Caramelized Apple Pies

Caramelized Apple Pies

So I got it into my head that I wanted to make pies. Not regular, full-sized pies you eat by the slice, but the kind you eat out of hand. The seed was planted back in (on?) PEI, when a friend and I went on a 3 day road trip and stopped at the Handpie Company as soon as we pulled onto the island (I oddly love that they made handpie all one word) and ate two ridiculously delicious pies, stuffed half-moons you could eat straight from the paper bag, the buttery pastry loaded with meat and potatoes and other things. I know hand pies are not new, but somehow it was like a reawakening regarding the possibilities of pie.

Also, it’s apple time. I haven’t managed to make a pie yet. Somehow, these pockets seemed like less of a production.

Pastry + apples

So this afternoon I turned on the oven to make pies. (My new-ish oven takes forever to heat up.) I did some things, and did a bunch of editing, and made a porchetta, and made the pastry, and turned the oven off for a bit because it was getting hot and I hadn’t sautéed the apples yet. I like sautéing apples for pie, but it seemed a particularly good idea for these-cooking chunks of apple in a piece of butter caramelizes them, cooks them down so that they’re more concentrated, with less juice to release in the oven. You don’t need a shake of flour in the filling if you cook the apples down a bit first, adding some brown sugar and a shake of cinnamon at the end. And there’s nothing like cooking apples, butter and cinnamon to make your house smell delicious.

Caramelized Apple Pies 6

So I made and assembled the pies, and slid them into the oven. And about ten minutes later, something seemed amiss – I realized I had turned the oven off and not turned it back on. The pastry had completely melted in the oven, which had dropped down to under 200 degrees, and so I just left them in and turned the oven back on, and although their shape and edge is a bit saggier and less defined than they’d otherwise be, a couple opened up a bit and revealed their insides, they looked and tasted just fine and no one had any idea (or cared).

Caramelized Apple Pies 8

I imagined these made with sharp white cheddar in the pastry, or ground pecans, but I wanted to recreate the memory of that straight-up plain, buttery pastry with the apples the first time. When I ate one warm from the sheet, they brought me back somehow to those McDonalds apple pies, only infinitely better, and I wonder if it had something to do with a slightly more uniform, crunchy-edged texture from the butter in the pastry melting before it had a chance to set. Hm.

Caramelized Apple Pies 7

At any rate, they were delish. And it’s worth noting that just because you can eat them out of hand, doesn’t mean you can’t also eat them on a plate, with ice cream.

Caramelized Apple Pies

AuthorJulie

Yields1 Serving

Pastry:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
pinch salt
1/2 cup butter (or half butter, half lard)
1/3 cup cold water
3 Tbsp butter
2 large apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt
1 egg, lightly beaten

1

To make the pastry, combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl and grate or cut in the butter, blending it with a fork, pastry blender or rubbing it with your fingers until combined and crumbly, with some bigger pieces about the size of a pea. Add the water and stir just until the pastry comes together. Gather into a ball, shape into a disc and let rest or refrigerate for at least half an hour, or up to a few days in the fridge.

2

Set a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and sauté the apples for 4-5 minutes, until softened and turning golden. Sprinkle with the sugar, cinnamon and salt and stir until the sugar starts to melt with the heat and juice of the apples. (It shouldn't be too runny though - if it seems to be, keep cooking it for a few more minutes.)

3

Preheat the oven to 400F. Divide the pastry into 4-6 pieces and on a lightly floured surface, roll each piece out into a 5-7 inch circle. Put a spoonful of filling in the middle of each, fold over to cover and then seal by folding the edge up from underneath, to contain any leaks. Crimp if you like, or just haphazardly pinch - they'll look and taste great either way. It's easiest to assemble them on a parchment-lined sheet, otherwise just move them over onto one with a spatula when they're done. Brush with a little beaten egg and cut a couple holes in the top to allow steam to escape.

4

Bake for 20 minutes, or until nice and golden. Makes 4-6.

Category,

Ingredients

 Pastry:
 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
 pinch salt
 1/2 cup butter (or half butter, half lard)
 1/3 cup cold water
 3 Tbsp butter
 2 large apples, peeled, cored and diced
 1/4 cup brown sugar
 1/2 tsp cinnamon
 pinch salt
 1 egg, lightly beaten
Caramelized Apple Pies
Share

About Julie

You May Also Like

62 comments on “Caramelized Apple Pies

  1. Christian Farrier
    October 21, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Those look delicious, Julie! I’m looking forward to trying out the recipe!

  2. Meg
    October 21, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    These pictures have my mouth watering! I think this is a recipe I will try for the Christmas season! Yum yum

  3. Jen
    October 22, 2017 at 11:50 am

    Julie, I am giving these a go – my first attempt at pies. I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do with the egg? 🙂

    • Julie
      October 22, 2017 at 1:21 pm

      Ack sorry! Brush it over the top!

  4. esme
    October 22, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    Warning: if I ever see you, I will hug you and not let go until you pry me off, because this recipe broke the bad pastry spell that some mean fairy put on me at birth. I have NEVER, not one time, made successful pastry until today when I did these handpies. Something about them being small and not pie-like enabled me to get the fortitude to try again despite my vow never to suffer another disappointment (that and several glasses of rose). Anyway, mine were buttery, flaky and super appley, which I LOVE. I see what you mean about cooking the apples first. It made them gooey and not runny at all. I ate mine with whipped cream because that’s how I celebrate breaking bad spells and most other successes. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I think you must be my fairy cookmother!

    • Julie
      October 24, 2017 at 7:55 pm

      Esme, this is amazing!! I’m practically jumping up and down cheering for you from my desk! YAAAY!!!!

  5. Donna Mason
    October 23, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    I used your “Out of the Orchard” book as I had taken delivery of 30 pounds of Ambrosia apples and there are only 2 adults in the house!! School fund raiser don’t you know.
    I made the Classic Apple Pie first. I thought the pastry was very short, a whole lot of fat for very little flour but I persevered. My adult children who come every week for dinner never like change very much and one of them said “I love your regular apple pie but this one was excellent.
    Next I made the Apple Pear Chutney. The fruit didn’t breakdown like my other chutneys but I have three bottles and we’ll do something with it
    Lastly I made the Apple turnover slab pie with the puff pastry. Well, that was sooooo easy almost everyone on the block has had one.
    So, I just wanted to thank you for so many ideas. These apple pies look great but you know this slab pie works so well. I also make your apple scones. My husband raves about them!
    Keep on cooking

    • Julie
      October 24, 2017 at 7:54 pm

      Aw, I’m so glad! Thanks so much for your kind note – you made my whole week!

  6. Valarie
    October 23, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    I put some chopped sage leaves in the apples as they were cooking, and it was just right.

  7. Josefina Hides
    September 19, 2024 at 9:41 pm

    Hi dinnerwithjulie.com admin, Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  8. yoh
    October 16, 2024 at 6:08 am

    During a particularly busy week, I found myself overwhelmed with assignments and decided it was time to pay someone to write my research paper https://domyessay.com/write-my-research-paper. I discovered an excellent service that made the process easy and stress-free. The writer assigned to my project was highly experienced and crafted a well-researched paper that perfectly met my requirements. I was impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail. Not only was the paper delivered on time, but it also helped me understand the topic better.

  9. Adrianna Thwaites
    October 19, 2024 at 5:04 am

    Hi dinnerwithjulie.com administrator, Keep sharing your knowledge!

  10. Robert
    November 16, 2024 at 2:57 pm

    Hello dinnerwithjulie.com webmaster, You always provide useful tips and best practices.

  11. Pbn Links Buy
    November 23, 2024 at 2:53 am

    Hello dinnerwithjulie.com admin, Thanks for the in-depth post!

  12. Buy Web Traffic Cheap
    November 23, 2024 at 3:04 am

    Dear dinnerwithjulie.com admin, Your posts are always on topic and relevant.

  13. buy cialis tablets
    June 9, 2025 at 3:42 am

    Proof blog you procure here.. It’s hard to on strong calibre article like yours these days. I justifiably recognize individuals like you! Go through vigilance!!

  14. cipro and flagyl for uti
    June 10, 2025 at 9:57 pm

    I’ll certainly bring back to skim more.

  15. kxdhm
    June 12, 2025 at 6:00 pm

    cheap azithromycin – order tetracycline 500mg pills order flagyl 200mg online cheap

  16. g5q8v
    June 14, 2025 at 5:57 am

    semaglutide over the counter – buy semaglutide without prescription buy periactin 4 mg generic

  17. 1024r
    June 16, 2025 at 5:20 am

    buy motilium pills – order tetracycline 500mg online buy cyclobenzaprine without a prescription

  18. ouk6j
    June 25, 2025 at 5:44 am

    purchase amoxiclav sale – https://atbioinfo.com/ ampicillin medication

  19. py68l
    June 26, 2025 at 10:36 pm

    esomeprazole 20mg pill – https://anexamate.com/ buy nexium no prescription

  20. a6j4m
    June 28, 2025 at 8:09 am

    buy coumadin cheap – https://coumamide.com/ purchase losartan online cheap

  21. ufml4
    June 30, 2025 at 5:37 am

    mobic 7.5mg us – https://moboxsin.com/ buy mobic no prescription

  22. sx5w3
    July 2, 2025 at 3:04 am

    buy deltasone generic – https://apreplson.com/ deltasone 10mg uk

  23. a9csy
    July 3, 2025 at 6:13 am

    how to get ed pills without a prescription – top ed pills buy generic ed pills over the counter

  24. upowy
    July 4, 2025 at 5:01 pm

    order amoxicillin online cheap – purchase amoxicillin pill amoxicillin drug

  25. 90f09
    July 10, 2025 at 4:27 am

    purchase diflucan generic – order diflucan 100mg online order diflucan 200mg generic

  26. 502xy
    July 11, 2025 at 4:43 pm

    buy cenforce 100mg online cheap – https://cenforcers.com/# where can i buy cenforce

  27. hukx9
    July 13, 2025 at 2:35 am

    benefits of tadalafil over sidenafil – site cialis generic

  28. Connievem
    July 14, 2025 at 3:39 pm

    ranitidine 150mg pill – https://aranitidine.com/# order ranitidine 300mg online

  29. 6e49l
    July 15, 2025 at 3:06 am

    cialis side effects with alcohol – strongtadafl tadalafil and ambrisentan newjm 2015

  30. Connievem
    July 17, 2025 at 12:46 am

    More articles like this would frame the blogosphere richer. lasix espa?±ol

  31. l36tz
    July 17, 2025 at 7:21 am

    can you buy viagra ebay – https://strongvpls.com/ buy viagra uk paypal

  32. 58c7m
    July 19, 2025 at 8:45 am

    The sagacity in this ruined is exceptional. zithromax brand

  33. Connievem
    July 19, 2025 at 7:28 pm

    I couldn’t resist commenting. Warmly written! https://ursxdol.com/cenforce-100-200-mg-ed/

  34. zkxz0
    July 22, 2025 at 2:17 am

    With thanks. Loads of knowledge! how to get loratadine without a prescription

  35. zfr4v
    July 24, 2025 at 3:08 pm

    More posts like this would make the blogosphere more useful. acheter lasix avec paypal

  36. Connievem
    August 4, 2025 at 8:14 am

    The depth in this tune is exceptional. https://ondactone.com/simvastatin/

  37. Connievem
    August 7, 2025 at 4:22 am

    More posts like this would add up to the online time more useful.
    buy clopidogrel generic

  38. Connievem
    August 14, 2025 at 1:19 pm

    Greetings! Extremely serviceable par‘nesis within this article! It’s the petty changes which choice turn the largest changes. Thanks a a quantity quest of sharing! http://www.gtcm.info/home.php?mod=space&uid=1157015

  39. Connievem
    August 20, 2025 at 11:02 pm

    order dapagliflozin online – site cheap forxiga 10 mg

  40. Connievem
    August 23, 2025 at 10:56 pm

    orlistat over the counter – https://asacostat.com/ brand orlistat

  41. Connievem
    August 29, 2025 at 4:15 am

    More articles like this would pretence of the blogosphere richer. http://3ak.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=230413

  42. elonlilx
    October 3, 2025 at 4:14 am

    Anyway, mine were buttery, flaky and super appley, which I LOVE. I see what you mean about cooking the apples first. It made them gooey and not runny at all. I ate mine with whipped cream because that’s how I celebrate breaking bad spells and most other successes. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I think you must be my fairy cookmother octordle !

  43. VkccHault
    October 7, 2025 at 7:16 pm

    You can protect yourself and your family by being alert when buying prescription online. Some pharmacy websites function legally and sell convenience, reclusion, cost savings and safeguards as a replacement for purchasing medicines. buy in TerbinaPharmacy https://terbinafines.com/product/requip.html requip

  44. kqtys
    October 10, 2025 at 7:38 pm

    With thanks. Loads of erudition! cheap xenical

  45. OzcyHault
    October 11, 2025 at 1:19 am

    You can protect yourself and your stock by way of being wary when buying panacea online. Some druggist’s websites function legally and sell convenience, reclusion, rate savings and safeguards to purchasing medicines. http://playbigbassrm.com/fr/

  46. poker online for real money
    October 12, 2025 at 10:38 pm

    This website absolutely has all of the information and facts I needed there this case and didn’t know who to ask.

  47. Uvjtbl
    February 8, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    casinos new
    most reliable online casino sites
    top rated online casino

  48. Jolly
    April 10, 2026 at 12:58 am

    So scary fnaf

  49. Graffiti Coloring Page Generator
    July 16, 2026 at 10:49 am

    These caramelized apple pies sound absolutely irresistible—especially the idea of cooking the apples down first for a deeper, more concentrated filling. I love how forgiving and approachable the recipe feels, and the hand-pie format makes them perfect for fall baking or sharing at a gathering. The buttery pastry and cinnamon-scented apples are exactly the kind of comfort food that never disappoints. Your post also reminded me how fun it is to explore creative versions of classic treats. If anyone enjoys playful food ideas beyond baking, I also like using a graffiti coloring page generator to make custom art for kids’ activity time.

  50. AI Folk Music Generator
    July 16, 2026 at 12:41 pm

    These caramelized apple hand pies sound absolutely irresistible — cozy, nostalgic, and just the right kind of homemade. I love the idea of sautéing the apples first to concentrate the flavor and keep the filling from turning watery, and the buttery pastry sounds perfect for a crisp, tender bite. This is exactly the kind of fall baking inspiration I enjoy reading about. If you like creative, comforting food ideas like this, I also share a fun AI-generated folk music tool that can add a warm, seasonal mood to any kitchen playlist.

  51. BPM Tapper
    July 17, 2026 at 2:38 pm

    These caramelized apple hand pies sound absolutely irresistible — buttery pastry, concentrated apple filling, and that crisp, warm finish is such a perfect fall combination. I also love the idea of cooking the apples first; it makes so much sense for flavor and texture. Your post reminded me how satisfying simple recipes can be when they’re made with care. I’ll definitely be trying these, and I’m always on the lookout for quick kitchen tools and recipe ideas that fit into a busy day, so I’ll be checking out craftmusic.ai/bpm-tapper too.

  52. Deltarune Prophecy Maker
    July 17, 2026 at 3:01 pm

    These caramelized apple hand pies sound absolutely irresistible—especially the idea of cooking the apples down first for a richer filling and less soggy pastry. I also love how forgiving and homey the whole process feels; even the oven mishap somehow adds to the charm. This is exactly the kind of seasonal baking that makes a kitchen smell amazing and feels worth sharing with friends. I’d love to try a version with a little sharp cheddar in the crust someday, but the classic buttery pastry sounds perfect on its own.

  53. ???????
    July 17, 2026 at 3:17 pm

    These caramelized apple pies sound irresistible—simple, buttery, and full of cozy fall flavor. I especially like the idea of sautéing the apples first to deepen the taste and keep the filling from getting too wet. The hand-pie format makes them feel even more approachable for a quick dessert or snack. I also appreciate recipes that come with a bit of real-life kitchen honesty; sometimes the best results happen even when things don’t go exactly as planned. I’m definitely going to try this version, and I’ll be checking out more recipes for inspiration.

  54. Witch Hat Atelier Spell Maker
    July 19, 2026 at 1:25 am

    These caramelized apple pies sound absolutely irresistible — simple, cozy, and exactly the kind of autumn baking I love. I especially like the idea of sautéing the apples first to deepen the flavor and keep the filling from getting watery. Your description made the whole kitchen feel warm and fragrant just reading it. I’ve been exploring creative recipe and gifting ideas at Witch Hat Atelier Spellmaker, and this kind of homemade comfort food inspiration is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing such a deliciously approachable take on hand pies.

  55. Random Pokémon Generator
    July 25, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    These caramelized apple pies sound absolutely delicious — especially the idea of sautéing the apples first for a richer, more concentrated filling. I love recipes that feel rustic, comforting, and a little forgiving too. The story about the oven mishap made me smile, and it’s a great reminder that homemade baking doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing. For anyone who enjoys fun, bite-sized ideas and a bit of kitchen inspiration, you might also like exploring Random Pokémon Generator for something playful and unexpected.

  56. CreateMusic AI
    July 26, 2026 at 5:47 pm

    These caramelized apple hand pies sound absolutely irresistible—especially the idea of sautéing the apples first for a richer, more concentrated filling. I love how forgiving and cozy this recipe feels, and the buttery pastry with warm cinnamon apples is exactly what I want for apple season. The story about the oven mishap made me smile too; sometimes the best bakes happen by accident. If you enjoy creative recipe inspiration like this, you might also like exploring CreateMusic AI for fresh ideas and a different kind of creativity.

  57. Slowed and Reverb Generator
    August 16, 2026 at 12:40 am

    Oh man, I feel you on that kitchen chaos! I’ve totally done the ‘turn the oven off and forget’ thing before, and it’s like, surprise, my pastries are now mush! But hey, sounds like your pies ended up being a little rebellious, and they still tasted delicious, right? I mean, who wouldn’t want a nostalgic treat that takes them back to childhood McDonald’s apple pies but way better? I can almost smell them from here! Have you ever tried adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon? It takes the flavor to a whole new level! Also, here’s a little something if you’re into cooking with interesting sounds—check this out Slowed and Reverb Generator.
    So, anyone else here had a baking fail turn into a success? Share your stories!

  58. AI Music Generator
    August 16, 2026 at 12:49 am

    Wow, your adventure with the hand pies sounds amazing! It’s funny how a trip and a little food can reignite our passion for cooking, huh? I mean, sautéing those apples with butter and cinnamon? Genius! I can practically smell it from here. Even when things went a bit sideways with the oven, it sounds like you turned it into something delicious anyway. I’ve definitely had my own kitchen mishaps that turned into unexpected treats. Have you thought about experimenting with different fillings or toppings next time? Oh, and by the way, if you’re ever looking for some inspiration for adding music to your cooking sessions, check out this cool tool I found – it might just spark more creativity for you! AI Music Generator

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.