Fried Pies Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort treat: Fried Pies! These golden, flaky pockets are brimming with luscious fruit filling and boast the ultimate crispy texture you can only get from homemade fried dough. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or looking for a show-stopping dessert to share, fried pies hit all the right notes—warm, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgence. Each bite is a blend of melt-in-your-mouth pastry and juicy fruit, making them irresistible to kids and grown-ups alike. Trust me: one batch of these and you’ll hear requests for them at every gathering.

Fried Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates simple, accessible ingredients that each add their own magic to the final result. Every component has its role, from creating a perfectly crisp shell to ensuring the filling is rich and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure and texture for the crispy pie dough.
  • Butter: The cold butter in the dough ensures a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Fruit Filling: The choice of fruit gives each pie a fresh, vibrant flavor, and the sugar and cornstarch combine to create a thick, sweet filling.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar in the dough and filling adds just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Salt: A pinch in the dough heightens all the other flavors.
  • Baking powder: This helps the dough puff just enough for that classic fried pie bite.
  • Vanilla extract (optional): Adds an extra layer of aroma and sweetness in your dough.
  • Lemon juice (optional): Gives a wonderful balance and brightness, especially in berry or apple fillings.
  • Cinnamon (optional): A hint of spice transforms peach or apple pies into something cozy and irresistible.
  • Cold water: Ice-cold water brings the dough together without making it tough.
  • Vegetable or sunflower oil: Ideal for frying, these oils provide a crisp outer layer without overpowering the flavor.
  • Powdered sugar (optional): For a lovely dusting on top, adding visual appeal and extra sweetness.

How to Make Fried Pies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the cubes of chilled butter, then work it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until you have coarse crumbs. If you want that bakery-style aroma, splash in a little vanilla extract. Gradually drizzle in the cold water, often one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. The goal is a supple but not sticky dough, so you may need slightly more or less water depending on your kitchen’s humidity.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Give it a gentle knead—just long enough to bring it together—so it’s smooth but still tender. Overworking the dough can make your pies tough, so think gentle and quick. Once formed, wrap the dough snugly in plastic wrap.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Let your dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This important pause lets the butter firm up and the flour fully hydrate, setting you up for a dough that’s super easy to roll and bakes up extra flaky.

Step 4: Prepare the Fruit Filling

While the dough chills, it’s time for the star of the show—the fruit! In a medium saucepan, stir together your choice of chopped apples, peaches, cherries, or whatever suits your fancy, along with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice (for tartness), and a dash of cinnamon if you love a little spice. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens and your fruit is soft and glossy, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool for a bit before assembling.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

When the dough is cold but pliable, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Take a round cutter (or just use a wide glass), and cut circles about 4 to 5 inches across. These will be your fried pie canvases!

Step 6: Fill and Seal

Spoon a generous tablespoon or two of your cooled fruit filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form delightful half-moon shapes. Press the edges tightly to keep all that goodness in, then use a fork to crimp the edges—this not only seals, but makes each pie look extra inviting.

Step 7: Fry the Pies

Pour about two inches of oil into a deep skillet or pan and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To check if it’s ready, drop in a pinch of dough; if it sizzles and floats, you’re set. Gently add the pies, just a few at a time, and fry them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are puffed, golden, and irresistible. Use tongs to flip for an even fry.

Step 8: Drain and Cool

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the golden pies to a plate lined with paper towels to blot away extra oil. Let them cool slightly before serving—this is when you’ll sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like.

How to Serve Fried Pies

Fried Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and always loved, but you can also get creative with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a pinch of cinnamon sugar. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure decadence, or add fresh fruit on the side for extra color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Fried Pies pair beautifully with rich, creamy sides. They’re fantastic next to a small smoothie, a cup of coffee, or a mug of tea—perfect for brunch, snack time, or desserts at gatherings. For the ultimate Southern touch, serve with a scoop of buttermilk ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a fried pie “bar” for family or friends, offering different fillings and toppings so everyone gets their perfect creation. Or pack them in parchment paper and twine for a picnic-friendly treat. For parties, arrange them on a serving platter with dipping sauces like dulce de leche, chocolate, or fruit compote for people to have fun with.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their crust will stay crisp the first day, but after that, it’s best to give them a quick warm-up for best flavor and texture. Keep them separated by parchment or paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked or baked fried pies! If freezing them unbaked, assemble as directed and place them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. For baked/fried pies, let them cool completely, wrap each one individually, and freeze. Use within two months for best results.

Reheating

Reheat fried pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. If frozen, let them thaw slightly before reheating. Avoid microwaving if you can—the oven maintains that beloved crispy crust!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in the filling?

Absolutely! Fried Pies are incredibly versatile—try blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or pears. Just keep the total amount about the same and adjust the sugar as needed depending on fruit sweetness.

What kind of oil is best for frying pies?

Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil; these will give you a crisp finish without imparting any strange flavors. Avoid olive oil or anything strongly flavored.

Can I bake instead of fry?

You can! Arrange the filled pies on a lined baking sheet, brush with a little milk or egg wash, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden. They’ll be more like hand pies, but still delicious.

Why is my fried pie crust not flaky?

Flakiness comes from cold butter and not overworking your dough. Make sure your butter is chilled, and don’t knead too long. Chilling the dough before rolling is key, as well!

How do I prevent the pies from leaking during frying?

Seal the edges firmly with both your fingers and a fork, and don’t overfill each pie. If any filling does escape, don’t worry—fried pies are supposed to be a little rustic!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a big plate of fresh, homemade Fried Pies with your favorite people. They’re warm, flavorful, and always spark a little extra joy. Whether you try classic apple or venture into new fruit fillings, I hope you find yourself coming back to this Fried Pies recipe again and again!

Print

Fried Pies Recipe

Learn how to make delicious fried pies with a flaky crust and sweet fruit filling. These hand pies are perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup cold water (or more as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Filling (Fruit Filling Options):

  • 2 cups fresh or canned fruit (such as apples, peaches, or cherries), chopped
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on fruit sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tartness)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for spiced fillings)

Frying:

  • Vegetable oil or sunflower oil for frying

Topping (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the chilled butter cubes and work into coarse crumbs. Add water gradually until dough forms. Knead gently, then chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Filling: Cook fruit, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until thickened. Let cool.
  3. Assemble the Pies: Roll out dough, cut into circles, add filling, seal pies, and crimp edges.
  4. Fry the Pies: Heat oil, fry pies until golden brown on both sides.
  5. Serve the Fried Pies: Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pie
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: fried pies, hand pies, fruit pies, dessert, fried desserts

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