies are sealed properly to avoid the filling from leaking into the oil.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
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