Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies

4.4 of 5 (46)
member ratings
Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 4
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 161.6
  • Total Fat: 8.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 7.8 mg
  • Sodium: 5.6 mg
  • Total Carbs: 23.0 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g
  • Protein: 2.2 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Apple Hand Pies calories by ingredient


Introduction

No forks needed! These sweet, crunchy and buttery hand pies will have you licking your fingers. No forks needed! These sweet, crunchy and buttery hand pies will have you licking your fingers.
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

    1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    2 large Granny Smith Apples (about 1 pound)
    1 tablespoon brown sugar
    1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    1 teaspoon lemon zest
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
    4 sheets phyllo dough, thawed





Tips

Only the outside layer is brushed with browned butter to give a deep butter flavor that your taste buds crave without many added calories.

Some larger supermarkets carry whole wheat phyllo dough, but don't worry if you can't find it.
Choose hard crisp apples like Granny Smith or Rome Beauty so they don't get mushy in the pies.
Don't leave the browned butter in the saucepan--you'll have burned butter!

We did the math: A popular fast-food apple pie has 250 calories and 13 g fat, while the supermarket glazed variety has 470 calories and 20 g fat! Ours is a calorie bargain for sure!


Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking with a silicone liner or parchment paper.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, and simmer until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer the butter to a metal or glass dish to stop the cooking process, and set aside. (See tips.)

Peel and core apples then chop into small cubes. Combine the chopped apples in a medium bowl with the brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, zest and juice.

Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, pull it away from the burner and coat with nonstick spray. Return the pan to the heat, and add the apple mixture. Cook, stirring often, for five minutes, until the apples are soft and the sugar starts to bubble. Remove from heat, and add the walnuts.

Place a single sheet of phyllo dough onto a cutting board and coat with nonstick spray. Fold the sheet in half. Spoon 1/2 cup of the apples onto the bottom edge of the dough, leaving 1" space on all sides. Fold the dough over twice to form a packet and fold the edges under to secure the pie. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and brush with browned butter.
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. (You'll make four pies.) Bake 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm or cold.


Serving Size:Makes 4 hand pies

Member Ratings For This Recipe


  • no profile photo


    65 of 68 people found this review helpful
    Nice recipe, thanks! As for the criticism, it's unkind: Meg doesn't describe as them 'healthy', just improved. When someone goes to the trouble of contributing, I think 'Thank You' is the first thing to say, followed by helpful comments/suggestions.

    btw, Kate is right re fruit. Thx Kate!
    - 10/30/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    28 of 29 people found this review helpful
    Awesome, going to make these for Sat. Can skip sugar, or use Splenda. eating healthy doesn't mean you have to eliminate all sugars from your life. Everything in moderation. If you balance out your choices, you are more apt to maintain your weight,
    - 11/1/12


  • no profile photo


    27 of 29 people found this review helpful
    I agree neg. comments are uncalled for . If you don't agree fine but maybe a lot of others do . It's a lot healthier than fast foods or even homemade pie with reg. crust . - 10/30/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    25 of 25 people found this review helpful
    These are so good! I've been making these now for a long time. As for the neg comments, be honest! You know you cheat sometimes! If you are gonna cheat, why not do it with a recipe that still tastes great and is a little "healthier" than others! Just saying! - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    22 of 22 people found this review helpful
    Since when is 1/4 of a tablespoon of brown sugar too much? Or do like I do, and leave the brown sugar out completely! I like the taste of spiced apples, and don't miss the sugar at all. - 10/31/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    20 of 21 people found this review helpful
    I TBS of brown sugar and 1 TBS butter DIVIDED between FOUR pies? I don't think that's overkill on the sugar or butter. And sometimes we NEED just a taste of the "real stuff' now and then.
    Thanks for this. I'm a great cook but not a baker and even I can do this one!
    - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    17 of 20 people found this review helpful
    This looks simple & delicious! Most of the sugar comes from the naturally occurring fructose in the apples, not the brown sugar. - 10/30/12


  • no profile photo


    15 of 15 people found this review helpful
    Eating an apple is a healthier option, but I like sweets and this is real food - apples, walnuts, butter, sugar. I'd rather have a small portion of real food then a larger portion of fake food. - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    15 of 15 people found this review helpful
    While I am dieting, my hubby and granddaughter are not. This is something I can fix that will make the house smell wonderful and will satisfy their sweet tooth (both of them!) I used half of the brown sugar and used just 1/2 tsp of honey instead of the remaining sugar. Wonderful dessert! - 11/1/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    11 of 11 people found this review helpful
    I ALSO ADDED CRANBERRIES TO MINE AND MY HUSBAND SAID THEY WERE THE BEST PIES EVER! - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    9 of 10 people found this review helpful
    I delete the sugar and use ginger to get that sweet
    taste we all crave. Just a sprinkle does it.
    - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    8 of 8 people found this review helpful
    SO much potential but 2 lg apples is too much. Next time I'll measure out 1 3/4 cups of chopped apple. Needed 2 sheets of phyllo for each pie because moisture tore it. Will add a drop or two of vanilla next time. Cooked longer so it was brown and crisp y. Def worth a 2nd try with modification - 11/12/12


  • no profile photo


    6 of 7 people found this review helpful
    I make these all the time. It satisfies my sweet tooth. It is much healthier than eating an apple turnover. If you think it is too much sugar cut down on the amount or use substitute. If you think sugar is unhealthy just eat the apple. - 5/6/13


  • no profile photo


    5 of 10 people found this review helpful
    re neg comments: People should state their opinion about the recipe, but not say personal mean things to any person. I like seeing all opinions but do not like reading comments that are hurtful to another person. The comments are named "Rate This Recipe" not "Trash the Chef." Bad manners. - 1/1/13


  • no profile photo

    Good
    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
    My phyllo dough was falling apart so I lined a shallow bowl with a sheet and a couple over the top. Tart and light. - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    5 of 11 people found this review helpful
    I think these look good too. They are much less calories than my traditional apple crisp (and the apple pies at McDonalds), so I will definitely try these to use up my remaining apples. - 10/30/12


  • no profile photo


    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
    Quick and easy. - 10/30/12


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    My first experience with phyllo dough. I ended up using two sheets for each pie...they were stuck together and so very delicate. And I forgot the browned butter! DH and I enjoyed them anyway....a nice tart, light desert. I will make them again, and follow the recipe correctly! - 1/13/13


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    Very good, and my husband thought it was from a bakery.:) so thumbs up on this dessert. - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    my point is like that of Thumper rabbit "IF you can't say something nice don't say nothing at all. I am not perfect help chef Meg gives is great the filling is great eat without the dough wrapping that would save a few cal. I like it both ways - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    These were awesome, even though I had some trouble working with the dough, I'm all thumbs! Tasty, healthy and so much better than store bought. Re: negative comments, it's OK to criticize if a recipe doesn't work or is misrepresented however this was not. - 2/18/13


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    3 of 7 people found this review helpful
    oh yeah! I had half-sheets of phyllo, so I took 2-3 for each, and I made them more like dumplings. I did 10 of them with what I had. left out nutmeg,nuts, and lemon, since we're not into that. Subbed coconut oil for the butter & used no spray. used cooking apples so they'd not be crunchy!! YUMyum - 12/13/12


  • no profile photo


    3 of 9 people found this review helpful
    Re: "negative" comments: I want to know what others like & don't like. It helps me decide if I want to make changes, or skip it all together. Please don't reprimand someone for their honest input, as long as it's not demeaning. I find all feedback helpful. - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    2 of 7 people found this review helpful
    Good news! Splenda makes brown sugar - 11/27/12


  • no profile photo


    2 of 72 people found this review helpful
    Whilst I'm sure the recipe yields a very tasty apple strudel, it's a far cry from being healthy - at best, it's lower in fat than traditional recipes, but how about all that sugar?? - 10/30/12


  • no profile photo


    1 of 7 people found this review helpful
    Great Recipe! I don't have anything negative to say about this recipe but I am tired of hearing people complain about negative comments. It's a free world & everyone has their own feelings, it's called a democracy. If you don't like the comment rate it & use the space to make a positive one! - 3/3/13


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    I may have cooked the apples too long but every one loved this and said it was a keeper. Thank you. - 2/26/13


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    1 of 5 people found this review helpful
    A nice dessert for the occassional treat. - 1/29/13


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
    I made this recipe for my family for Thanksgiving. Very, very good. Although I substituted almonds for walnuts (I don't like walnuts) I used the Splenda brown sugar. Making them again this weekend. Love, love, love - 12/7/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    1 of 6 people found this review helpful
    I really loved this recipe. I am a good baker, love making pies, but have stayed away from them for a long time now. Have never worked with phyllo dough, just ignorant on its use, but I think I am really going to enjoy working with this in the future. Thanks Chef Meg for a great pie! - 11/7/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    Wonderful..........Thank You very much. My entire family loved them. - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    1 of 8 people found this review helpful
    Can't wait to make these! And so many variables - cranberries, raisins, pecans would all be teriffic substitutions. Thanks Chef Meg ; ) - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    1 of 36 people found this review helpful
    Another recipe with sugar and wheat. - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    1 of 8 people found this review helpful
    This is a great idea for a treat...I will be making this for the family - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    1 of 9 people found this review helpful
    Yummy looking. I'm going to try this once I buy some apples :-) - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    1 of 8 people found this review helpful
    These sound great! I have several apple trees and am always looking for a new way to prepare the apples.
    Thank you Meg!
    - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    1 of 8 people found this review helpful
    Sounds great - can't wait to try! - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Good
    1 of 9 people found this review helpful
    This does look good and I shall try it--Thanks!---- - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    1 of 8 people found this review helpful
    um...yum! Thanks Meg! - 11/2/12


  • no profile photo


    Looks good - 6/17/21


  • no profile photo


    Yum - 1/5/21


  • no profile photo


    So very good!!!! - 1/3/21


  • no profile photo


    yummy - 12/24/20


  • no profile photo


    Delicious recipe that is so yummy - Thank you - 11/23/20


  • no profile photo


    tasty - 10/15/20


  • no profile photo


    Nice recipe - 10/3/20


  • no profile photo


    really good and plan to try with other fruits - 8/21/20


  • no profile photo


    will try - 7/23/20


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    Great, I did not use nuts and cut the sugar dow to half. This was still great and I will make again with harder apples, thinking of cutting down the sugar more and adding a few raisins. - 7/22/20


  • no profile photo


    looks and sounds yummy - 7/20/20


  • no profile photo


    thanks - 7/9/20


  • no profile photo


    :) - 11/16/19


  • no profile photo


    Great idea used much less sugar as prefer not to use sugar substitutes as they make me feel sick. - 11/8/19


  • no profile photo


    great taste - 11/4/19


  • no profile photo


    pretty good - 11/4/19


  • no profile photo


    Awesome! - 10/8/19


  • no profile photo


    Did I miss something? One T of Brown Sugar for 4 servings. If you don't like it leave it out and quit your whining. There are a lot of other recipes out there you can choose from. Personally I am happy with the way they turned out and they taste wonderful. - 10/2/19


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    Great recipe! - 9/5/19


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    Really Great! I'll definitely make these again. - 7/31/19


  • no profile photo


    This is very delicious. Love apples and the calorie balance seems to be good for a treat. Thanks for sharing - 3/25/19


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    Love this recipe. It was so good. Negative comments is like being a bully and that is really not needed. if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything. - 2/12/19


  • no profile photo


    Nice - 2/6/19


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    I love this apple hand pie recipe! Delicious! - 1/10/19


  • no profile photo


    I can't wait to try this out - it sounds so good! - 12/14/18


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    Sweet and delicious! - 11/30/18


  • no profile photo

    Good
    I don't like these, but my husband and son do - 11/23/18


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    My men love these and frequently request them. - 11/19/18


  • no profile photo


    so good - 11/16/18


  • no profile photo


    interesting.... - 10/10/18


  • no profile photo


    I have to wonder if I can use other fruit with this. So good, I may have to experiment. - 9/15/18


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    Have always liked apples cooked, so another great way. - 8/16/18


  • no profile photo


    NICE - 8/14/18


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    I love this. - 8/14/18


  • no profile photo


    Delicious and easy to make and serve. - 8/14/18


  • no profile photo


    Great - 8/14/18


  • no profile photo


    Tasty treat that make a nice change of pace. - 7/26/18


  • no profile photo


    these look fabulous - 6/27/18


  • no profile photo


    thank you - 5/21/18


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    These are delicious. And so calorie wise - 5/7/18


  • no profile photo


    Don't even know what phyllo dough is (LOL) but am willing to hunt it down in the grocery store and make this recipe. - 3/24/18


  • no profile photo


    I'm going to make these to add to the 10ft table of desserts at church dinner. AND will know that its an ok, planned sweet. Thanks for sharing. - 3/16/18


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    great treat better for you. - 2/5/18


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    These are great for an occasional splurge if you have some extra calories. My grandchildren love them. - 1/4/18


  • no profile photo


    My family will love these! Cant wait ~ Thank you!!! - 12/14/17


  • no profile photo


    I would not have thought of using phyllo dough! - 11/29/17


  • no profile photo


    They are ok I'm not big on apple 🍎 pie but I do like the crust. - 11/19/17


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    Yummy dessert! Fit very well within my calorie allowance!! - 11/16/17


  • no profile photo


    This seems easy enough and tasty. - 10/27/17


  • no profile photo


    It's apple,season! - 8/8/17


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    yummy - 5/23/17


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    Great apple pie flavor! - 3/6/17


  • no profile photo


    These sound wonderful! I'm going to add them to my Thanksgiving this year. - 11/10/16


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    This was good. - 6/14/16


  • no profile photo


    They look really yummy...thanks for sharing. Can you use a cherry filling? If so.....I hesitate to use the canned gelatinous cherries, so does anyone have a better alternative? - 1/16/16


  • no profile photo


    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
    try - 12/4/14


  • no profile photo


    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
    I am confused as to the folding the dough twice to form a pocket. - 2/22/14


  • no profile photo


    Loved, Loved, Loved this recipe. This is definitely one my spouse and I will enjoy again and again. Thank you for the recipe!!! Will try cranberries with the apples next time. - 2/10/14


  • no profile photo


    0 of 4 people found this review helpful
    This sounds so good. I am going to have to add the ingredients to my shopping list. Can't wait to try it. - 12/11/13


  • no profile photo


    0 of 6 people found this review helpful
    I'm excited to try this! I have a killer sweet tooth sometimes. I must say though, the pic depicts 4-5 sheets of phyllo dough used for one 'pie', as opposed to one sheet folded in half. A little misleading imo. Either way, I will try. - 2/1/13


  • no profile photo

    Bad
    0 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Mine did not turn out well. My first time using phyllo dough and now I'm turned off by it. It was like eating paper. The apples were good. - 12/8/12