Quick and Easy Sourdough Discard Apple Hand Pies

Ever find yourself wondering what to do with that leftover sourdough discard? Instead of letting it go to waste, why not transform it into something utterly delicious? Enter the 🍏🍯Quick and Easy Sourdough Discard Apple Hand Pies🍏🍯. These hand pies combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet warmth of spiced apples, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. They’re perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a delightful snack, or a sweet ending to any meal. Plus, they’re portable, making them ideal for picnics or lunchboxes. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these delectable treats in no time!

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: For combining both the filling and dough ingredients.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To incorporate butter into the flour mixture, ensuring a flaky crust.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the hand pies to golden perfection.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the pies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
• Knife or Pastry Wheel: For cutting the dough into desired shapes.
• Fork: To crimp the edges of the pies, sealing in the delicious filling.
• Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash, giving the pies a beautiful sheen.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the pies to cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms.

What you will Need ?

To make these scrumptious hand pies, you’ll need the following:

For the Filling:

• 🍏 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith recommended): Granny Smith apples are favored for their tartness and firm texture, which hold up well during baking. If unavailable or if a sweeter profile is desired, consider substituting with Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Braeburn apples. These varieties offer a balance of sweetness and firmness, making them excellent alternatives.
• 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice adds acidity, enhancing the apple flavor and preventing browning. If lemon juice is not on hand, an equal amount of lime juice or apple cider vinegar can serve as substitutes, providing similar acidity levels.
• 🍯 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar imparts sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor to the filling. For a different sweetness profile, white granulated sugar can be used in equal measure. Alternatively, coconut sugar offers a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel and can replace brown sugar in a 1:1 ratio.
• 🍂 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the apple filling. If you’re looking to vary the spice profile, ground allspice or pumpkin pie spice can be used in equal amounts as alternatives, each bringing a unique blend of flavors.
• 🌿 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Nutmeg contributes a sweet and nutty undertone. Mace, which comes from the same seed as nutmeg, can be used as a substitute in equal amounts, offering a similar yet slightly more delicate flavor.

For the Dough:

• 🍞 1½ cups all-purpose flour: This serves as the base for the dough, providing structure. Whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for a heartier flavor and increased fiber content. However, this substitution may result in a denser texture. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix can be used, though the dough’s elasticity and flavor might differ slightly.
• 🍞 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed): Sourdough discard adds a subtle tang and contributes to the dough’s leavening. If sourdough discard is unavailable, an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used to introduce acidity and moisture, aiding in dough tenderness.
• 🧈 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Butter imparts richness and flakiness to the crust. For those avoiding dairy, cold coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute can be used in equal amounts. Keep in mind that coconut oil may lend a slight coconut flavor to the crust.
• 🍶 1/4 cup ice water: Ice water helps bind the dough while keeping it cool, essential for a flaky texture. If additional flavor is desired, cold apple cider or chilled vodka can replace water. Vodka inhibits gluten formation, leading to an even flakier crust as it evaporates during baking.

For Assembly:

• 🥚 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): An egg wash gives the pies a glossy, golden finish. For an egg-free alternative, brush the crust with milk (dairy or plant-based) or a mixture of maple syrup and water, which will provide color and slight sweetness.
• 🍬 Coarse sugar (for topping, optional): Sprinkling coarse sugar adds a pleasant crunch and sweetness to the crust. If coarse sugar is unavailable, regular granulated sugar or turbinado sugar can be used. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can enhance the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Sourdough Discard Apple Hand Pies:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
   • Tip: If the apple mixture releases too much juice, consider adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling. This will help thicken the juices during baking and prevent soggy hand pies.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sourdough discard, and cold cubed butter.
   • Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
   • Cut the dough into rectangles (approximately 4×6 inches).
   • Spoon the apple mixture onto half of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Brush the edges with a bit of water, then place another rectangle on top.
   • Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pies.
   • Cut small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake the Hand Pies:
   • Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
   • Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

• Keep It Cool: Ensure your butter and water are cold. This helps achieve a flaky crust.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to leak during baking.
• Seal Properly: Crimp the edges well to prevent the filling from oozing out.
• Ventilation: Cutting slits on top allows steam to escape, preventing soggy pies.

Variations

• Fruit Fillings: Swap apples for pears, peaches, or berries. Adjust sugar levels based on the fruit’s sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Glaze: Drizzle cooled pies with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.

What to Serve with These Hand Pies?

These hand pies are versatile and pair well with various accompaniments:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm apple pie and cold vanilla ice cream is irresistible.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pies for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Cheddar Cheese: For a savory twist, especially popular in certain regions, serve the pies with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
• Hot Beverages: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cider for a comforting treat.

How to Store

Proper storage ensures your hand pies remain fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Place cooled hand pies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days.
• Refrigeration: For extended freshness, store the pies in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes before serving to restore their flaky texture.
• Freezing: To freeze unbaked pies, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked pies can also be frozen; allow them to cool completely before wrapping individually and freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Incorporating sourdough discard into your baking repertoire opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From the delightful 🍏🍯Quick and Easy Sourdough Discard Apple Hand Pies🍏🍯 to pancakes, crackers, and more, you can transform what was once waste into delicious treats. Remember, whether you’re baking your hand pies fresh or from frozen, the process is simple and rewarding. Enjoy

FAQs

Print