Irresistible Caramel Pecan Hand Pies: Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe
As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, thoughts inevitably drift to Thanksgiving – a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, an abundance of delectable food. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the desserts that truly sweeten our holiday memories. And for many, including myself, pecan pie holds a special place at the Thanksgiving table. This year, I wanted to elevate that beloved classic, transforming it into something truly extraordinary and effortlessly shareable. Prepare yourself for these sinfully delicious Caramel Pecan Hand Pies, a delightful twist that promises to become a new holiday tradition.
The Allure of Caramel Pecan Perfection
There’s something inherently comforting about a classic pecan pie. The rich, sweet filling studded with crunchy pecans, all nestled in a flaky crust – it’s pure bliss. But these hand pies take that experience to an entirely new level, thanks to an incredibly luscious caramel pecan filling. This isn’t just your typical pecan pie; it’s infused with an extra layer of caramel goodness that makes every bite an absolute dream. I must confess, as I was preparing these little treasures, I found myself repeatedly dipping spoons into the filling. The irresistible allure of that sweet, sticky, and nutty concoction meant that fewer pies made it to the baking sheet than originally intended, much to the delight of my sweet tooth (and perhaps to the detriment of my waistline!). The depth of flavor from the homemade caramel combined with the toasted pecans creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is truly unparalleled.
For some reason, I used to reserve my pie consumption almost exclusively for Thanksgiving. Isn’t that a rather unfair restriction to place on such a glorious dessert? Pies, in all their glorious forms, deserve to be enjoyed throughout the year. Imagine the possibilities if we embraced pie culture year-round! With countless variations available, from fruit pies to cream pies, there’s certainly enough diversity to satisfy every craving, every season.
Embracing the Hand Pie Revolution
And now, with the advent of the portable hand pie, there’s truly no excuse not to enjoy this delightful dessert more often. Why aren’t we seeing people strolling about, happily munching on their individual pies? The convenience factor of hand pies is simply undeniable. They’re perfectly portioned, easy to serve, and require no plates or forks if you’re truly on the go. This makes them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, picnics, or even a simple, indulgent afternoon treat. This year, instead of the usual cookie platter, I’m seriously considering a spread of these charming hand pies as a festive and unexpected holiday surprise. They offer all the warmth and comfort of a traditional pie but in a fun, personal package.
Crafting Your Caramel Pecan Hand Pies: Tips and Tricks
Flaky Pastry: Homemade or Store-Bought?
Creating a delicious, flaky pastry from scratch can be a rewarding experience, and this recipe provides all the details for a perfect homemade crust. The process involves combining flour, salt, and sugar, cutting in cold butter until it resembles coarse meal, and then gradually adding cold water until the dough comes together. A brief refrigeration period helps the butter firm up, ensuring a wonderfully tender and flaky result when baked. Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness and then using a round cutter allows for uniform hand pies that look as good as they taste.
However, let’s be realistic: the holiday season is often a whirlwind of activities, and time is a precious commodity. This is where a little secret comes in handy. Using high-quality store-bought pie crust for these hand pies is 100% acceptable, especially if you’re baking for a crowd or find yourself pressed for time. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Plus, if you’re concerned about a handmade crust not holding its shape perfectly, store-bought options often offer greater consistency. It’ll be our little secret; your guests will never know it wasn’t made from scratch! The focus should always be on enjoying the process and the end result, and convenience can play a big part in that.
The Star of the Show: The Caramel Pecan Filling
The heart of these hand pies is undoubtedly the rich caramel pecan filling. It begins with toasting the pecans, a crucial step that intensifies their nutty flavor and adds depth to the overall taste profile. The caramel itself is a blend of sugar and water, cooked to a beautiful medium amber color, then enriched with butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. This creates a deeply flavorful base that truly sets this filling apart from simpler pecan pie recipes. The addition of corn syrup and eggs ensures the filling sets perfectly, offering that signature gooey yet firm texture. Chilling the filling before assembly is key, as it makes it much easier to work with and ensures an even distribution within each hand pie.
Holiday Food Traditions: What Do You Reserve?
The idea of reserving certain foods for special occasions, like Thanksgiving, is a fascinating aspect of culinary culture. For many, pecan pie is intrinsically linked to this particular holiday, symbolizing warmth, celebration, and tradition. It brings back memories of family gatherings, shared laughter, and moments of gratitude. Do you also have specific dishes that you only enjoy on Thanksgiving, or perhaps other holidays or events? Is it a habit you’ve consciously formed, or one that has simply evolved over time? Perhaps it’s a dish that requires significant preparation, making it a treat reserved for when you have more time. Or maybe it’s a generational recipe that feels most authentic when shared during specific family celebrations. Let’s discuss these unique culinary traditions and what makes them so special to us.
This practice adds to the anticipation and joy of the holiday. When a food is enjoyed rarely, it becomes more precious, more memorable. It heightens the sensory experience, making each bite even more impactful. These Caramel Pecan Hand Pies, with their enhanced flavor and delightful portability, could easily become that “special something” you look forward to every year, or perhaps, a new treat you decide to enjoy a little more often!
Serving Suggestions and Beyond
These Caramel Pecan Hand Pies are incredibly versatile. While they are phenomenal on their own, served warm or at room temperature, consider these enhancements:
- A la Mode: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a warm hand pie is pure heaven.
- With Coffee or Tea: They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a soothing herbal tea, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch and a subtle extra sweetness.
For those feeling adventurous, consider variations: add a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-caramel pecan delight, or experiment with a touch of bourbon or rum extract for an adult twist. The beauty of a hand pie is its adaptability to personal tastes.
Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast, attending a Friendsgiving potluck, or simply looking for an exquisite dessert to brighten your day, these Caramel Pecan Hand Pies are guaranteed to impress. They offer the comforting familiarity of a classic, elevated with a rich caramel twist and presented in a convenient, charming package. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to bake some unforgettable memories.
table of contents
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Caramel Pecan Hand Pies
ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 14 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3-4 tbsp cold water
- 1 1/2 cups pecans 6 ounces
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 5 large eggs 1 egg beaten
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
instructions
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In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together but is still slightly crumbly (approx. 3 to 4 Tbsp total). Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple of minutes. Shape the dough into 2 disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
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On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll out 1 disk of the dough until it is 1/4″ thick. Using a small pot lid or plate with a 6″ inch base, cut out as many rounds as you can. Repeat this process with the second disk of dough. Reroll the scraps if you have to, making sure you have 8 rounds of dough. Transfer to parchment paper–lined baking sheets and refrigerate 20 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, spread out the pecans and toast for about 8 minutes. Cool and then coarsely chop.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Swirl the pan gently once the caramel begins to form until the mixture is a medium color, approximately 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, cream, 1 tsp vanilla and salt.
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Transfer 1 cup of the caramel to a large bowl to cool slightly. Whisk in remaining cup of sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract and corn syrup. Whisk in the 4 unbeaten eggs until smooth. Stir in pecans.
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Grease a 9×13″ baking pan. Pour pecan filling into the pan and bake for 30 minutes. Scrape out into a bowl and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate until chilled, approximately 1 hour.
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Brush the pastry rounds with some of the beaten egg. Add 1/4 cup of the pecan filling onto each round and fold pastry over to create a hand pie. Press edges to seal and crimp closed with a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds.
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Brush tops of the pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Make 2 slits in the top of each pie. Bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cool before serving.