Introduction: Fried apple or peach pies are a classic, comforting dessert, perfect for any time of the year. These hand-held treats combine the sweet, tangy fruit filling with a crispy, golden, and flaky crust, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, these pies are easy to prepare and make for a delicious homemade snack or dessert. The beauty of fried pies is that they are portable and can be enjoyed warm, making them a crowd-pleaser for picnics, family gatherings, or simply a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold water (add more as needed)
For the Filling:
2 cups peeled and diced apples or peaches (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup sugar (or more depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple pies)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for apple pies)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Make the Pie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. You may need to add a little extra water.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples or peaches, sugar, cinnamon (for apple pies), nutmeg (for apple pies), lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and the filling thickens, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (if using).
Let the filling cool before using.
Assemble the Pies:
On a floured surface, roll out the pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
Place a tablespoon of the fruit filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Fry the Pies:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Carefully drop the pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Remove the pies from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pies cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your homemade fried apple or peach pies!
Description:
Fried apple or peach pies are a delightful and nostalgic treat, offering a crispy exterior paired with a sweet and fruity filling. Whether you prefer the tartness of apples or the juicy sweetness of peaches, these pies make for a perfect handheld dessert. The light, flaky crust and warm filling combine to create a comforting bite that takes you back to childhood memories of family gatherings and outdoor picnics.
Tips:
Make the dough ahead of time: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight for convenience.
Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature while frying to ensure the pies cook evenly and don’t burn.
Don’t overfill the pies: Overstuffing them can cause the filling to spill out during frying, leading to a messy result.
Experiment with spices: For added flavor, you can experiment with cardamom or ginger in the filling, depending on your preference.
Crispier crust: For an extra crispy finish, brush the pies with a little egg wash before frying.
Variations:
Berry Pies: Use berries like blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries in place of apples or peaches for a different fruity twist.
Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the fruit filling for a more aromatic flavor.
Chocolate Filling: Add a bit of chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the fruit mixture for a dessert with a chocolatey surprise.
Baked Version: If you prefer baking over frying, you can brush the pies with egg wash and bake them in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Corrections:
If you’re using canned fruit, you may need to reduce the sugar in the filling, as canned fruit is usually sweeter.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed when rolling it out.
Adjust the frying temperature. If the oil is too hot, the pies will brown too quickly without cooking the inside properly.
Enjoy!
These fried apple or peach pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, dessert, or picnic treat, their sweet, warm filling and crispy crust are sure to please. Make a batch today and enjoy the homemade goodness!