There’s nothing quite like the taste of warm, flaky fried pies filled with sweet, juicy fruit to bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the table. Whether you prefer apples or peaches, these homemade fried pies are a classic Southern treat that never fails to impress. Fried fruit pies have been a cherished dessert for generations, and their crispy, golden exterior combined with a flavorful, gooey filling is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet craving.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to make these delicious fried apple or peach pies from scratch. They’re simple to make, and with a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of pies that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these pies are sure to be a hit!
The History of Fried Fruit Pies
Fried fruit pies have deep roots in Southern cooking, where home cooks would take leftover pie dough and fruit filling to create a handheld dessert that was easy to make and even easier to eat. These pies became a popular way to use up seasonal fruits like apples and peaches, and the simplicity of frying them in a skillet made them accessible for everyday treats. Over time, fried pies became a staple of fairs, festivals, and family gatherings.
Today, these pies are still beloved for their combination of flaky crust and warm, flavorful filling, making them a comforting dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these classic fried apple or peach pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
- ½ cup cold water (add gradually)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups apples or peaches (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar or a simple glaze (for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make these delicious fried fruit pies.
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
The first step in making fried pies is preparing the filling, which will serve as the sweet, juicy center of your dessert.
- Cook the fruit: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples or peaches, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and let the fruit cook down for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fruit is soft and the sugar has dissolved, creating a syrupy filling.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice to balance the sweetness and give the filling a hint of brightness.
- Cool the filling: Once the fruit has softened and the mixture is fragrant, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before filling the pies.
Step 2: Make the Dough
While the filling cools, it’s time to make the dough for the pies. This simple dough will be rolled out and fried to crispy perfection.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as you want it to stay light and flaky.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and will help create that flaky crust we all love.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Now that your dough has chilled and the filling has cooled, it’s time to assemble the pies.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut the dough into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Add the filling: Place a spoonful of the apple or peach filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill. You want just enough filling to fold the dough over and seal the edges.
- Seal the pies: Fold each dough circle in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pie. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
Step 4: Fry the Pies
Once your pies are assembled, it’s time to fry them to golden, crispy perfection.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the pies: Carefully place the pies into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry each pie for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the pies: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your fried apple or peach pies are now ready to be enjoyed! For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the pies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk.
These pies are best served warm, and they pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Tips for Perfect Fried Pies
- Don’t overfill the pies: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, too much filling can cause the pies to burst during frying. Stick to a small spoonful of filling for each pie to avoid leaks.
- Use cold butter and water for the dough: Keeping the butter and water cold helps create a flaky, tender crust. Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out for the best results.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough: If the oil is too cold, the pies will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F for perfectly fried pies.
Conclusion: A Southern Classic Made at Home
Homemade fried apple or peach pies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Southern dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. The flaky, golden crust and warm, sweet filling make these pies the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for dessert after a family meal or enjoying them as a special snack, these fried pies are sure to bring a smile to your face.
So the next time you’re craving a taste of Southern comfort, whip up a batch of these fried fruit pies and enjoy a bite of nostalgia.
source of the picture : recipesneed.com
