Chai-Spiced Apple Hand Pies with Pecan Crumble

Chai-Spiced Apple Hand Pies with Pecan Crumble

Ingredients

For the Filling:

3 medium Honeycrisp apples (600g/21oz), diced

1 tablespoon coconut sugar (12g)

2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)

1/4 cup pecans (28g), finely chopped

For the Chai Spice Blend:

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground star anise

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (275g/9.7oz), thawed

1 large egg for egg wash

Additional coconut sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spice Blend

Combine all spices in small bowl

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution

Set aside 2 teaspoons for filling

Reserve remainder for future use

Prepare the Filling

Peel and dice apples into 1/4-inch cubes

Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning

Add coconut sugar and chai spice blend

Mix in chopped pecans

Let stand 15 minutes to release juices

Prepare the Pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

Line baking sheet with parchment paper

Roll pastry into 15×12-inch rectangle

Cut into 6 equal rectangles

Assembly

Place filling on one half of each rectangle

Leave 1/2-inch border for sealing

Brush edges with egg wash

Fold pastry over filling

Crimp edges with fork

Cut small vents in top

Brush with egg wash

Sprinkle with coconut sugar

Baking

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown

Rotate pan halfway through

Cool 15 minutes before serving

Expert Tips

Choose firm apples that hold their shape

Drain excess liquid from filling before assembling

Keep pastry cold until ready to use

Don’t overfill to prevent leakage

Cool slightly before eating to allow filling to set

Storage Instructions

Best enjoyed same day

Store at room temperature up to 2 days

Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 hand pie):

 

Calories: 290

Total Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 31mg

Sodium: 170mg

Total Carbohydrates: 35g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Natural Sugars: 12g

Added Sugars: 2g

Protein: 4g

Serving Size: 1 hand pie

Servings Per Recipe: 6

These Chai-Spiced Apple Hand Pies offer a sophisticated twist on the classic apple pie. The complex blend of chai spices adds depth and warmth while complementing the natural sweetness of the apples. The pecans provide a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture experience.

 

The use of coconut sugar instead of refined sugar adds a subtle caramel note while keeping the sweetness level moderate. The flaky puff pastry creates the perfect portable package for enjoying these aromatic treats any time of day.

 

For the best experience, enjoy these hand pies while still slightly warm, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is perfectly tender. The aromatic chai spices will fill your kitchen with an inviting fragrance that makes these pies even more