Name: Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium cooking apples peeled, cored and chopped into small pieces; 50 g golden caster sugar; 150 g blackberries fresh or frozen; 1 tablespoon cornflour; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 sheets (320 g each) shortcrust pastry; 1 small egg beaten; 1 tablespoon caster sugar

There's something so cozy about warm, handheld treats, especially when they're bursting with fruity goodness and just the right hint of spice. This Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe combines tender cooking apples with juicy blackberries, wrapped in flaky shortcrust pastry, making it the perfect little dessert to share or savor solo.

The image shows five golden brown hand pies shaped like apples, stacked on a white round plate. Each pie has a glossy, slightly crimped crust with sugar sprinkled on top and small decorative pastry leaves attached. Red filling leaks out from small vents on the top of each pie. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface scattered with blackberries, cinnamon sticks, green apple peels, and whole apples with leaves. On the left, there is a white bowl filled with blackberries and a knife with a black blade and cream handle resting on the surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these hand pies! They’re such a crowd-pleaser, and honestly, making them feels like a little kitchen celebration every time. Plus, they’re hand-held wonders—no forks needed.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry and fridge.
Perfect Portion Size: These pies are great for sharing, gifting, or packing in a lunchbox.
Warm, Comforting Flavors: The blend of cinnamon, honey, and fresh fruit is just magical.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake fresh whenever cravings strike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to these pies, using quality, fresh fruit and a flaky shortcrust pastry really makes a difference. I recommend picking cooking apples since they soften beautifully without turning mushy and fresh or thawed blackberries for that juicy pop in every bite.

Flat lay of two medium peeled and chopped cooking apples, a handful of fresh blackberries, a small pile of golden caster sugar, a small pile of fine caster sugar, a tablespoon of cornflour powder, a small white bowl with honey, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, two sheets of pale shortcrust pastry, a whole clean uncracked brown egg, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooking Apples: Choose firm varieties that break down perfectly when cooked, offering just the right texture.
Golden Caster Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the fruit filling.
Blackberries: Use fresh or frozen; their tartness balances the sweet apples gorgeously.
Cornflour: Helps thicken the fruit juices so the filling isn’t runny.
Honey: Brings a natural floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the fruity flavors.
Shortcrust Pastry Sheets: The buttery base that creates that delicious, flaky crust every pie needs.
Egg: For brushing to seal the pies and give them that gorgeous golden color.
Caster Sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a subtle crunch and sparkle once baked.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is how easily it lends itself to delicious twists. Feel free to customize the filling or even swap the pastry to suit your taste and dietary needs. These hand pies are your blank canvas for cozy, fruity fun!

Variation - Vegan Version: Swap the beaten egg wash for a plant-based alternative like aquafaba or a mix of maple syrup and water for brushing. This keeps the pies golden and shiny without compromising on taste.
Variation - Winter Spice Boost: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon and honey paste for an extra warming aroma, perfect for chilly evenings.
Variation - Gluten-Free Pastry: Use your favorite gluten-free shortcrust pastry to make these pies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Seasonal Adaptation: Try swapping blackberries for raspberries or blueberries when in season. Each berry adds a unique sweetness and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe

A small round berry pie with a golden crust dusted with powdered sugar sits on a white plate with vertical ridges along the rim. The pie is partially open, showing dark purple blackberries and bright red berries inside. Next to the pie on the plate is a dollop of white cream with berry juice mixing in, creating purple swirls. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the cream. A single blackberry and a green apple are blurred in the background, along with two cinnamon sticks. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Softening the Apples to Perfection

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping 2 medium cooking apples into small pieces. Place them in a small saucepan with 50 grams of golden caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and let them gently simmer for about 8 minutes until the apples soften beautifully. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender but still hold some shape. Spread them out in a shallow dish to cool slightly—this prevents the blackberries from getting mushy in the next step.

Step 2: Crafting the Spiced Filling

While the apples cool, mix together 1 tablespoon cornflour, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Add 150 grams of fresh or thawed blackberries to the cooled apples, then drizzle with the cinnamon-honey paste. Gently fold everything together, taking care not to break the berries. The cornflour will help thicken the juices as the pies bake, creating a luscious filling.

Step 3: Cutting the Perfect Pastry Circles

Unroll your 2 sheets of shortcrust pastry (each weighing 320 grams). Using a 10 cm round pastry cutter—or alternatively, a ramekin or glass of similar size—cut out 12 circles in total. Pro tip: gather and gently re-roll any pastry scraps to maximize what you have without overworking the dough.

Step 4: Assembling Your Hand Pies with Love

Place a heaping tablespoon of the fruit filling onto half of the pastry circles, leaving a 1 cm border around the edge. Lightly brush the edges with beaten egg, then top each filled circle with a plain pastry circle. Use your fingers to create an apple-shaped dent at the top and bottom of each pie for that charming touch. Seal the edges firmly using fork prongs to prevent any filling leaks. Give each pie an egg wash brush to ensure a beautiful golden glaze when baked.

Step 5: Adding Decorative Flair and Steam Holes

Use leftover pastry to cut out tiny leaves and stalks as cute decorations. Attach these atop each pie with a little egg wash acting as glue. Then, carefully poke a small steam hole in the top of each pie with a skewer—this lets steam escape and keeps your pies from bursting in the oven.

Step 6: Chilling for Structure and Flavor

Transfer your assembled pies to a baking sheet and pop them in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for the pastry to firm up, ensuring it bakes up crisp and flaky. If you're prepping ahead, you can refrigerate overnight or freeze them for up to 3 months at this stage—making dessert ready whenever you fancy!

Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Bake the pies on the middle rack for about 25 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles through those cute steam holes. If baking from frozen, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. The scent filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 8: Serving Warm and Enjoying Every Bite

Once out of the oven, sprinkle each pie with 1 tablespoon of caster sugar for a delicate crunch and sparkle. Serve warm with a generous dollop of cream or custard for ultimate comfort. These hand pies are just perfect to share (or keep all to yourself!).

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, helping you make the best Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe every time. A few little tricks go a long way in achieving perfectly golden pies with a juicy, flavorful filling.

Perfect Pastry Thickness: When cutting your pastry circles, aim for about 3-4 mm thickness. It’s thin enough to crisp beautifully but sturdy enough to hold all that luscious fruit filling without breaking.
Gentle Folding: When assembling the pies, be gentle mixing the fruit filling. Blackberries are delicate and can burst too much, so I always fold carefully to keep their shape and texture intact.
Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip chilling your pies before baking. This step helps the pastry relax and prevents shrinking, plus it ensures the filling stays put while baking, giving those gorgeous steam holes a chance to vent properly.
Use a Fork for Sealing: Pressing the edges firmly with a fork not only seals the pies well but also creates a charming rustic detail that looks as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe

The image shows four round dough circles laid out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, each circle filled in the center with a mix of blackberries and small apple pieces. The dough is light beige and smooth, forming the base layer. On top of it, the filling layer is dark purple blackberries mixed with reddish-brown apple chunks coated in a glossy sauce with visible spices. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, and part of a blue dish with a spoon and some fruit filling is visible at the bottom right corner, beside a folded gray cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These hand pies shine on their own but for an extra touch try sprinkling a little extra caster sugar on top right after baking for a gentle sparkle and crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in the filling. Fresh mint leaves or a small sprig of thyme can add a lovely, fresh contrast when serving.

Side Dishes

Serve these hand pies warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or rich custard to complement the fruity, spiced filling. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also irresistible, especially if you’re enjoying them as an indulgent treat. For a cozy autumn dessert, a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce on the side elevates these pies to special occasion status.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, allow your Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling fresh, ready to reheat whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

These pies freeze beautifully and can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them after assembling (step 6) rather than after baking. Then, when you want to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through and perfectly golden.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these hand pies is in the oven or a toaster oven set at 180 degrees Celsius (160 degrees fan) for about 10-12 minutes. This method crisps up the pastry nicely without turning it soggy, unlike microwaving. If you're short on time, a quick 1-2 minute zap in the microwave will warm the filling but expect softer pastry texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits instead of blackberries?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute blackberries with blueberries, raspberries, or even mixed berries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cornflour if your fruit is juicier to keep the filling from becoming too watery.

How do I prevent the pies from leaking during baking?

Make sure to not overfill the pies and carefully seal the edges with beaten egg and by pressing firmly with a fork. Poking steam holes on top also helps release pressure, which greatly reduces the chance of leaking or bursting.

Can I make the pies vegan?

You can! Use a dairy-free shortcrust pastry and replace the egg wash with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or aquafaba brush. The filling is naturally vegan-friendly as is.

What’s the best type of apples for this pie?

Cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape well and bring a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of blackberries and honey.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed making these Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe as much as I enjoy sharing it. There’s something truly comforting about biting into a warm, flaky hand pie filled with tender spiced apples and juicy blackberries. They’re great for sharing, gifting, or a cozy solo treat. Remember, the simple things like chilling your pies and sealing those edges make all the difference, so take your time and savor every step. Happy baking!