Fried Pies: A Nostalgic Bite of Deliciousness
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky crust that gives way to a burst of sweet, warm fruit filling. The aroma of fried pastries wafts through the air, pulling at the heartstrings of nostalgia as memories of cherished moments flood your mind. These fried pies evoke comfort and joy, reminiscent of cozy afternoons spent at grandparent’s houses or sunny picnics in the park. Perfect for everything from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these delightful treats prove that some of the best memories are made around food.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 12 fried pies
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Nutrition Highlights
Each fried pie can bring you a burst of flavor, but it’s essential to consider nutritional aspects, especially when indulging in sweet treats. Here’s the breakdown per serving (one fried pie):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutrition data may vary depending on specific ingredients and cooking methods. Sources such as the USDA FoodData Central can provide further verification.)
Why You’ll Love It
Fried pies are not just any dessert; they’re a vessel of cherished memories and emotional connections. Each bite takes you back to warm kitchens filled with laughter and love. Whether you’re sharing them with family on a cozy weekend morning or serving them at a festive gathering, these pies bring people together. Their warm, crispy exterior paired with the sweet filling creates a delightful contrast of textures, making them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up, allowing for spontaneous cooking adventures!
How to Make Fried Pies
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
Instructions:
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the chilled butter cubes, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using vanilla extract, add it here. Gradually mix in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together; this may require slight adjustment.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth without overworking it.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
-
Prepare the Fruit Filling: Combine fruit, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice (if using), and cinnamon (if using) in a medium saucepan over medium heat, cooking until the mixture thickens and the fruit breaks down, approximately 10 minutes. Allow it to cool.
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Roll out the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness on a floured surface.
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Cut the Dough: Use a round cutter or glass to create 4-5 inch circles from the dough.
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Fill the Pies: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cooled fruit filling into each circle.
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Seal the Pies: Fold each round over to form a half-moon shape, press edges to seal, and crimp with a fork.
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Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a skillet to reach 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the Pies: Fry pies in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
These fried pies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways! Serve them warm, fresh out of the fryer, perhaps alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a sweet tea. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a touch of elegance, drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over them before serving.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Fried pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: In the fridge, they keep well for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: If you want to save some for later, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Expert Tips
For the best fried pies possible, consider these tips:
- Chill Your Ingredients: Always keep your butter and water cold; this will yield a flakier crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Perfectly Crisp Texture: Aim for a golden brown color; this indicates that the pies are crispy and delicious.
Creative Twists
- Savory Filling: Instead of fruit, opt for savory ingredients like spiced potatoes and cheese for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Exotic Flavors: Add spices like cardamom or nutmeg to your fruit filling for an adventurous flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, frozen fruit works great—just ensure it’s thawed and drained of excess moisture.
- How do I get my pies to stay sealed? Crimp the edges well, and ensure the filling is not overly wet.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These fried pies are more than just a dessert; they’re an invitation to create memories and savor moments with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the warmth of your kitchen, and indulge in the timeless joy of homemade fried pies. We’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe and see your delightful creations—don’t forget to share your journey with us!
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Fried Pies
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious fried pies with a crispy crust and warm fruit filling, perfect for gatherings and nostalgic moments.
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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the chilled butter cubes, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using vanilla extract, add it here. Gradually mix in cold water until the dough comes together; this may require slight adjustment.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth without overworking it.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine fruit, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice (if using), and cinnamon (if using) in a medium saucepan over medium heat, cooking until the mixture thickens and the fruit breaks down, approximately 10 minutes. Allow it to cool.
- After chilling, roll the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a round cutter or glass to create 4-5 inch circles from the dough.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cooled fruit filling into each circle.
- Fold each round over to form a half-moon shape, press edges to seal, and crimp with a fork.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a skillet to reach 350°F (175°C).
- Fry pies in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar and allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
Serve warm with coffee or tea; can be enjoyed with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg




