There’s something so comforting about a hand pie loaded with juicy fruit and warm spices, right? That’s why I’m excited to share this Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe with you—it’s bursting with tender apples, fresh blackberries, cinnamon, and a touch of honey, all wrapped up in a buttery, golden shortcrust pastry. Seriously, these pies make for the perfect cozy dessert any time of year.

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’ve made these hand pies on chilly weekends and sunny afternoons alike, and I swear they never fail to bring smiles around the kitchen table. Here’s what makes them special:

Perfect Portion Size: These hand pies are individually sized, making them super convenient to enjoy without any fuss.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the pies up to an hour ahead or freeze them for later—it’s kitchen magic that saves you time.
Balanced Flavors: The spicy cinnamon and sweet honey complement the tart blackberries and mellow apple perfectly.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy stuff—just a few basics to create something truly delicious.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into the kitchen, let’s chat quickly about picking out the best ingredients—you’ll want ripe cooking apples and fresh or frozen blackberries to get that cozy, fruit-forward filling just right.

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 nicely once cooked, giving the pies a great texture without turning to mush.
Golden Caster Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that melds beautifully with the fruit.
Blackberries: Fresh or frozen, they bring a juicy tartness that balances the sweetness and spices.
Cornflour: Thickens the fruit filling so it doesn’t run all over when baking.
Honey: Provides a rich, natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that makes these pies feel like autumn in every bite.
Shortcrust Pastry: Buttery and crisp, it forms the perfect golden shell for our fruity filling.
Egg: Used for brushing, it gives the pies that irresistible shiny, golden finish.
Caster Sugar (Topping): Sprinkled on top after baking, it adds a subtle crunch and sparkle.

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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

Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies are wonderfully versatile — feel free to adapt the filling or toppings to match your mood or the season. A simple tweak can turn this classic dessert into a unique treat that’s all your own!

Vegan Variation: I've swapped honey for maple syrup and used vegan pastry and a plant-based egg replacer for brushing. The result? Just as rich and comforting, with that lovely golden crust intact.
Seasonal Twist: For a fall-inspired version, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves into the filling mix. I love how the warm spices deepen the flavor and make the kitchen smell incredible.
Sweet & Nutty: Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the filling for a delightful crunch and extra dimension. It’s a perfect way to mix texture with fruity sweetness!

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 peeling, coring, and chopping two medium cooking apples into small pieces. Place them in a small saucepan with 50 grams of golden caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes until the apples soften into tender, fragrant morsels. This step fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and ensures the filling will be melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 2: Creating the Spiced, Juicy Filling

While the apples cool slightly, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornflour, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until you form a smooth paste. Gently fold in 150 grams of fresh or frozen blackberries and drizzle the cinnamon-honey mixture over the apple chunks. The cornflour will help thicken the juices during baking, and the cinnamon and honey add warmth and sweetness that sings.

Step 3: Crafting Perfect Pastry Circles

Unroll two sheets of shortcrust pastry, totaling 320 grams, and use a 10 cm round cutter, ramekin, or glass to cut out 12 pastry circles. I find it easiest to place them on a baking sheet as you go. Spoon about one heaping tablespoon of the fruit filling onto half of the circles, leaving a 1 cm border for sealing. This precision helps prevent leaks and keeps the filling beautifully contained.

Step 4: Sealing and Shaping Your Hand Pies

Brush the edges of the filled pastry circles with beaten egg to act as glue. Then top each with a plain pastry circle and gently press around the edges to seal. I like to create an apple shape by pinching a small dent at the top and bottom, adding a charming homemade touch. Use the prongs of a fork to press and seal the edges completely — this not only secures your filling but also gives a pretty decorative edge.

Step 5: Adding Leaves, Venting, and Chilling

Don’t toss your pastry scraps! Cut out little leaves and stalks, brush the backs with egg wash, and stick them onto the pies for an adorable finishing touch. Use a skewer to poke a small steam hole on top of each pie — this helps the filling bubble safely and thickens the juices. Place the pies on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up the pastry for a crispier texture. You can also chill them overnight or freeze for up to 3 months at this stage.

Step 6: Baking to Golden Deliciousness

Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan). Bake the chilled pies for 20 minutes, until golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents. If baking from frozen, add an additional 5–10 minutes. The inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit will signal that it’s time to take these beauties out!

Step 7: Sweet Finish and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled slightly, sprinkle each pie with a tablespoon of caster sugar for a sparkling sweet crust. Serve warm alongside cream or custard for an indulgent treat that’s sure to brighten any day. Trust me, these hand pies disappear fast — so get ready to savor every bite!

Top Tip

These little Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies are a joy to make and eat, and a few simple tips will truly help you nail the perfect flaky crust and luscious filling every time!

Chill the pies well: I’ve found that the full 1 hour chill in the fridge makes all the difference in achieving that crisp, golden finish without the pies spreading too much during baking.
Handle the fruit gently: When folding the blackberries into the cooked apples and cinnamon-honey paste, be gentle to keep the berries intact and avoid turning the filling into mush.
Use egg wash thoughtfully: Brushing the edges before sealing and then the whole surface after assembly helps lock in moisture and creates that gorgeous shiny crust.
Don’t skip the steam holes: Poking small vents with a skewer lets steam escape and prevents your pies from bursting unpredictably in the oven.

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

These hand pies are charming enough to serve as-is, but for an extra touch, sprinkle a bit more caster sugar right out of the oven for sparkle and slight crunch. Add a dusting of cinnamon or a tiny leaf of fresh mint to echo the fruity filling’s warmth and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve warm with classic accompaniments like clotted cream, vanilla custard, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For a cozy finish, pair with a hot cup of chai tea or rich coffee to balance the sweet, spiced fruit flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled slightly, store your Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days while retaining a nice balance of crispness and moist filling.

Freezing

You can freeze the hand pies after assembling and chilling (before baking) for up to 3 months. Just freeze them flat on a baking sheet initially, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen—just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pies in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (fan) for about 10 minutes so they get deliciously warm and crisp again. Avoid the microwave to keep that perfect flaky crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of apples for these hand pies?

Yes! Cooking apples like Bramley are ideal because they soften nicely and balance the sweetness. However, you can experiment with other firm apple varieties, just ensure they’re peeled, cored, and chopped small for even cooking.

Can I substitute honey in this recipe?

Absolutely. If you’re vegan or prefer another sweetener, maple syrup works beautifully as a honey substitute without sacrificing flavor.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Chilling the assembled pies for at least 1 hour before baking helps the pastry hold shape and bake crisp. Also, fully sealing the edges and adding steam holes aids in proper baking without sogginess.

Can these pies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free shortcrust pastry. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling and bake well—some gluten-free blends work better than others.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Apple Blackberry Hand Pies Recipe are a little labor of love that pays off with every bite — a cozy mix of warm spices, fresh fruit, and buttery crust. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring comfort and smiles. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do!