Easy Apple Hand Pies
on Nov 03, 2023, Updated Mar 27, 2024
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Apple Hand Pies made with apple pie filling and canned biscuits are a delightful treat that brings together the deliciousness of apple pie in a handy, handheld form.
Easy apple hand pies are a delightful treat that people of all ages can enjoy making and eating. With their sweet, tangy filling and flaky pastry, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Apple hand pies would taste great served with homemade ice cream or easy apple cider. Don’t forget to get creative with your fillings and shapes, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Portable and Shareable: One of the main reasons people adore easy apple hand pies is because they’re easy to take with you and share with friends and family. You can enjoy them at picnics, parties, or simply as a quick snack.
- Sweet and Tangy: These hand pies are bursting with the sweet and tangy goodness of apples. The combination of tender apple slices and sugary cinnamon makes them incredibly tasty.
- Simple to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, you can whip up a batch of apple hand pies without too much trouble. They’re a fun and rewarding project for kids and adults alike.
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: While apple hand pies are fantastic, you can try other fruits like cherries, peaches, or blueberries. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor to the pies.
- 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.
- Gluten-Free or Vegan: If you have dietary restrictions, you can find recipes for gluten-free or vegan hand pies. Just replace traditional flour with gluten-free flour or use dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
- Creative Shapes: Instead of the classic half-moon shape, get creative with your pastry shapes. Try hearts, stars, or even animals for a fun twist on traditional hand pies.
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
To prevent leaks, make sure to seal the edges of your hand pies well. You can also prick a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
Absolutely! Once they’re cooled, you can freeze them for later. Just pop them in the oven to reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Yes, you can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia, depending on your preference.
Expert Tips
- 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.
- Brushing the tops of your hand pies with a beaten egg gives them a lovely golden color and a bit of shine.
- For an extra special touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over your baked hand pies. It adds a sweet and gooey layer of yumminess!
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Easy Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple pie filling
- 1 tube canned refrigerated biscuits, (about 8 biscuits)
- 1/2 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.
