Baked Caramel Apple
mini Pies
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Indulge in the delightful world of mini apple pies, where flaky crusts embrace a luscious blend of diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel. A symphony of flavors awakens with a drizzle of caramel topping, creating a harmonious balance between sweetness and spice. These hand-held treasures invite you to experience a taste of tradition and warmth in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
You Will Need
For The Pie Crust
3 Cups Flour (divided)
2 Sticks Unsalted Butter
1 Cup plus 2 TBSP Ice Water
1 TBSP Sugar
For the Pie Filling-
12 Medium Apples Peeled, cored and diced.
1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
4 Tbsp Melted Butter
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 Tbsp Lemon Juice
3 Tbsp Corn Starch
3 Tbsp Water
1 tsp Vanilla
15 Caramels
1 Cup Water
For the Caramel Topping
8 Caramels
1 tsp Butter
1 tsp cream
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 Table Spoon Sugar
Extra
4 TBSP melted butter
olive oil spray
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The recipe can be adapted to include a variety of fruits to create delicious hand pies. In addition to apples, you can use fruits like pears, peaches, berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries), cherries, or even a combination of different fruits. Just ensure that the chosen fruits are suitable for baking and have a similar texture to apples when cooked. Adjust the sugar and spice levels accordingly to complement the flavor profile of the chosen fruit.
Mini Hand Pie Directions
How-to Video
Pie Crust:
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Start by dividing the flour into two portions: 2 cups and 1 cup. Place 2 cups of flour in a large mixing bowl.
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Cut the unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the flour. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture.
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Gradually add 1 cup of ice water, along with 1 tablespoon of sugar, while stirring with a fork or your hands. If needed, incorporate an extra 1-2 tablespoons of ice water to attain the desired dough consistency.
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Divide the dough into two portions, shaping each into a flat disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Pie Filling:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and diced medium apples with packed brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Ensure the apple mixture is well coated.
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In a separate small bowl, create a smooth paste by mixing corn starch with 3 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to the apple mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
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In a saucepan, melt 15 caramels with 1 cup of water over low heat. Once melted, pour the caramel mixture over the apple mixture and gently fold it in.
Assembling the Mini Hand Pies:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Take one of the chilled pie crust discs and roll it out on a floured surface. Use the mini hand pie molds to cut out dough rounds.
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Lightly grease the mini hand pie molds with olive oil spray. Place a dough round into each mold, gently pressing it to fit the shape.
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Fill each mold with the prepared apple filling, leaving some space at the top for sealing.
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Roll out the second chilled pie crust disc and use the mini hand pie molds to cut out matching dough rounds for the tops of the pies.
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Place the matching dough rounds over the filled molds, pressing the edges to seal. Remove any excess dough.
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Carefully release the mini hand pies from the molds and place them on a baking sheet.
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Brush the tops of the hand pies with 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
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In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of sugar to create the cinnamon sugar mixture. Sprinkle this mixture over the tops of the hand pies.
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Bake the mini hand pies in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Caramel Topping:
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 caramels with 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of cream. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until the caramel sauce becomes smooth.
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Drizzle the caramel sauce over the baked mini hand pies.
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Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delightful homemade mini hand pies! Note that baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the pies to achieve your desired level of doneness.
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Mini Hand Pie Tips
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Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the pie crust dough is crucial. This helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly during baking and results in a flakier crust. Make sure to refrigerate the dough discs for the recommended time or until firm.
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Even Thickness: When rolling out the pie crust dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. This will help the hand pies cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
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Prevent Stickiness: Flour your work surface, rolling pin, and hands when handling the dough. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to work with.
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Perfect Filling: Make sure the apple filling is well-coated and evenly mixed. This will ensure a balanced flavor in every bite of the hand pies.
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Don't Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the hand pie molds. Overfilling can lead to leaking and difficulty sealing the pies properly.
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Sealing Edges: Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges of the hand pies firmly to seal them. Proper sealing prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
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Ventilation: If not using molds with vent holes, make small slits in the top crust of each hand pie to allow steam to escape. This helps prevent the pies from becoming too soggy.
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Monitor Baking: Keep a close eye on the mini hand pies while they are baking. Oven temperatures may vary, and the pies can brown quickly. Adjust the baking time as needed to achieve a golden-brown crust.
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Caramel Drizzle: When making the caramel drizzle, ensure that the caramel and other ingredients are fully melted and combined for a smooth and creamy texture.
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Cooling Time: Allow the mini hand pies to cool slightly before drizzling with caramel and serving. This helps set the filling and prevents them from being too runny.
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Serve Warm: These hand pies are best enjoyed warm, especially right after baking. The contrast between the warm filling and the flaky crust is delightful.
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Experiment: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding a touch of your favorite spices, such as a pinch of ginger or cloves, to the apple filling for added depth of flavor.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and visually appealing mini hand pies that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
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