Fried Apple or Peach Pies: A Delicious Southern Classic

Fried apple or peach pies are a beloved Southern delicacy that offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. These hand-held pies are ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. The combination of a flaky pastry with a warm, fruit-filled center makes these pies irresistible. Let’s explore the ingredients, steps, and tips for creating these delightful treats.

Ingredients

To make these delicious fried pies, you will need the following ingredients:

Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the pastry, providing structure and texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the pastry.
• ½ cup shortening, chilled: Creates a tender, flaky crust.
• ½ cup cold water: Binds the ingredients together.

Apple Filling:

• 2 apples – peeled, cored, and diced: Provides the primary flavor and texture for the filling.
• ¼ cup white sugar, or to taste: Sweetens the filling.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste: Adds a warm, spicy note.
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed: Ensures the pies are fried to a golden brown perfection.

If you prefer peach filling, you can substitute the apples with an equal amount of peeled, pitted, and diced peaches.

Directions

Step 1: Make the Pastry

Sift Flour and Salt

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps to combine the ingredients evenly and remove any lumps.

Cut in the Shortening

Add the chilled shortening to the flour mixture. Using two knives or a pastry blender, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small pieces of shortening will create pockets of air in the dough, resulting in a flaky pastry.

Add Cold Water

Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing the mixture with a fork. Continue to add water until the dough is moistened and begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should hold together when squeezed.

Refrigerate the Dough

Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Prepare the Apples

Place the peeled, cored, and diced apples in a saucepan. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and pour the mixture over the apples. Toss the apples to coat them evenly with the sugar and cinnamon.

Cook the Apples

Cover the saucepan and cook the apples over low heat until they are soft. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once the apples are soft, mash them with a fork to create a thick applesauce. Set the filling aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a large cookie cutter or a glass, cut out eight 4-inch rounds from the dough.

Add the Filling

Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each pastry round. Moisten the edges of the pastry with cold water to help seal the pies.

Seal the Pies

Fold each pastry round in half to enclose the filling. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pies. Make sure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The oil should be hot enough to fry the pies quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy crust.

Fry the Pies

Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil in batches. Fry the pies until they are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to turn the pies and ensure even cooking.

Drain the Pies

Transfer the fried pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step is essential to keep the pies crispy and not greasy.

Step 5: Serve

Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. These pies are best enjoyed warm, showcasing the contrast between the crispy pastry and the soft, sweet filling. Serve them as they are, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tips and Variations

Using Different Fruits

While this recipe calls for apples, you can easily substitute them with peaches or other fruits like blueberries, cherries, or pears. Adjust the sugar and spices to complement the fruit you choose.

Adding Spices

Experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor of the filling. Nutmeg, allspice, or ginger can be wonderful additions to the cinnamon.

Making the Dough Ahead

The pastry dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. This can be a time-saver if you are preparing for a party or gathering.

Baking Instead of Frying

If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the pies instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glazing the Pies

For an extra touch of sweetness, you can glaze the fried pies with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then drizzle over the warm pies.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in a 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Conclusion

Fried apple or peach pies are a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of fruit and pastry in a convenient hand-held form. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these pies are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dessert that is both delicious and nostalgic. Enjoy making and sharing these classic Southern fried pies with your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Fried Apple or Peach Pies: A Delicious Southern Classic

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• Author: hdrecipes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a delicious, nostalgic treat featuring a sweet fruit filling encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. These hand pies are perfect for a dessert or a sweet snack, evoking memories of traditional Southern cooking and homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Pastry:

 

2 cups all-purpose flour

 

1 teaspoon salt

 

½ cup shortening, chilled

 

½ cup cold water

 

Apple Filling:

 

2 apples – peeled, cored and diced

 

¼ cup white sugar, or to taste

 

⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste

 

1 quart oil for frying, or as needed

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Instructions

Make pastry: Sift flour and salt together in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with 2 knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs

 

Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork, until flour mixture is moistened. Do not add more water than you need: when you squeeze a handful of moistened pastry mixture, it should form a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

 

Make filling: Place apples in a saucepan. Combine sugar and cinnamon; pour over apples and toss to coat. Cook, covered, in a saucepan on low heat until soft; mash with a fork to make thick applesauce. Set aside to cool.

 

Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thick; cut out eight 4-inch rounds with a large cookie cutter.

 

Place 1 heaping tablespoon of applesauce in the center of each pastry round. Moisten edges with cold water, fold in half, and press the edge with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling.

 

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

 

Lower pies carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining pies.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg