There’s something simply delightful about biting into a warm, flaky hand pie filled with sweet and tart goodness. Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies are pure comfort and a celebration of flavors from two beloved fruits. With each bite, you’re met with a delicious dance of sweetness from the strawberries and a refreshing tartness from the rhubarb, making it a treat everyone seems to adore. These little pockets of joy are not only delicious but also remind me of warm summer days spent in the kitchen with family, creating memories through food.
The key components of these hand pies include 1 cup of chopped strawberries and 1 cup of chopped rhubarb. These fruits come together beautifully with just 1/2 cup of sugar to balance their natural tartness. A tablespoon of cornstarch helps to thicken the filling, while 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm undertone that elevates the flavors. A splash of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice brightens it all up. You can use a package of pie crusts for convenience or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. Additionally, an egg wash made from 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk gives the hand pies a lovely golden brown finish.
The method is straightforward and accessible, making it perfect for cooks of all experience levels. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the fruits are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Next, roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles about 5-6 inches in diameter. Spoon the delicious filling onto one half of each circle, fold them over, and crimp the edges to seal them. After brushing the tops with the egg wash, bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown, and allow them to cool slightly before tasting.
These hand pies are perfect for a variety of occasions—from chilly nights to potlucks with friends. They bring warmth and joy no matter when you choose to enjoy them.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pie
- Quick: These hand pies come together quickly, making them a great last-minute dessert option.
- Simple Ingredients: With easily accessible ingredients, you can whip them up without fuss.
- Comfort Food: They evoke nostalgic feelings, reminding us of cozy family gatherings.
- Versatile: Perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to special gatherings.
- Freeze Well: They make an excellent make-ahead dessert; simply freeze for later enjoyment.
Strawberry Tips
When selecting strawberries for your hand pies, it’s best to choose fresh, bright red strawberries that are sweet and fragrant. Look for berries that are firm with no blemishes. If you can find local, organic strawberries, those are often the tastiest. As for rhubarb, make sure it’s crisp and vibrant. Avoid any that appears limp or has brown spots, as these indicators suggest they’re past their prime. Preparing these ingredients is simple: just wash them thoroughly, trim the ends of the rhubarb, and chop both into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Options for Substitutions
- Sweetness: Instead of sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Thickening Agent: Cornstarch can be replaced with flour if desired, but the texture might vary slightly.
- Extracts: For a twist, use almond extract instead of vanilla for an interesting flavor.
- Citrus Juice: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different tang.
- Pie Crust: If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs.
- Milk Alternative: Instead of regular milk for the egg wash, you can use almond milk or oat milk.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the fruit filling. Keep an eye on it while it cooks, stirring occasionally, to prevent burning. You want the fruits to soften but not completely collapse. Another pitfall is skipping the egg wash, which gives the pies their beautiful golden color. If you don’t have egg, brushing them with milk or butter can also work well. Make sure to seal the edges of the hand pies thoroughly; otherwise, the filling may leak out during baking. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This will allow the pies to bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown crust.
What to Serve With Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pie?
These hand pies are delightful on their own, but they pair excellently with a few simple side dishes. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A side of lightly sweetened yogurt can bring a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry. Additionally, a warm beverage, like steaming tea or coffee, complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your hand pies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, store them in an airtight container.
Freeze: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat: To reheat, place the hand pies in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, though this may not retain the crispness of the pie crust.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 8 hand pies
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-1000
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 120-150g
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup rhubarb, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the fruit becomes soft and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Prep the Pie Crusts
Once the filling is ready, roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter, cut them into circles about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon some of the fruit mixture onto one half of each circle. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the other half over to cover the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Step 5: Egg Wash Time
In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with this mixture for a lovely finish.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
In summary, these Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: sweet and tart. They not only taste amazing but also fill your home with a wonderful aroma. I encourage you to try making these hand pies, share your experiences, and explore similar recipes on my blog. Happy baking!
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Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful hand pies filled with a sweet and tart strawberry-rhubarb filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup rhubarb, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the fruit is soft and mixture thickens.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into 5-6 inch circles.
- Spoon the filling onto one half of each circle, then fold over and crimp edges to seal.
- Whisk the egg and milk together for the egg wash, then brush the tops of the hand pies.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, then allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These hand pies freeze well and can be reheated in an oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
