Blackberry Hand Pies- Easy & Delicious Dessert Recipe

Blackberry hand pies are an absolute delight, a pocket-sized explosion of summer sweetness encased in flaky, buttery pastry. There’s something inherently charming about these individual treats. They evoke a sense of nostalgic comfort, reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen or a sun-drenched picnic. What makes blackberry hand pies so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of tart, juicy blackberries bursting through a golden, tender crust. They’re wonderfully portable, making them ideal for on-the-go snacking, charming desserts at gatherings, or simply a delightful indulgence when you need a little pick-me-up. The vibrant purple filling against the warm, crisp pastry is a feast for the eyes, and the taste is even better. This recipe will guide you to creating your own perfect batch of blackberry hand pies, so let’s get baking!

Blackberry Hand Pies

There’s something incredibly charming and delicious about hand pies. They’re the perfect portable treat, whether you’re packing them for a picnic, enjoying them as a sweet afternoon snack, or serving them at a casual gathering. And when filled with the vibrant, slightly tart sweetness of blackberries, they become an absolute showstopper. These Blackberry Hand Pies are surprisingly simple to make, especially with the help of some pantry staples, and the result is a warm, gooey, berry-filled delight encased in a golden, flaky crust.

The beauty of hand pies lies in their individual servings. Each bite is a perfectly portioned explosion of flavor. The combination of sweet and tart blackberries, complemented by a delicate sugary glaze, makes for an irresistible treat. We’ll be using a readily available canned blackberry pie filling, which simplifies the process beautifully, allowing us to focus on creating that lovely crust and the satisfying frying process.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delightful Blackberry Hand Pies. The process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

1. Prepare Your Workstation and Crusts:
Begin extract by unrolling your refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. If your crusts are still a little stiff from the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them much easier to handle and prevent cracking. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from each crust. A 4-inch diameter circle is usually a good size for hand pies, but you can adjust this based on your preference. Aim to get as many circles as possible from each crust. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie – one for the bottom and one for the top. Gather up any scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out more circles until you’ve used most of the dough. Don’t worry if the shapes aren’t perfectly uniform; they’ll still taste amazing.

2. Fill Your Hand Pies:
Take half of your prepared crust circles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to transfer them later. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the blackberry pie filling onto the center of each of these circles. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during frying. Leave a border of about 1/2 inch around the edge of each circle. This border will be crucial for sealing the pies. If you find your pie filling is very thick, you can gently stir it to ensure it’s well combined.

3. Seal and Crimp for Perfection:
Now, take the remaining crust circles and place one on top of each filled circle. Gently press down around the edges to seal the filling inside. You can use your fingers to press the edges together, or for a more decorative and secure seal, use the tines of a fork to crimp around the entire perimeter of each hand pie. This not only looks nice but also ensures that the delicious blackberry filling stays tucked away during the frying process. If any filling has squeezed out, wipe it away with a damp paper towel before crimping. You can also use a sharp knife to cut a small vent or two on the top crust of each pie. This allows steam to escape during frying, preventing the pies from puffing up too much and potentially bursting.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of pie crust into it; it should sizzle and bubble immediately. Carefully slide 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pies. Fry the hand pies for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and the crust is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This wire rack setup is key for achieving that desirable crispness.

5. Whip Up the Glaze and Finish:
While your hand pies are draining, let’s make a simple yet elegant glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water. Start with the tablespoon of water and add a tiny bit more only if needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency. You want a glaze that’s thick enough to coat the pies but thin enough to drizzle easily. Once the hand pies have cooled slightly (they’ll be very hot right out of the oil), you can generously drizzle the glaze over the tops. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set beautifully. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.

Enjoy these delightful Blackberry Hand Pies! They are a wonderful treat that’s sure to bring smiles all around.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these delightful Blackberry Hand Pies! They are truly a fantastic treat, offering the perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, slightly tart blackberry filling. Their portability makes them ideal for picnics, packed lunches, or simply enjoying as a satisfying dessert or snack any time of day. The beauty of these hand pies lies in their simplicity and versatility. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; I’m confident you’ll find them as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.

For serving, a dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but feel free to get creative! They are wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For variations, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warmer spice note, or a hint of lemon zest to brighten the blackberry flavor even further. You could even experiment with adding a few fresh raspberries or blueberries alongside the blackberries for a mixed berry medley.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pie dough for these Blackberry Hand Pies can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months; thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What if I don’t have fresh blackberries?

Frozen blackberries work wonderfully in this recipe! You may need to cook the filling a little longer to allow the frozen berries to break down and thicken properly. It’s a great way to enjoy these delicious hand pies year-round.

How should I store leftover hand pies?

Store any leftover Blackberry Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days. They are delicious at room temperature or gently reheated in a toaster oven or oven to restore some of their crispness.

Blackberry Hand Pies

Quick and easy individual blackberry hand pies perfect for a sweet treat.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
6

Ingredients

• 21 oz. can blackberry pie filling
• Refrigerated pie crust
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Prepare the pie crust according to package directions. Cut out circles for the pie shells.
2. Step 2
   Spoon blackberry pie filling into the center of half of the pie crust circles.
3. Step 3
   Cover the filling with the remaining pie crust circles, crimping the edges to seal.
4. Step 4
   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat for frying.
5. Step 5
   Carefully place hand pies into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
6. Step 6
   While pies are frying, whisk together powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water to create a glaze.
7. Step 7
   Remove hand pies from oil and place on a wire rack to drain. Drizzle with glaze while warm.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.