If you’re a fan of warm, cozy desserts, then I’m about to share your new favorite: a delightfully easy Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe. These little beauties combine tender apples with juicy blackberries and just the right hint of cinnamon, all wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry.

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 remember the first time I made these hand pies—my kitchen instantly filled with the most comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. They’re so simple to put together, yet taste like a fancy homemade treat that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s dessert after a family dinner or a weekend baking project, these pies always hit the spot.

Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are individually sized, which makes them great for sharing or taking on the go.
Balanced Flavors: The sweet and tart blackberries pair beautifully with the warm spice and mellow apples.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these in your pantry and fridge, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the pies ahead of time, chill or freeze them before baking, which is perfect for busy days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients. The magic here lies in choosing the right apples and using fresh or well-thawed blackberries, so your filling is juicy but not soggy. Using shortcrust pastry makes the pies buttery and crisp without overpowering the fruit filling.

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: These hold their shape and soften beautifully when cooked, giving the filling a lovely texture.
Golden Caster Sugar: It sweetens gently while adding a slight caramel note that enhances the fruit.
Blackberries: Fresh or frozen works fine — they add vibrant color and tartness to balance the sweetness.
Cornflour: This helps thicken the fruit juices, so the filling isn’t runny once baked.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral undertone to complement the cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: The warm spice that ties all the flavors together and gives that comforting aroma.
Shortcrust Pastry Sheets: They provide a flaky, buttery exterior to your pies, perfect for hand-held treats.
Egg: Used as a wash to seal the pies and give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
Caster Sugar: Sprinkled on top before serving for a touch of sparkle and extra sweetness.

📝

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

These Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tinker with the filling and finishing touches to make them truly your own. Whether you want to brighten them up with a zesty twist or make them allergy-friendly, there’s plenty of scope for customization.

Seasonal Twist: Try swapping blackberries with fresh raspberries or blueberries when blackberries aren't in season. I love how raspberries add a slightly tart pop that balances the cinnamon-spiced apples beautifully.
Vegan Version: Replace the beaten egg with a plant-based alternative like almond milk for brushing the pastry and a light syrup to seal the edges. Honey can be substituted with maple syrup to keep it 100% plant-based and still deliciously sweet.
Extra Crunch: Mix finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the filling for a delightful nutty crunch. I often add a few chopped nuts when serving for guests who appreciate a bit of texture contrast.
Reduced Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet hand pie, reduce the caster sugar slightly and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples and honey. Just be sure to taste the filling before assembling to keep that lovely balance.
Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for a warmer, more complex flavor profile. It gives the pies a cozy holiday vibe that’s especially heartwarming on chilly evenings.

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: Cook the Apples Until Soft and Tender

Start by placing the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a small saucepan along with 50 g of golden caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and let them cook gently over medium heat for about 8 minutes. You'll want to watch as the apples turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural juices. This slow cooking keeps the apples tender but not mushy, setting the perfect base for your filling. Once done, spread the apples out in a shallow dish to cool—this step ensures your filling mixes evenly without getting soggy.

Step 2: Blend the Filling with Honey, Cinnamon, and Blackberries

While the apples cool, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornflour, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This fragrant paste will thicken the filling and add warmth. Gently fold in the cooled apples and 150 g of fresh or thawed blackberries. Stir carefully to combine everything without breaking up the berries too much, keeping that lovely juicy texture in every bite.

Step 3: Cut Out Pastry Circles for Perfect Pies

Unroll your two sheets of shortcrust pastry and grab a 10 cm round cutter — no cutter? An upside-down ramekin or glass of similar size works just as well. Cut out 12 circles. These will make 6 hand pies when paired—a top and bottom for each. Place the circles on a baking sheet as you go.

Step 4: Assemble Your Hand Pies Like a Pro

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the fruit filling onto half of the pastry circles, leaving a 1 cm border around the edges. Brush this border generously with the beaten egg — this acts as the glue to seal your pies. Place a plain pastry circle over the filling, gently pressing the edges together. Form small dents at the top and bottom of each pie with your fingers to create a charming apple shape. Press the edges firmly with fork prongs to seal everything. Brush each pie with more egg wash. Use leftover pastry to cut out tiny leaf and stalk shapes, attach them with egg wash, then poke a steam hole in the top of each pie using a skewer to prevent bursting during baking.

Step 5: Chill the Pies for an Hour Before Baking

Place your assembled hand pies on a baking sheet and chill them in the fridge for 1 hour. This resting time lets the pastry firm up so it bakes into a wonderfully crisp and flaky crust. If you're planning ahead, you can chill them overnight or freeze for up to 3 months at this stage—just remember to add extra baking time if baking from frozen.

Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 degrees Celsius fan). Bake the pies on the middle rack for about 20 minutes until they're golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling through the steam holes. If baking straight from frozen, extend the baking time by 10 minutes. When done, the pies should be beautifully golden with a slightly crisp crust that cracks just enough to reveal the juicy, spiced fruit inside.

Step 7: Finish and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, sprinkle each pie with 1 tablespoon of caster sugar for a delightful sparkle and subtle crunch. Serve warm with a generous dollop of cream or custard to enhance the comforting cinnamon and fruit flavors. These hand pies are simply irresistible straight from the oven—warm, fragrant, and perfect in every bite!

Top Tip

Making these Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe perfectly every time is easier with a few handy tips. These little tricks helped me get beautiful golden crusts and juicy, flavorful fillings without any fuss.

Use Proper Pastry Cutting Tools: I learned quickly that using a 10 cm round pastry cutter (or an upside-down ramekin or glass) makes a huge difference in getting uniform hand pies that bake evenly and look pretty.
Gently Mix the Filling: Mixing the cooked apples, blackberries, and cinnamon-honey paste gently keeps the fruit intact and prevents the filling from turning mushy inside the pies.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the pies for at least an hour before baking helps the pastry hold its shape, resulting in a crisp, golden crust that isn’t soggy or cracked.
Remember the Steam Holes: Always poke a small steam hole in each pie’s top to let the filling vent. This prevents bursting and keeps the pies intact and neat.

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

For a charming finish, sprinkle your hand pies with a little extra caster sugar right after baking for a sweet crunch. A dusting of cinnamon or a light drizzle of honey can also add extra warmth. Don’t forget a few fresh blackberry or mint leaves on the side for a pretty, natural garnish.

Side Dishes

These hand pies shine as a comforting dessert paired with classic sides like poured cream, rich custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an afternoon treat, try them alongside a cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm cinnamon and fruity flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, these delightful hand pies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about 4 days. Reheat gently to bring back that chewy, buttery goodness.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pies for up to 3 months. Just chuck them straight into the freezer after chilling. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen by increasing the baking time by 10 minutes. This makes it super convenient to enjoy fresh pies anytime.

Reheating

To warm up leftover or frozen (and then cooked) pies, pop them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will refresh the crust’s crispness and let the filling bubble just slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent your filling from becoming too watery.

What kind of apples work best for these hand pies?

Cooking apples, like Bramley or Granny Smith, are ideal because they soften nicely without turning mushy, giving your pies a great texture.

Can I prepare these pies completely ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pies, then either chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

How can I make my pastry extra flaky?

Keep your pastry and fillings cold, use minimal handling when assembling, and make sure to chill the pies before baking. These steps help maintain a flaky texture.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies are truly one of my favorite cozy desserts to make and share. The combination of tender apples and juicy blackberries wrapped in buttery, cinnamon-kissed pastry always brings a little extra joy to the table. Whether for a family treat or festive gathering, they’re straightforward to prepare ahead and sure to impress. I hope making—and eating—these hand pies feels as warm and welcoming for you as it does for me!