Flaky, golden pockets filled with sweet-tart fruit goodness.
Hey, friend!
If you love strawberry rhubarb pie but want something easier to grab, share, or pack for later—hand pies are your answer. These little cuties are flaky on the outside, juicy and tangy on the inside, and totally addictive. They’re the perfect size for snacking, picnics, or making someone’s day with a sweet surprise.
Let’s get baking!
🥧 Servings & Time
- Servings: 8 hand pies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (for dough)
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made these was for a road trip. I didn’t want a messy slice of pie sliding around in the cooler, so I wrapped it up in dough and turned it into a pocket. Let me tell you—it was a hit.
- Flaky crust and gooey filling in every bite
- Easier than a full pie
- Perfect for gifting or packing
- Great balance of sweet and tart
- You can freeze them for later
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cold butter in the dough makes it flaky as it melts and releases steam in the oven.
- Cornstarch thickens the fruit juices to prevent soggy bottoms.
- A quick egg wash makes the crust shiny and golden.
- Sealing with a fork keeps all that juicy filling locked inside.
🗓 Meal Plan Ideas
- Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy all week
- Serve for brunch with coffee
- Pack for a picnic or lunch treat
- Freeze a few for dessert-on-demand
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling the dough – warm dough = tough crust
- Overfilling the pies – it leaks out while baking
- Skipping vents or slits – steam needs to escape
- Underbaking – crust should be deeply golden
🍓 What You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- ¾ cup chopped rhubarb
- ¾ cup chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For assembling:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse or turbinado sugar (optional)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Fork & knife
- Small saucepan
- Spoon or spatula
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Frozen fruit: Works great—just thaw and drain first
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter
- Store-bought dough: Totally fine if you’re short on time
- Spice it up: Add cinnamon or ginger to the filling
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough can be made 2 days ahead and kept chilled
- Filling can be cooked and cooled the day before
- Assembled hand pies can be frozen before baking—just bake from frozen and add 5–8 mins
👣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and cut it in until crumbly. Slowly mix in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until it forms a dough. Shape into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the filling
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until the fruit breaks down and thickens. Let cool.
Step 3: Roll and cut the dough
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick. Cut into 8 rectangles or circles (your choice).
Step 4: Fill and seal the pies
Spoon a tablespoon of cooled filling into the center of each dough piece. Top with another piece (or fold over), and press edges with a fork to seal. Cut a small slit on top.
Step 5: Egg wash and sugar
Place hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush the tops, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling slightly.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Let them cool on the pan for at least 10 minutes before eating—they’ll be hot and bubbly inside!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to get the crust crispy again
- Freeze baked or unbaked pies—just add a few extra minutes to bake from frozen
🔢 Exact Macros (Per hand pie)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
🍨 What to Serve With
- A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Hot coffee or tea
- A drizzle of honey or powdered sugar
❓ FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Totally. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.
Do I have to cook the filling first?
Yes. Cooking it thickens the mixture so it doesn’t leak during baking.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze before or after baking. Bake from frozen at 375°F and add 5–8 minutes.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes—use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk for the wash instead of egg.
Your New Favorite Mini Pie 🥧
These Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies are buttery, fruity, and honestly—just fun. Whether you bake them for a weekend treat or pack them for later, they’re sure to disappear fast. Try them out and let me know how they turn out! Got your own twist on the filling? Drop it in the comments! 🍓💬
