Fried Pies Recipe

Introduction

Fried pies are a delightful treat with a crispy, flaky crust and a warm, fruity filling. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they bring comforting homemade flavors to your table with every bite.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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)
• Vegetable oil or sunflower oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. 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 and flour type.
2. Step 2: Knead the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.
3. Step 3: Chill the Dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up and make rolling easier.
4. 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, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the fruit softens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Roll Out the Dough. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
6. Step 6: Cut Dough Circles. Using a round cutter or glass, cut the dough into 4-5 inch diameter circles.
7. Step 7: Fill the Pies. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled fruit filling into the center of each dough circle.
8. Step 8: Seal the Pies. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal and add a decorative touch.
9. Step 9: Heat the Oil. In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable or sunflower oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should bubble and float.
10. Step 10: Fry the Pies. Carefully place pies in hot oil in batches without overcrowding. Fry 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip gently for even cooking.
11. Step 11: Drain. Remove fried pies and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
12. Step 12: Serve. Let the pies cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flaky crust, keep your butter and water very cold while making the dough.
• Try different fruit fillings like blueberry, peach, or mixed berries for variety.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for even frying and less greasy pies.

Storage

Store leftover fried pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for the filling?

Yes, frozen fruit works well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid a watery texture.

Is it possible to bake the pies instead of frying?

Yes, baked fried pies can be made by brushing the dough with egg wash and baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until golden, though frying gives a crispier, more traditional texture.

Fried Pies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

Delicious fried pies featuring a flaky, buttery dough filled with a sweet and thick fruit filling made from fresh or canned fruit. These golden, crispy hand pies are fried to perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar, making a perfect treat for any occasion.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10–12 fried pies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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 and flour type.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Avoid overworking to keep the dough tender.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make rolling easier.
4. Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine your choice of fruit with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice (optional), and cinnamon (optional). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and fruit softens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
6. Cut the Dough: Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles about 4-5 inches in diameter.
7. Fill the Pies: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled fruit filling into the center of each dough circle.
8. Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over the filling into a half-moon shape. Press edges tightly and crimp with a fork to seal and decorate.
9. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable or sunflower oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and float when ready.
10. Fry the Pies: Carefully place pies into the hot oil a few at a time without overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, flipping with tongs for even cooking.
11. Drain the Pies: Remove fried pies and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
12. Serve: Allow pies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Use cold butter and cold water to achieve a flaky dough texture.
• Adjust sugar in filling depending on the sweetness of your fruit choice.
• Do not overfill pies to prevent leaking while frying.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best frying results.
• Let pies cool slightly after frying to avoid burns from hot filling.
• Fruit fillings can be customized to your preference including mixed berries, peach, or apple-cinnamon combinations.

Keywords: fried pies, hand pies, fruit filling, crispy dessert, fried dessert, homemade pies, sweet pies