Homemade Apple Hand Pies Better Than Mickey Ds
Table of Contents
Homemade Apple Hand Pies: Better Than Mickey D's!
Ever get a craving for that fast food apple pie? The one that's warm, comforting, and maybe a little bit too good? Well, ditch the can, feel like you're in your favourite restaurant, and let's make something even BETTER.
We're talking homemade apple hand pies that will blow your mind.
What are Homemade Apple Hand Pies About?
These mini apple pies are pure comfort food. They're inspired by that classic, slightly questionable-but-oh-so-good fast food treat. They have cultural significance in the sense that it is an everyday American staple.
Okay, let's whip up Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe . It is not complicated, so you can feel a homey goodness.
This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour, give or take. It yields 6 delicious hand pies.
Main Benefits of this pie
These pies are a serious upgrade, using real ingredients, and homemade goodness. Plus, you control the sugar and spices. Perfect for a cosy night in, a bake sale, or just because you deserve something delicious.
What makes them special? The flaky crust and that burst of warm, spiced apple filling.
Nostalgic Apple Pie Recipe
Let's dive into the ingredients. We're gonna need stuff for the dough and the filling. It's a bit of effort, but trust me , it's worth it.
Get your shopping list ready, because we're about to make some magic happen in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Equipment: Homemade Apple Hand Pies
Okay, let's get into it! We're about to ditch the can, feel like we're at our favourite fast food joint, but with way better ingredients and taste.
Forget those store-bought apple pies; these Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe are the real deal. Trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back.
Main Ingredients: Flaky Crust & Tasty Filling
For the Dough (makes 6 pies):
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour. Make sure it's fresh for the best results.
- 1 tsp (6g) granulated sugar. Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp (5g) salt. Balances the flavors.
- 1 cup (226g) (2 sticks) unsalted butter. MUST BE COLD . Seriously, the colder, the better for that flaky crust!
- 6-8 tbsp (90-120ml) ice water. Add it slowly!
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash). Shiny, golden crust.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) milk (for egg wash). Helps with browning.
- Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling). Adds a nice crunch.
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (about 600g). Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my go-to. I love Granny Smith's tartness.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar. Sweetens things up.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice. Keeps the apples from browning.
- 1 tbsp (8g) all-purpose flour. Thickens the filling.
- 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon. Essential!
- 1/4 tsp (0.5g) ground nutmeg. Adds warmth.
- Pinch of ground cloves. A little goes a long way!
- 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter. Adds richness to the filling.
Quality Indicators: If the butter sweats, it isn't cold enough!. And the apples should be firm.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Right
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are the holy trinity of apple pie spice! Don't skip 'em. Lemon juice brightens everything up.
If you are out of lemon juice, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar. And for real fast food apple pie, you can try some vanilla extract.
Also, try some maple syrup for a deeper flavour.
Equipment Needed: Simple Tools
- Food processor (optional). Makes the dough super easy. Or go old-school with a pastry blender or your fingers.
- Rolling pin. To roll out the dough.
- 3 inch round cookie cutter (or a knife). Cut out those pies!.
- Baking sheet. Keep those pies from burning.
- Parchment paper. For easy cleanup.
- Pastry brush. For the egg wash.
That's it! Nothing too fancy. The Homemade Apple Pies part is way easier than you think, so don't stress. Let's get baking Easy Apple Hand Pie Recipe today!
Homemade Apple Hand Pies: Better Than Mickey D's!
Forget those shop bought pastries! This recipe is all about flaky, buttery goodness wrapped around a warm, spiced apple filling. It brings that nostalgic fast food apple pie flavour right to your kitchen.
Honestly, it's like biting into a warm hug, but tastier.
Prep Steps for Apple Pie Perfection
Essential mise en place . First things first, get organized. Dice your apples, measure your ingredients.
Time saving organization tips. Pre-chop those apples the night before. Store them in lemon water to prevent browning. Trust me, it saves time later.
Safety reminders. Watch those fingers when chopping. Especially with the apples! And please, be careful with a hot oven.
step-by-step Process to Baking Bliss
- Make the Dough: In a food processor, pulse 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 cup cold, cubed butter. Pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6-8 tbsp ice water until it just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, chill for 30 minutes . This is crucial!
- Cook that Delicious Filling: Combine diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves in a bowl. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet. Cook the apple mixture until softened.
- Assemble Your Masterpieces: Roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 3 inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of half.
- Seal the Deal: Brush edges with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk). Top with dough circles. Press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork. Cut a small slit on top for steam to escape.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush with more egg wash, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Pies
Keep it cold, people! Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. Seriously, don't skip the chilling time. It impacts the whole outcome.
Ditch the can, feel like you can make pies that make you reminisce about happy meals. If you want a crisp bottom, blind bake the bottom dough circles for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Honestly, this elevates the whole experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overworking the dough will lead to a tough crust. Overfilling will cause them to explode in the oven. Oh my gosh, messy!
These Homemade Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat, so much better than store-bought ones.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Hand Pies
Okay, these Homemade Apple Hand Pies are seriously easy to make. Let's chat about making them perfect . I mean, who wants a soggy bottom, am I right?
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Pie
Plating these little beauties is simple. A sprinkle of icing sugar? Classic. Feeling fancy? Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Honestly, the contrast of warm pie and cold ice cream is heavenly . Serve with a cup of steaming hot coffee or tea.
Maybe even some cider.
Storage Tips: Keepin' 'Em Fresh
Got leftovers? First off, congrats on the willpower!. You can store these apple hand pies at room temperature for about 2 days in an airtight container.
Want them to last longer? Pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in a low oven (around 300° F/ 150° C ) to keep that crust flaky.
Freezing isn't ideal, but you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Want to try something new? You got it. For a dairy-free version, use a plant based butter substitute in the crust.
It works a treat! Or, for a more seasonal twist, swap the apples for pears in the autumn. Add a little ginger and nutmeg for a warming spice blend.
Or, Ditch the can, feel like it and, try other homemade filling from scratch .
Nutrition Basics: Treat Yourself Well
I'm not a nutritionist, but let's be real. These are treats . They contain apples, which provide some fiber and vitamins, but they also have sugar and fat.
It's all about balance! Enjoy them in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle. Each pie is an estimated 350 calories and contains about 18g of fat, 4g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates.
Honestly, making these Better Than McDonald's Apple Pie is super satisfying. They smell amazing while baking. Plus, you control what goes in them.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own. Happy baking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I "Ditch the can, feel like" with this recipe and make my own apple hand pies?
Think of it like upgrading from a ready meal to a proper Sunday roast! Homemade apple pies allow you to control the ingredients and freshness. You get that satisfying feeling of creating something delicious from scratch, plus the taste is far superior to the canned filling a proper treat for you and your loved ones!
My pastry always ends up tough. Any tips to get a flaky crust like a proper baker?
Absolutely! The key to a flaky crust is keeping everything cold. Use very cold butter and ice water, and don't overwork the dough. Think of it like handling a delicate soufflé gentle is key.
If you're using a food processor, pulse don't blend, and chill the dough for the recommended time, or even longer if you have time.
Can I make these apple hand pies ahead of time, like for a bake sale or a picnic?
You bet! You can assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time.
Alternatively, you can bake the pies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
What kind of apples work best for these hand pies, and can I adjust the sweetness?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices because they hold their shape well during baking and have a nice tartness. But honestly, whatever you have to hand will work. To adjust the sweetness, taste the apple filling before assembling the pies.
If your apples are very tart, add a bit more sugar; if they're very sweet, reduce the sugar accordingly you are the master chef here!
I'm watching my waistline, are there any healthier swaps I can make in this "Ditch the can, feel like" recipe?
Good on you for thinking about that! You can try using whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. Consider reducing the amount of sugar in the filling slightly or using a natural sweetener like stevia. Also, be mindful of portion size one pie is plenty!
Help! My hand pies exploded in the oven! What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent it next time?
Oh dear, that’s not ideal! This usually happens when steam builds up inside the pie. Make sure you cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking. Also, avoid overfilling the pies, as this can contribute to bursting.
Finally, ensure the edges are properly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out and causing further issues.
Homemade Apple Hand Pies Better Than Mickey Ds
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |