Fried Apple or Peach Pies Recipe

Craving something sweet, nostalgic, and downright delicious? These Fried Apple or Peach Pies are the perfect handheld dessert that’s crispy on the outside and filled with warm, spiced fruit on the inside. Whether you prefer the classic apple filling or the juicy sweetness of peaches, these fried pies are a delightful treat for any occasion! 🥧🍑🍏

Fried Apple or Peach Pies bring together the comforting flavors of a traditional pie in a smaller, portable version. The flaky, golden crust is fried to perfection, and the warm fruit filling oozes with sweetness in every bite. These pies are ideal for serving as a dessert or a snack and are perfect for making ahead and frying fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love These Fried Pies

These pies are a twist on the classic baked pie, offering the added indulgence of a crispy, fried crust. They’re quick to prepare, and you can make them with fresh apples or peaches depending on the season. The filling is spiced just right, and the frying process gives them a beautiful golden brown finish that’s both crispy and satisfying.

Main Ingredients for Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Each ingredient in this recipe has been chosen to create a crispy, sweet, and flavorful dessert that’s simple to prepare:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Flour forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and a light, crispy texture when fried.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, cold and cubed): Butter ensures the dough is tender and flaky, creating that perfect crispy texture.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Ice Water (4-6 tablespoons): Ice water brings the dough together without making it too sticky, keeping the butter cold for a flaky result.

For the Apple or Peach Filling:

• Apples or Peaches (2 large, peeled and diced): The star of the pies, apples provide a classic, tart sweetness, while peaches offer a juicy, summery alternative.
• Sugar (⅓ cup): Sugar sweetens the fruit filling, balancing the tartness of the apples or the natural sweetness of the peaches.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for apple filling): Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the apple filling, making it cozy and flavorful.
• Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A hint of nutmeg enhances the warm spice of the filling, complementing the fruit’s flavor.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Lemon juice brightens the flavor of the filling and helps prevent the fruit from becoming too mushy.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Cornstarch thickens the fruit filling, ensuring it doesn’t become too runny when fried.

For Frying and Finishing:

• Vegetable Oil (for frying): A neutral oil like vegetable oil is perfect for frying the pies until golden and crisp.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional): A dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the pies look beautiful.

The Filling Process

The fruit filling is the heart of these pies, and whether you’re using apples or peaches, the key is to cook the fruit just enough to soften it and allow the spices to blend. If using apples, a classic blend of cinnamon and sugar creates that traditional flavor, while peaches pair beautifully with a touch of lemon and sugar for a fresh, summery taste.

How to Make Fried Apple or Peach Pies: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Fruit Filling: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples or peaches, sugar, cinnamon (if using apples), nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the fruit softens and the filling thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. You can re-roll the scraps to make more pies.
4. Assemble the Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled fruit filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to ensure the pies are well-sealed.
5. Fry the Pies: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the pies, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the pies from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the fried pies with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Fried Pies

• When making the dough, ensure the butter stays cold. This helps create a flaky, tender crust that contrasts beautifully with the warm filling.
• Cook the fruit filling just until it thickens. Overcooking the fruit can make it too soft, and it may leak out when frying.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the pies will brown too quickly and may burn. If the oil is too cool, the pies will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Can I bake these pies instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake the pies in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.

What other fruits can I use?
If you prefer, you can fill these pies with other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or even a combination of fruits.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month.

What can I serve with these pies?
These pies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.