Fried Pies Recipe

If you’re craving a bite of pure nostalgic comfort, Fried Pies deliver exactly that with every crispy, fruit-filled mouthful. These handheld sweets combine a buttery, flaky homemade dough with a choice of luscious fruit filling, all sealed and golden-fried until irresistible. Whether you stuff them with apples, cherries, or peaches, these Fried Pies are the kind of treat you’ll want to make for afternoon snacks, summer picnics, or any special occasion. Bursting with sweet flavors and wrapped in warm, comforting pastry, they might just become your next baking tradition!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fried Pies don’t require anything fancy, but each ingredient plays an essential role in building unbeatable taste and texture. From crisp dough to a gooey, fruity filling, here’s how every element comes together to create these little pockets of joy.

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone, giving structure and that classic flaky pie crust you crave.
• Sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar in the dough and filling, for gentle sweetness throughout.
• Salt: Salt sharpens the other flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Baking Powder: Helps create those light, tender layers in the dough.
• Butter: Cold, cubed unsalted butter ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
• Water: Chilled water brings the dough together while keeping it tender.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds a subtle background warmth, perfect for sweet fillings.
• Fruit: Fresh or canned apples, peaches, or cherries—the fruit is the heart of each pie!
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t run out while frying.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A lively note of tartness to brighten the fruit.
• Cinnamon (optional): For a hint of cozy, spiced aroma, especially with apples.
• Vegetable Oil or Sunflower Oil: These are perfect for frying, as they’re neutral and let the pies’ flavors shine.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): Lightly dusting the finished pies adds a bakery-worthy finish.

How to Make Fried Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by placing the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add in the chilled butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like biscuit crumbs. If you’re using vanilla extract, splash it in now. Pour in the cold water slowly, stirring after each addition until the dough just comes together. It should feel soft but not sticky. Adjust with a touch more water or flour, if needed.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured countertop. Gently knead it for a couple of minutes, being careful not to overwork it. The goal is to keep those butter pieces distinct for maximum flakiness. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Fruit Filling

While the dough is resting, combine your chosen fruit, sugar, cornstarch, and (if desired) lemon juice and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the fruit is soft and the mixture has thickened to a jammy consistency—this usually takes around 10 minutes. Set the filling aside and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the Fried Pies.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Dough

After the dough has chilled, place it on a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or the rim of a large glass, cut out circles (about 4 to 5 inches across). Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut until all the dough is used. You want as many circles as possible—each one will be filled with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Fill and Seal the Fried Pies

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cooled fruit filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to over-fill. Fold each circle in half to make a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges tightly to seal. For extra security and a pretty finish, press the edges with the tines of a fork. Try to keep the filling completely enclosed, which helps prevent leaks while frying.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep, heavy skillet or dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) —a small scrap of dough should sizzle on contact. Fry the pies in batches, turning once, until both sides are deep golden brown and crisp (about 2 to 3 minutes per side). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on a paper towel-lined rack.

Step 7: Finish and Enjoy

While the Fried Pies are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar if you like, and let them cool just enough to handle. They’re at their very best when freshly fried, the filling still bubbling and the crust shatteringly crisp!

How to Serve Fried Pies

Garnishes

For a pretty and inviting finish, dust your Fried Pies with a snowfall of powdered sugar the moment they come out of the fryer. If you’re feeling extra, try a light drizzle of vanilla or lemon glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for ultimate indulgence. A little fresh mint on the plate never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

These Fried Pies are absolutely delightful on their own, but they pair perfectly with a mug of hot coffee or tea. For something heartier, serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream. A crisp green apple salad on the side can balance out the sweetness for a picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Fried Pies on a rustic board for a homey look, or pile them high in a linen-lined basket for passing around at gatherings. Try slicing each pie in half and fanning the halves out on individual dessert plates—great for showing off that jewel-toned fruit filling! You can even package them up in parchment and twine for charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Fried Pies (though I promise, that’s rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Resist the urge to stack them, as this can make them soggy.

Freezing

Fried Pies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, reheat directly from frozen using the method below.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-fried magic, warm your Fried Pies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it will soften the crust, but a quick zap for 30 seconds can work in a pinch.

FAQs

What fruits work best for Fried Pies?

Classic choices include apples, peaches, and cherries, but blueberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries make delicious variations. Just be sure to adjust the sugar depending on your fruit’s sweetness!

Can I bake instead of fry them?

Absolutely! Brush the assembled pies lightly with egg wash or milk, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. They’ll be less crisp than fried, but still tasty.

How can I keep the filling from leaking while frying?

Make sure your dough edges are well-sealed by pressing tightly and then crimping with a fork. Also, avoid over-filling, and let the fruit mixture cool before assembling the pies to prevent steam from building up and bursting them open.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before rolling out. You can also freeze the dough disc, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

What’s the best oil for frying Fried Pies?

Choose a neutral-flavored, high smoke point oil like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil. These let the natural sweetness and flavor of the pies stand out without any greasy aftertaste.

Final Thoughts

Few things say “comfort food” quite like Fried Pies, and once you’ve tried them from scratch, you’ll find countless excuses to make another batch. So gather your favorite fruit and a handful of basic pantry staples, and treat yourself to a little homemade happiness—you deserve it!

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