Fried Apple Pie Recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies

I’m always on the hunt for easy, hearty desserts that feel special without demanding hours in the kitchen. This fried apple pie recipe creates irresistible Caramel Glazed Hand Pies – crispy on the outside, bursting with tender, spiced apples inside, and finished with a dreamy caramel glaze. They are perfect for busy families, home cooks seeking easy baking wins, or anyone who loves classic apple pie with a fun, handheld twist. Turn simple apples into golden, flaky, grab-and-go delights that taste like a labor of love, but are surprisingly simple to make. It’s a timeless treat reinvented for today’s kitchen, loved by generations.

What You’ll Need for Delicious Fried Apple Pie Hand Pies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies. Focusing on quality items ensures the best flavor for your family-friendly treat.

• Apples: 4-5 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp (about 450g), peeled, cored, and diced small, for that perfect balance of tartness and texture that holds up well during cooking.
• Pie Crust: 2 sheets store-bought or homemade, for convenience and that classic flaky exterior. (I often grab the ready-made kind when I’m making these as quick meals).
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (56g), for richness and to help sauté the apples to golden perfection.
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), for sweet caramelization that complements the apples beautifully.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp, for essential warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp, for a hint of spice depth that elevates the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 tbsp (8g), to thicken the apple filling, preventing a soggy crust.
• Frying Oil: 3-4 cups (700-950ml) vegetable or canola, for achieving that perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (120g), the essential base for our smooth, sweet glaze. (Confectioners’ sugar works just as well).
• Milk: 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml), to achieve the ideal consistency for your glaze.
• Caramel Sauce: 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) good quality, for the signature caramel-glazed finish.

For premium upgrades, consider organic apples or a gluten-free pie crust. Budget-friendly swaps include frozen pie crusts and using apples on sale. You can even skip the caramel glaze for a simple powdered sugar dusting. Always choose firm, blemish-free fruit, especially crisp fall apples, and freshly ground spices for best flavor.

Step-by-Step Method Made Simple: How to Make Caramel Glazed Hand Pies

Making these fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies is a straightforward process, designed for delicious results without fuss.

1. Prep Apples (10 mins): Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, uniform pieces (about 1/2 inch or 1.2 cm). Uniformity ensures even cooking for a tender bite.
2. Cook Filling (15-20 mins): In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are fork-tender but not mushy (about 10-15 minutes). Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens slightly. The mixture should cling to the apples.
3. Assemble Hand Pies (15 mins): Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch (10 cm) round cutter or a knife to cut circles. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. When I’m making a big batch for easy dinner ideas, I sometimes dab a little water on the edge before crimping to ensure a really tight seal, preventing any filling from escaping.
4. Fry Hand Pies (3-4 mins per side): In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the frying oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. The crust should be a deep golden brown and bubbly, indicating perfect crispness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried apple pie hand pies to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make Caramel Glaze (5 mins): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and caramel sauce until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to a spoon, yet still drizzle easily. Drizzle generously over the cooled fried apple pie hand pies.

For doneness cues: Apples should be fork-tender, not mushy, with a slightly syrupy coating. The crust should be a deep golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s cooked through and crispy. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the pies without running off completely once set.

Quick suggestion: For a ‘baked’ option, you can air fry these at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthy dessert alternative. Using pre-chopped apples can also speed up prep time for quick meals.

Troubleshooting common mistakes for these Caramel Glazed Hand Pies:

• Soggy bottom: Ensure apples are fully cooked down and the filling isn’t too wet before assembling. A little extra flour in the filling can absorb excess moisture.
• Pies opening in oil: Crimp edges very firmly with a fork, pressing down hard. An egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tsp water) applied to the edges before sealing can create a stronger bond.
• Too greasy: Make sure the frying oil is hot enough (350°F / 175°C) before frying. Cold oil causes the crust to absorb too much oil. Drain pies well on paper towels immediately after frying.

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration for Fried Apple Hand Pies

These delightful Caramel Glazed Hand Pies are perfect for so many moments, transforming ordinary days into something special. They’re an easy dessert solution for family dinners or a comforting treat.

• Weeknight dessert or weekend brunch
• After-school snacks or school lunchboxes
• Potlucks and casual get-togethers
• Fall gatherings, especially with fresh autumn apples

Serve these golden treats with:

• A scoop of warm vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream
• A pinch of sea salt on the caramel glaze for an extra touch
• Alongside hot coffee or spiced cider for a cozy pairing

Store cooled, glazed fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed hand pies for up to 1 month. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for the best crispiness.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits of These Apple Treats

Enjoy a satisfying sweet treat that offers fiber from apples and a good energy boost. These fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies make a hearty snack or dessert that fits into many healthy eating goals.

• Fiber-rich apples support digestive health.
• Naturally sweet ingredients can reduce the need for excess added sugars.
• Customizable for dietary needs, offering healthy recipes for dinner variations with gluten-free crust.
• Easy meal prep for busy families, creating wholesome quick snacks when paired appropriately.
• A healthier, homemade alternative to processed store-bought pastries.

Why This Fried Apple Pie Recipe Works for You

This easy fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies saves you time and effort while delivering incredible flavor. You can enjoy delicious, homemade desserts more often without the stress, making them perfect for family dinners.

• Quick to prepare for last-minute cravings.
• Budget-friendly ingredients often found in your pantry.
• Customizable for various dietary preferences and healthy eating.
• Kid-friendly and fun to make together as a family activity.

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments for Your Caramel Glazed Hand Pies

For a more polished finish, consider using a pastry wheel to create decorative edges before crimping. Remember to avoid overcrowding the frying pan; this ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness for every hand pie.

Elevate your apple filling with a pinch of cardamom or allspice for added warmth. Try a maple pecan caramel glaze for a comforting twist. You can also experiment with pear or mixed berry filling instead of just apple for seasonal variety. My kids love it when I swap in peaches during the summer; it’s such an easy way to change the flavor profile without much effort.

• Low-carb: Use a low-carb pie crust alternative and sugar substitutes for both the filling and the glaze.
• Vegan/Dairy-free: Opt for plant-based butter and milk, ensuring your store-bought pie crust is certified vegan for these fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies.
• Kid-friendly: Let kids help with simple tasks like crimping edges, sprinkling cinnamon, or drizzling the caramel glaze, making it a fun family activity.
• Diabetic-friendly: Choose sugar-free caramel and reduce overall sugar content in the filling, using natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol where possible.

Reader Q&A

Can I prepare these fried apple pie hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the hand pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. I often make the apple filling a day in advance to save time; it keeps wonderfully in the fridge.

Is this fried apple pie recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely, these Caramel Glazed Hand Pies are excellent for meal prep! Make a big batch and store them. They reheat wonderfully in the oven or air fryer, providing quick desserts or satisfying snacks throughout the week for busy families.

What’s the best way to store these Caramel Glazed Hand Pies?

Store cooled, glazed hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispy texture. For slightly longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Freezing unglazed pies for up to a month is also a great option.

Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?

For a healthier fried apple pie, consider baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying. You can use a whole wheat pie crust, reduce the amount of added sugar, and certainly skip the caramel glaze entirely. Adding an extra apple to the filling boosts fiber without extra calories.

Can I use different fruits for these hand pies?

Yes, these hand pies are incredibly versatile! Berries, peaches, or even a mixed fruit blend work wonderfully. Just adjust the sweetness of the filling based on the fruit’s natural sugar content; for example, use less sugar with sweeter peaches and more with tart berries.

What kind of apples are best for fried apple pie?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith are best for fried apple pie as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a great balance to the sweetness of the caramel glaze. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well if you prefer a slightly sweeter filling with good texture.

Conclusion

These crispy, sweet fried apple pie recipe Caramel Glazed Hand Pies are your new go-to for an easy, hearty, and utterly delightful family treat, perfect for quick meals and healthy eating. Whip up a batch of this fantastic fried apple pie recipe tonight and be sure to save it on Pinterest for later family dinners!

Print