October means apple season! Lots of apples and of course lots of apple desserts. Since I've already shared with you my recipe for the easiest ever Apple Pie, today is the day for another easy and absolutely delicious recipe, Mini Salted Caramel Apple Pies!


The salt+caramel+apple combo is one of my favorites (after the strawberry+chocolate one!) and these mini hand pies are amazing. No forks, no plates, no sharing required!

QUICK & EASY MINI SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIES

Makes 12 pieces
Preparation: 10 minutes - Baking: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 sheet puff pastry
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled & diced into small cubes*
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp all-purpose flour
8 store-bought soft caramels, roughly chopped
sea salt flakes*
Egg wash (1 egg lightly whisked with 1 tbsp water)
powdered sugar (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar and flour, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 180ºC, unfold puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares. Place the dough squares on a parchment paper-lined oven pan. Spoon a small portion of the apple filling into one side of each square, leaving enough of a border around the filling. Top the apple filling with a portion of the chopped caramels and a pinch of sea salt. Place the other side on the top, forming a triangle and then use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing each pie.
Brush each pie with the egg wash, and using a sharp knife, cut two or three vents on the top of each pie. Bake the pies for about 15 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to rest for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with some powdered sugar and serve.

Just some notes
1. The cubed apples should be no larger than the size of corn kernels to ensure they become tender during the quick 15-minute bake time.
2. Don't be afraid to use sea salt in this dessert recipe. A pinch of sea salt is necessary as it lends a savory balance to these handheld treats.