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 shortcrust pastry; 1 small egg beaten; 1 tablespoon caster sugar

There’s something incredibly cozy about warm, fragrant hand pies, and this Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe hits just the right note of sweetness and spice. Imagine biting into golden, flaky pastry filled with tender apples and juicy blackberries, all kissed by a hint of cinnamon and honey. Trust me, these are the kind of treats you’ll want to make again and again.

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’m absolutely smitten with these hand pies. They’re portable, charmingly rustic, and packed with that classic fall flavor combo of apple and blackberry – but with a warm twist thanks to cinnamon and honey.

Perfectly balanced filling: the sweet apples and tart blackberries complement each other fantastically for a vibrant taste.
Simple to make: the shortcrust pastry and easy prep make these hand pies approachable, even for beginners.
Versatile serving options: enjoy them warm with cream or custard for an indulgent dessert or just as they are for a tasty snack.
Make ahead friendly: assemble them in advance and freeze for later – perfect for busy days or unexpected guests!

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I shop for this recipe, I focus on grabbing fresh, crisp cooking apples and ripe blackberries (or good quality frozen ones if fresh aren’t in season). The balance of sweetness and acidity in your fruit really sets the stage for that rich filling. Plus, using quality honey and fresh cinnamon powder brings out those warm, comforting notes.

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 a tart variety that holds its shape well when cooked, like Bramley or Granny Smith.
Golden caster sugar: Adds sweetness with a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the fruit flavors.
Blackberries: Fresh or frozen both work – they provide juicy bursts and a nice contrast to the apples.
Cornflour: This little thickening agent keeps the filling just right — not too runny or dry.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and complexity, enhancing the warm spices.
Ground cinnamon: A pinch of this classic spice makes all the flavors sing together.
Shortcrust pastry sheets: Using ready-rolled pastry saves time and ensures a flaky, golden crust every time.
Egg (beaten): For brushing the edges and tops, it helps seal the pies and gives that beautiful glossy finish.
Caster sugar: Sprinkled on top after baking for a sparkling, sweet touch.

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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 parts about this Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a little twist with spices or make it vegan-friendly, these hand pies open up plenty of possibilities.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon for a warmer, more complex spice profile. It pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and tart blackberries.
Make it vegan: Swap out the beaten egg for a plant-based milk or aquafaba for brushing the pastry and sealing the edges. The flavor remains just as delightful!
Seasonal swap: While blackberries are fantastic, feel free to substitute them with blueberries or raspberries if that’s what’s fresh in your pantry.
Sweetener options: Honey brings a lovely floral note here, but maple syrup or agave nectar works wonderfully as alternatives, especially in vegan versions.

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: Cook the Apples Until Tender

Start by placing your chopped apples into a small saucepan along with the golden caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover it with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, until the apples soften and start to release their natural juices. This fragrant, warming step smells like fall in a pan and ensures your apples are just the right texture. Once done, spread the cooked apples in a shallow dish to cool slightly, so the filling doesn’t turn the pastry soggy.

Step 2: Combine Filling Ingredients Gently

While your apples cool, whisk together the cornflour, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will thicken your filling while adding that perfect touch of spice and sweetness. Add the blackberries to the apples and drizzle the cinnamon-honey paste over everything. Fold the mixture gently so the berries stay intact but everything is well coated and ready to fill your pies.

Step 3: Cut Out Pastry Circles

Unroll your shortcrust pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a 10 cm diameter pastry cutter—or an upside-down ramekin or glass if you don’t have a cutter—cut out 12 circles. This step creates the perfect size for hand pies that are satisfyingly bite-sized yet substantial enough to hold the luscious filling.

Step 4: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Place about 1 tablespoon of the fruit filling onto half of the pastry circles, leaving about a 1 cm border around the edge. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash to help seal the pies tightly. Place an unfilled pastry circle on top, then gently press around the edges with your fingers and press firmly all around with the tines of a fork to seal. To add a charming homemade touch, pinch small dents at the top and bottom edges to mimic the shape of an apple. Don’t forget to brush the tops with egg wash too — this ensures a glossy, golden finish.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Chill

Create tiny leaves and stalks from any leftover pastry and attach them with a little egg wash—it’s a simple way to add personality! Then poke a small steam hole on top of each pie with a skewer to allow steam to escape during baking. Place your assembled pies on a baking sheet and chill them in the fridge for 1 hour. This chilling step is key to keeping the pastry firm and preventing shrinkage as they bake. You can also chill overnight or freeze for up to 3 months at this stage — perfect for prepping ahead.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Bake the chilled pies for about 25 minutes until the pastry turns beautifully golden and crisp, and you can see the filling bubbling through the steam holes. If baking from frozen, just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. The aroma filling your kitchen will be utterly irresistible — a warm promise of the delicious bite that awaits.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, sprinkle each pie with caster sugar for a delicate crunch and sweetness. Serve warm with a dollop of cream or custard for that extra comforting touch. These hand pies are perfect for sharing — or savoring all by yourself!

Top Tip

These tips will make your Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies turn out perfectly flaky, flavorful, and visually charming every time.

Use fresh or frozen blackberries: Using frozen blackberries is totally fine and often more convenient. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before mixing so your filling isn't too watery.
Chill the pies well: Don’t skip the chilling step before baking! This helps the pastry hold its shape and prevents shrinking or cracking while baking, giving you those perfect golden hand pies.
Seal edges thoroughly: Press edges firmly with a fork and use the beaten egg wash to glue the pastry together. This avoids any juicy filling spillages during baking and keeps those cute apple shapes intact.
Decorate with pastry scraps: Adding little leaves and stalks from leftover dough not only looks adorable but also adds an extra touch of homemade charm that friends and family will love.

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 are delightful on their own but take it up a notch by sprinkling a little extra caster sugar right after they come out of the oven for a pretty sparkle. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey also pairs beautifully with the spiced filling.

Side Dishes

Serve warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, vanilla custard, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. If you want something lighter, a spoonful of Greek yogurt with honey makes a lovely accompaniment that balances sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 8-10 minutes to refresh that golden crispness.

Freezing

The best part is that you can freeze these hand pies after assembling them and chilling for up to 3 months. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you're ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (fan). Place the pies on a baking tray and warm them for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cooking apples like Granny Smith or Bramley work best as they soften nicely without turning mushy. Just avoid eating apples since they don’t break down as well when cooked.

What if I don’t have a 10 cm pastry cutter?

No worries! You can use an upside-down ramekin, a glass, or any round object about 10 cm in diameter to cut your pastry circles. It’s all about getting uniform sizes so the pies bake evenly.

Can I make these pies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the beaten egg with a plant-based milk wash like almond or soy milk to help seal and glaze the pastry. Make sure your shortcrust pastry is also vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Chilling the pies before baking really helps set the pastry and creates a barrier so the filling doesn’t soak through. Also, avoid overfilling and be sure to seal the edges tightly to keep juices contained.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies are a true treat — easy to make and full of cozy, comforting flavors. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a snack with a cup of tea, they never disappoint. I hope these tips and tricks add a little extra joy to your baking experience. Happy pie-making!