Apple pies are a timeless classic in the world of desserts. They evoke memories of cozy family gatherings, holidays, and the simple pleasures of home - baked goodness. But what if you could take this traditional treat and transform it into something even more convenient and fun? Enter the hand - held apple pie, a delightful innovation that combines the best of classic apple pie flavors with a portable and easy - to - eat format.
Let's start with the inspiration behind this unique dessert. State fairs are known for their indulgent and creative food offerings. One of the crowd - favorites at these fairs is often a handheld version of a classic dish, and the hand - held apple pie is no exception. It takes the essence of a traditional apple pie - the sweet, spiced apples, the buttery crust - and packages it in a way that you can enjoy on the go, without the need for a plate or utensils.
To make this hand - held apple pie, you'll first need to gather your ingredients. For the filling, you'll need fresh apples. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice as they have a tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the other ingredients. You'll also need sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, a bit of lemon juice, and a thickening agent like cornstarch. The crust can be made from a simple pie crust recipe or you can use pre - made pie crusts for a quicker option. If you're using pre - made crusts, make sure to thaw them according to the package instructions.
Begin by preparing the apples. Peel, core, and slice them into small, bite - sized pieces. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and add the sugars, spices, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated. The lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning, while the cornstarch will thicken the filling as it bakes. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to start working.
Next, it's time to work on the crust. If you're making your own crust, roll it out on a floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of the desired size. For a handheld pie, circles about 4 - 5 inches in diameter work well. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, as you'll need to be able to seal the edges.
Fold the crust over the filling to form a half - moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pie. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. Make a few small slits on the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Place the hand - held apple pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. You can also sprinkle a bit of sugar on top for added sweetness.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pies for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust.
Once the pies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle. You can serve these hand - held apple pies warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra decadent treat. Or, enjoy them at room temperature for a quick and satisfying snack.
One of the great things about these hand - held apple pies is their versatility. You can customize the filling by adding different fruits or nuts. For example, you could add some raisins or chopped walnuts to the apple mixture for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices, like cloves or allspice, to give the pies a unique twist.
Whether you're looking for a fun dessert to serve at a party, a quick snack for the kids after school, or a delicious treat to enjoy on a picnic, these hand - held apple pies are the perfect choice. They're easy to make, convenient to eat, and most importantly, they taste amazing. So, the next time you're in the mood for some apple pie, give this handheld version a try and experience a new way to enjoy this classic dessert.
