Fried Pies

Fried Pies are a delightful treat that combines a crispy, flaky crust with a sweet, warm fruit filling. These little pockets of goodness are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dessert or a fun snack at a gathering. With their versatility in fruit choices and easy preparation, Fried Pies are sure to impress your friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master the art of making Fried Pies.
• Customizable Fillings: Use your favorite fruits or whatever is in season! Apples, peaches, and cherries are just the beginning.
• Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a picnic, party, or holiday gathering, these treats fit right in.
• Crispy and Flaky: The secret to the perfect pie is a buttery dough that fries up golden brown and crisp.
• A Sweet Surprise: Each bite reveals a warm, fruity filling that brings comfort and joy.

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Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Fried Pies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling pin
• Round cutter or glass
• Deep skillet or frying pan
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients without spills.
• Pastry cutter: Helps incorporate butter into flour for that flaky texture.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping pies gently while frying, ensuring they cook evenly.

Ingredients

For the 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)

For the Filling

• 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)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil or sunflower oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Fried Pies

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using vanilla extract, add it here. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. You may need slightly more or less water depending on humidity.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Avoid overworking to keep it tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up for rolling out.

Step 4: Prepare the Fruit Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine your choice of fruit with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice (if using), and cinnamon (if desired). Cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally until thickened and soft—about 10 minutes. Remove from heat to cool slightly before using.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness.

Step 6: Cut the Dough

Using a round cutter or glass, cut circles about 4-5 inches in diameter from rolled-out dough.

Step 7: Fill the Pies

Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of cooled fruit filling into each dough circle’s center.

Step 8: Seal the Pies

Fold each dough circle over its filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges tightly together; use a fork to crimp them decoratively while sealing.

Step 9: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until reaching 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping in small dough pieces; if they bubble up immediately, it’s ready!

Step 10: Fry the Pies

Carefully place prepared pies into hot oil one at a time—avoid overcrowding! Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip carefully.

Step 11: Drain the Pies

Once fried perfectly golden brown, remove pies from oil with tongs and place them on paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil.

Step 12: Serve

Allow fried pies to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!

How to Serve Fried Pies

Fried pies are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect for sharing or indulging in solo. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your fried pie experience.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the crispy pie perfectly.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For a spiced twist, serve with cinnamon ice cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzled with Sauce

• Chocolate Sauce: Warm chocolate sauce adds a rich sweetness that complements the fruit filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel over warm fried pies for a decadent touch.

Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the fried pies.
• Berries Medley: A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries brings vibrant color and tartness.

Dusting with Sugar

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances the visual appeal and adds sweetness without overwhelming flavors.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar for a spiced dusting that pairs well with fruity fillings.

How to Perfect Fried Pies

Making perfect fried pies requires attention to detail at each step. Follow these tips to ensure your pies come out crispy and delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps it stay firm and makes rolling easier, resulting in a better texture.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and cold water contribute to a flaky crust when baked or fried.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many pies at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy results.
• Seal Well: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking during frying.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving that golden-brown color without burning.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Pies

Fried pies make an excellent dessert on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried pies.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw balance out the sweet flavors of the pies.
3. Vanilla Yogurt: A scoop of vanilla yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with sweet fillings.
4. Fruit Compote: Serve alongside a warm fruit compote for an extra burst of fruity flavor that complements the filling.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can create an interesting contrast to sweet fried pies.
6. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts offer a savory bite that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making fried pies can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for perfect results.

• Using warm butter: Cold butter is essential for flaky dough. Make sure your butter is chilled to achieve the best texture.
• Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the dough tough. Gently knead until smooth without overdoing it.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps it roll out easier and keeps the pies from getting soggy. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Crowding the frying pan: Frying too many pies at once lowers oil temperature, leading to greasy results. Fry in batches for crispy perfection.
• Not sealing properly: If edges are not sealed well, filling may leak out during frying. Use a fork to crimp edges securely.
• Ignoring fruit prep: Not cooking the fruit filling ahead of time can lead to undercooked fillings. Always pre-cook your filling for optimal flavor and consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store fried pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fried Pies

• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fried Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds per pie. This method may result in softer crusts.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheat, place pies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making fried pies that may help you along your cooking journey.

What type of fruit is best for Fried Pies?

You can use fresh or canned fruit like apples, peaches, or cherries. Choose your favorite based on taste preference!

How do I prevent my Fried Pies from being greasy?

Ensure that the oil temperature is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. Fry in small batches to maintain even cooking.

Can I make Fried Pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and freeze them before frying. Just thaw and fry when you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I serve with Fried Pies?

Fried pies pair wonderfully with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Fried pies are an incredibly versatile treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether you choose classic apple or experiment with other fruits, these delightful pastries are sure to impress. Customize your fillings and try different spices or toppings to suit your taste!