If you’re in the mood for a cozy, fruity treat with a bit of a spicy twist, you’re going to love this Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe. These little pies are like a warm hug wrapped in flaky pastry – perfect for sharing (or not!).

Five apple-shaped hand pies with golden brown crusts sit closely together on a white plate. Each pie has small decorative dough leaves attached, and some have red berry filling leaking from small vent holes on top. The pies are dusted lightly with sugar, adding a soft texture to their surface. Around the plate on a white marbled surface, there are fresh blackberries in a white bowl, three green apples with leaves, cinnamon sticks, scattered blackberries, and some green apple peel curls. A knife with a white handle lies nearby, with some berry filling smeared on the blade. The scene is bright and fresh, showing a cozy and homemade feel. 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 honestly can’t get enough of how these hand pies combine sweet, tart, and cozy spice all in one bite. Making them feels like creating little pockets of happiness, perfect for dessert or a teatime treat.

Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are individually sized, so you can take your dessert to-go with no mess.
Flaky, Buttery Crust: The shortcrust pastry bakes up golden and crisp, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
Balanced Fruit Filling: Juicy apples and fresh blackberries mingle with warm cinnamon and honey for a comforting flavor combo.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill or freeze the pies before baking for a stress-free dessert anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail this recipe, quality ingredients really make a difference. I always recommend picking cooking apples that hold their shape well and fresh or frozen blackberries for that juicy punch.

Flat lay of peeled and chopped medium cooking apples, fresh blackberries, a small pile of golden caster sugar, a tablespoon of cornflour in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with honey, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, two sheets of smooth shortcrust pastry, a whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl with caster sugar 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: They soften nicely without turning to mush, creating a lovely texture inside the pies.
Golden Caster Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the fruit flavors.
Blackberries: Fresh or frozen, these bring a juicy tartness that complements the sweet apples perfectly.
Cornflour: Helps thicken the filling so it’s not runny after baking.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the fruit filling, making these pies comforting and aromatic.
Shortcrust Pastry Sheets: Ready-rolled pastry keeps things simple and bakes up with a buttery, flaky finish.
Egg (beaten): Used for sealing the pies and giving them that golden, glossy finish.
Caster Sugar: Sprinkled on top after baking for a little extra crunch and sweetness.

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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 easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to tweak the spices, swap fillings, or adjust for dietary needs, these hand pies are a wonderfully flexible dessert to experiment with.

Variation – Vegan Version: Swap the beaten egg wash for a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup to get a lovely golden crust without using eggs. I’ve tried this myself, and the pies still bake up beautifully with a crisp, shiny finish.
Variation – Seasonal Fruit Swap: When blackberries aren’t in season, try substituting them with fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries. The tartness complements the spiced apple filling perfectly and adds a fresh twist.
Variation – Extra Spice Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon spice mix for a warmer, deeper flavor profile. It’s a small change that really elevates the aromatic notes in the pies.
Variation – Gluten-Free Pastry: If you need to avoid gluten, look for a ready-made gluten-free shortcrust pastry sheet. The hand pies still hold together well, and the fruit filling is irresistibly delicious regardless of the crust.

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

A small round pie with a golden-brown crust sits in the middle of a white plate with ridged edges, partially open showing its dark red and purple berry filling with chunks of red fruit inside. The top layer is dusted with white sugar, and to the side is a small drizzle of berry juice mixed with white cream and a few whole blackberries. A silver fork rests on the plate near the bottom left, and in the blurry background, a green apple and cinnamon sticks are visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Softening the Apples to Perfection

Start by placing your peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a small saucepan. Add the golden caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water, then cover with a lid. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and just starting to break down. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft but still hold some shape. Spread them out in a shallow dish to cool — this prevents your pastry from becoming soggy later on.

Step 2: Mixing the Fruit Filling with Love

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornflour, honey, and ground cinnamon into a smooth paste. This will thicken the filling and add that warming spice note. Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blackberries along with the cooled apple chunks. Take care to mix lightly so the berries don’t crush too much—you want that beautiful burst of juices inside your hand pies.

Step 3: Cutting Out Perfect Pastry Circles

Unroll your shortcrust pastry sheets and using a 10 cm round cutter (or an upside-down ramekin or glass if you don’t have one), cut out 12 neat circles. Save the offcuts for your decorative leaves later. This diameter is ideal to hold just the right amount of filling while still fitting comfortably in your hand.

Step 4: Assembling the Hand Pies

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your fruit mixture onto the center of half the pastry circles, leaving roughly a 1 cm border around the edge. Lightly brush the edges with beaten egg to help the top layer stick. Place a plain pastry circle on top and gently press a small dent at the top and bottom to create a charming apple shape. Press all around the edges with a fork to seal the filling in perfectly, then brush the entire surface with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

Step 5: Adding Cute Details and Ventilation

Use your saved pastry scraps to cut out little leaves and stalk shapes, attaching them to the hand pies with a touch of egg wash. This not only looks adorable but adds a nice personal touch. Don’t forget to poke a small steam hole in the top of each pie with a skewer to let the steam escape while baking — this keeps your crust crisp and prevents any bursting.

Step 6: Chill Out Before Baking

Transfer your lovely pies to a baking sheet and pop them into the refrigerator for 1 hour to chill. This step helps the pastry firm up so it holds its shape during baking. If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the pies at this stage for up to 3 months — just add 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 degrees Celsius fan). Bake the pies for 20 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden and you see the filling bubbling through the steam holes. If baking from frozen, stick them in for about 30 minutes total. The smell of cinnamon and honey will fill your kitchen, signaling that your comforting hand pies are almost ready!

Step 8: Sweet Finish and Serving Suggestions

Once out of the oven, sprinkle your warm hand pies with caster sugar for a little extra crunch and sweetness. They’re best served warm with a dollop of cream or custard on the side. Trust me, that creamy contrast with the spiced fruit filling is pure comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

Making Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is simpler and more enjoyable when you know a few insider tricks that help everything come together perfectly. Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours, so your pies turn out flaky, flavorful, and just plain irresistible every time.

Chill the Pies Before Baking: I always chill the assembled hand pies for at least an hour before baking. This helps the pastry hold its shape and bake evenly, giving you that beautiful golden crisp crust without any shrinkage.
Handle the Fruit Filling Gently: When mixing the cooked apples, blackberries, and cinnamon-honey paste, be gentle to avoid crushing the blackberries too much. The contrast of soft apples and intact berries makes all the difference in texture and appearance.
Seal Edges with Care: Pressing the edges firmly with a fork and brushing with beaten egg not only locks in the filling but adds a nice decorative touch. It also prevents any juicy leaks during baking.
Use a Round Cutter or Substitute: If you don’t have a 10 cm pastry cutter, an upside-down ramekin or glass works beautifully—and I’ve found that this small improvisation never affects the perfect apple shape of these hand pies.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface, with four large round pieces of raw dough on it. Each dough circle is pale cream-colored and smooth, with a middle layer of small fruit chunks, mostly blackberries and diced apples, mixed and coated in a dark red syrup, sitting neatly in the center. The fruit mixture has a glossy texture, slightly spilling over the dough edges. In the lower part of the image, a corner of a white cloth napkin and part of a turquoise baking dish with a silver spoon resting in it are visible, containing leftover fruit pieces and syrup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling the warm hand pies with a light dusting of caster sugar right after baking adds a lovely sparkle and subtle sweetness. For a finishing touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla custard is a warm, comforting addition. Fresh mint leaves or a pinch of cinnamon on top can also brighten up the presentation and aroma wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These hand pies pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist. For a cozy afternoon dessert, a cup of black tea, chai latte, or even a crisp apple cider can complement the spiced fruit filling perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any hand pies leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place parchment paper between the pies. They taste best when gently reheated to restore that flaky texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the assembled pies before baking. Once you've shaped and decorated them, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the original 20-minute baking time, baking directly from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the pies in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan) for about 10 minutes. This gently crisps the pastry back to life without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work well—just thaw them slightly and drain excess juice before mixing with the apples and other ingredients to avoid a soggy filling.

What if I don’t have shortcrust pastry sheets on hand?

You can make your own shortcrust pastry or use store-bought pastry rolled to a similar thickness. Just ensure it’s chilled well before cutting to maintain the flaky texture.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey to add a similar natural sweetness and help bind the filling’s spices.

How do I know when the pies are done baking?

Look for a deep golden brown color on the crust, and you may see the filling bubbling gently through the steam holes—that’s a perfect sign that they’re ready to come out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a warm Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe straight from the oven. They’re simple enough to make any day special, yet charming enough to impress guests or treat your family. From the crisp, golden pastry to the luscious mix of apples and berries spiced with cinnamon and honey, these hand pies truly capture cozy, delicious moments. I hope you enjoy making—and savoring—them as much as I do!