Irresistible Strawberry Walnut Hand Pies: The Perfect Portable Dessert

Discover the ultimate strawberry walnut hand pies recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. These easy desserts feature flaky pastry filled with sweet strawberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for picnic snacks and on-the-go treats.

Introduction

Nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet, juicy strawberries and crunchy walnuts. These strawberry walnut hand pies are the epitome of comfort food that you can hold in your hand. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, looking for easy desserts to impress guests, or simply craving a homemade treat, this hand pie recipe delivers on all fronts.

The beauty of www.podiumrecipes.com lies in their versatility and portability. Unlike traditional pies that require plates and forks, these portable pies are self-contained bundles of joy that make perfect picnic snacks. The combination of sweet, seasonal strawberries with the earthy crunch of walnuts creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The flaky pastry exterior provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft, jammy filling inside.

What makes this recipe truly special is how achievable it is for home bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need fancy equipment or years of pastry experience to create these delightful hand pies. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have a batch of golden, crispy strawberry walnut hand pies ready to enjoy in just over an hour.

Ingredients

For the Flaky Pastry:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour – essential for creating the perfect flaky pastry dough
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks), cubed – crucial for pastry texture
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water – keep very cold for best results
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor
• 2 tablespoons sugar – adds subtle sweetness to the pastry

For the Strawberry Walnut Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced – the star ingredient
• ¾ cup walnuts, chopped (toasting optional for extra flavor)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar – provides rich sweetness for the filling
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – essential thickening agent to prevent soggy hand pies
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – brightens the strawberry flavor

For Assembly:

• 1 large egg – for creating a golden egg wash
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar – for sprinkling on top of the portable pies

Nutrition Facts

Per Hand Pie (Makes 12 servings):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg

These strawberry walnut hand pies provide a good balance of carbs for energy and healthy fats from walnuts. The protein content comes from the flour and egg, while the strawberries contribute natural sugars and vitamin C.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Begin by making the flaky pastry for your strawberry walnut hand pies. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This technique is crucial for achieving the signature flaky pastry texture.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the water. The dough should hold together when pressed but not be wet or sticky. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Walnut Filling

While the dough chills, prepare your strawberry walnut filling. In a medium bowl, combine diced strawberries, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix gently to coat all ingredients evenly. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices from the strawberries during baking, preventing soggy hand pies.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a 5-inch round cutter or bowl, cut out circles of dough. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed. Repeat with the second disk of dough.

Step 5: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry walnut mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the hand pies to burst during baking. Brush the edges with water, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Transfer the assembled strawberry walnut hand pies to parchment-lined baking sheets. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the strawberry walnut hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the flaky pastry is golden brown and crispy. The filling should be bubbling slightly through the steam vents. Allow the hand pies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful strawberry walnut hand pies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy them warm from the oven as a comforting dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a more elegant presentation, dust them with powdered sugar and serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

As picnic snacks, these portable pies are unbeatable. Pack them in a basket for outdoor gatherings, school lunches, or road trip treats. They maintain their delicious flavor and texture even at room temperature, making them ideal for any occasion where traditional desserts might be impractical.

For breakfast or brunch, serve these hand pies with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. The combination creates a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. You can also warm them slightly and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent morning treat.

Pro Tips

Creating perfect strawberry walnut hand pies requires attention to a few key details. First, keep your ingredients cold throughout the process. Cold butter and ice water are essential for achieving the flaky pastry texture that makes these hand pies so irresistible. If your kitchen is warm, chill the bowl and utensils beforehand.

When preparing the filling, don’t skip the cornstarch. This ingredient prevents the strawberry walnut mixture from making the pastry soggy by absorbing excess juices during baking. For extra flavor, try toasting the walnuts lightly before chopping them.

Sealing the edges properly is crucial for preventing leaks during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, and don’t be afraid to press hard. If you notice any small tears in the dough, patch them with a small piece of dough and press to seal.

For the best results, bake the hand pies until they’re deeply golden brown. Underbaked pastry will be tough and chewy rather than light and flaky. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Variations

The basic strawberry walnut hand pie recipe is just the beginning of endless possibilities. For a tropical twist, substitute macadamia nuts for walnuts and add a tablespoon of coconut flakes to the filling. This variation creates an exotic flavor profile that’s perfect for summer entertaining.

Create a hand pie recipe variation by using different nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to complement the sweet strawberries. You can also experiment with different fruit combinations – try strawberry-rhubarb for a tart twist, or add diced peaches for extra sweetness.

For those following dietary restrictions, this recipe adapts well to various needs. Create gluten-free strawberry walnut hand pies by substituting a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The technique remains the same, though you may need to add slightly more water to achieve the right dough consistency.

Vegan variations are also possible by replacing the butter with cold vegan butter and using a plant-based milk wash instead of egg wash. The flaky pastry texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

For a more decadent version, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to each hand pie along with the strawberry walnut filling. This creates a richer, more indulgent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The dough for these strawberry walnut hand pies can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out.

Q: How do I store leftover hand pies? A: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen hand pies in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes, but thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using. Frozen strawberries contain more water than fresh, so you may need to add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent soggy portable pies.

Q: What if I don’t have a round cutter? A: A large bowl, small plate, or even a wide-mouth mason jar lid can work as alternatives for cutting the dough circles for your strawberry walnut hand pies.

Q: Can I bake these on a different day? A: You can assemble the hand pies completely and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time if baking them cold from the refrigerator.

Conclusion

These strawberry walnut hand pies represent the perfect marriage of comfort and convenience. With their flaky pastry exterior and luscious filling, they prove that the best easy desserts don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Whether you’re packing them for picnic snacks or serving them at a dinner party, these portable pies are guaranteed to impress.

The beauty of this hand pie recipe lies in its adaptability and foolproof nature. Once you master the basic technique, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different fillings and variations throughout the seasons. The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy walnuts creates a timeless flavor that appeals to all ages.

We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Share your results and variations in the comments below – we love hearing how our readers customize their strawberry walnut hand pies. Don’t forget to visit www.podiumrecipes.com for more delicious recipes that bring families together around the table. From easy desserts to hearty main courses, we’re your go-to source for reliable, tested recipes that deliver exceptional results every time.

Try these strawberry walnut hand pies this weekend and discover why homemade portable pies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Your family and friends will be asking for the recipe before they’ve finished their first bite!