Flaky, golden hand pies filled with juicy apples and sharp cheddar cheese, these Apple and Cheddar Cornish Pasties are a delightful blend of sweet and savory wrapped in a buttery, homemade crust. Inspired by traditional Cornish pasties but with a creative twist, this comforting recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, casual lunches, or cozy evenings at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect marriage of two beloved flavors—apples and cheddar—encased in a flaky pastry crust made from scratch. The dough is rich and buttery, the filling is both sweet and savory with a hint of spice, and each bite is satisfyingly warm and balanced. These hand pies are portable, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for sharing at events or enjoying as a snack or meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pastry
- all-purpose flour (chilled)
- salt
- cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ice-cold water
For Assembly
- egg yolk
- heavy cream (20%)
For the Filling
- apples (peeled, cubed, tossed in lemon juice)
- brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- cinnamon (optional)
- all-purpose flour (to absorb excess juice)
directions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chilled flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water and mix gently just until the dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, combine the cubed apples with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon if using. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 6–8 large circles (approximately 5–6 inches in diameter).
- Fill and shape: Spoon a few tablespoons of the apple-cheddar filling onto one half of each circle. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the pasties on a parchment-lined baking tray. Whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream, then brush this mixture over each pasty for a golden finish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the pasties are golden brown and crisp.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 pasties
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per pasty
Variations
- Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions or a pinch of thyme to enhance the savory profile.
- Spiced Sweetness: Include a dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling for deeper autumn flavor.
- Cheese Options: Try Gruyère or aged gouda in place of cheddar for a unique taste.
- Mini Pasties: Cut smaller circles for bite-sized versions perfect for parties.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a vegan cheese alternative, and a plant-based milk wash for brushing.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Pasties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crisp. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience, though homemade dough offers superior flavor and flakiness.
What type of apples work best?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work well, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I freeze these pasties?
Yes, unbaked or baked pasties freeze well. For unbaked, freeze after assembly and bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes. For baked, reheat directly from frozen.
Do I need to pre-cook the apple filling?
No, the apples bake perfectly within the pasties and retain a tender bite.
Can I omit the sugar for a more savory version?
Yes, omit or reduce the sugar to let the cheddar flavor stand out more prominently.
What’s the purpose of brushing with egg yolk and cream?
This egg wash gives the pasties a shiny, golden crust and helps seal in moisture.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough ensures the butter stays cold, creating a flakier pastry.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely. Assemble the pasties a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving or reheat them.
What’s a good dipping sauce for these pasties?
They pair well with grainy mustard, honey mustard, or a sharp apple chutney.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, the flavor is family-friendly, but you can reduce the cheese or sugar to suit younger palates.
Conclusion
Apple and Cheddar Cornish Pasties offer a delectable fusion of flaky pastry, juicy fruit, and bold cheese. Their rustic presentation and comforting flavor make them a standout addition to seasonal menus or anytime you crave a heartwarming, handheld pie. Whether served fresh from the oven or packed for a picnic, these pasties promise satisfaction in every bite.
Print
Apple and Cheddar Cornish Pasties
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 pasties 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky, buttery hand pies filled with juicy apples and sharp cheddar cheese—these Cornish-style pasties blend sweet and savory flavors for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 540g all-purpose flour (chilled)
- 3g salt
- 300g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 120g ice-cold water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (20%)
- 750g apples (peeled, cubed, tossed in lemon juice)
- 30–60g brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 150g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled flour and salt.
- Add cubed butter and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in ice-cold water and mix just until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, combine apple cubes, brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour, and cinnamon (if using). Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into 6–8 large circles (about 5–6 inches in diameter).
- Place apple-cheddar filling on one half of each dough circle.
- Fold over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Transfer pasties to a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Mix egg yolk with heavy cream and brush over the tops of each pasty.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sugar depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- Refrigerating the dough helps ensure a flaky texture.
- These pasties are great both warm and at room temperature.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for more complex flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pasty
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
