Why Make This Recipe
Nutella Banana Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines gooey Nutella with sweet banana in a crispy, flaky crust. They make for a perfect dessert or snack, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Not only are these hand pies delicious, but they are also simple to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. They are ideal for parties, picnics, or just a cozy evening at home. Plus, who can resist the comforting combination of chocolate and banana?
How to Make Nutella Banana Hand Pies
Making Nutella Banana Hand Pies is straightforward, and you will find that the process is almost as enjoyable as the end result. Follow the steps below to create your very own golden, flaky hand pies.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Nutella
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake the hand pies perfectly.
Prepare the dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a rolling pin to make it even thinner if you’re using homemade crust. Cut the dough into circles about 4 inches in diameter. You can use a bowl or a large cookie cutter for this.
Spread Nutella: Take each circle of dough, and spread about a tablespoon of Nutella on one half of the circle, leaving a small border around the edge free from filling.
Add banana slices: Place the sliced bananas on top of the Nutella. Make sure not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst open while baking.
Fold and seal: Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filled side. Press the edges together to seal them. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay closed during baking.
Egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the tops of the hand pies. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked. If you like, sprinkle some sugar over the tops for added sweetness and crunch.
Arrange and bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out so they have room to expand. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown.
Cool before serving: Once baked, let the hand pies cool on a wire rack. This cooling time allows the filling to set a bit before you take a bite.
How to Serve Nutella Banana Hand Pies
Nutella Banana Hand Pies are best served warm, straight from the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. If you want to elevate the experience, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a special touch.
These hand pies can be enjoyed any time of day — for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets, providing a delicious treat on the go.
How to Store Nutella Banana Hand Pies
If you have any leftovers (which we doubt!), you can store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. However, keep in mind that they are best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, simply place them back in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
If you want to prepare these pies in advance, you can assemble the hand pies, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, simply follow the same directions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips to Make Nutella Banana Hand Pies
Use very ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, making them perfect for desserts. Their natural sweetness complements the Nutella perfectly.
Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to load up the filling, but too much can make sealing tricky. Stick to about a tablespoon of Nutella and a few banana slices to avoid messes.
Seal well: Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent any leaking during baking. Crimping with a fork not only reinforces the seal but also adds a nice design.
Experiment with flavors: You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg into the Nutella before spreading. Try mixing in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Make them smaller: For bite-sized treats, cut the circles smaller—maybe 3 inches in diameter—and adjust the baking time accordingly. They will bake faster, so keep an eye on them!
Variation
While the classic Nutella and banana filling is delightful, you can change it up based on your tastes. Here are some variations to consider:
Peanut Butter and Banana: Instead of Nutella, spread peanut butter on the dough and add banana slices for a different yet delicious combination.
Nutella Strawberry Hand Pies: Swap the bananas for strawberries for a fresh and fruity twist. The sweet and tart strawberries pair wonderfully with Nutella.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Spread cookie dough into the hand pies for a fun twist. You can use store-bought cookie dough to make it even easier.
Nutella and Marshmallow: Add mini marshmallows with the Nutella for a s’mores-inspired hand pie. Make sure to seal it well as the marshmallows may ooze out while baking.
For more delicious recipes and ideas, check out my Pinterest page! You’ll find plenty of inspirations to add to your cooking journey. Recipes Foody Pinterest
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust can enhance the flavor and freshness of your hand pies.
2. Can I make these hand pies vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk or aquafaba for sealing.
3. Can I bake from frozen?
Yes, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free pie crust for a delicious gluten-free option.
5. How do I know when they are done?
The hand pies are done when they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Nutella Banana Hand Pies are a must-try treat that offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later, they are sure to please everyone who tries them!
Print
Nutella Banana Hand Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful hand pies combining gooey Nutella and sweet banana in a crispy, flaky crust, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Nutella
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut into circles about 4 inches in diameter.
- Spread about a tablespoon of Nutella on one half of each circle, leaving a small border.
- Place sliced bananas on top of the Nutella.
- Fold the other half of the dough over and press the edges together to seal. Crimp with a fork.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies, optionally sprinkling with sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Nutella, Banana, Hand Pies, Dessert, Easy Recipes