If you have a sweet tooth and love the cozy flavors of peaches and apples, the Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little pies are perfectly crispy on the outside, with a tender, juicy fruit filling that will remind you of summer afternoons and grandma’s kitchen. Whether you choose fresh peaches or tart apples, the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice brings out the best in these classic Southern treats. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is a delicious way to bring warmth and comfort to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have at home, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible taste, texture, and color. Let’s break down the essentials so you can be confident before you start cooking.
- Fresh or canned peaches or apples: The star of the show, providing juicy sweetness and natural flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to complement the fruit.
- Ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with both fruits.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling so it’s not runny, making for a neat pie.
- Water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch for even thickening.
- Refrigerated pie crusts or homemade crust: Provides a buttery, flaky exterior that crisps up during frying.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, giving the pies their golden, crispy finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Adds a pretty, sweet dusting for that charming finishing touch.
How to Make Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Start by combining your diced peaches or apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cooking the fruit softens it beautifully and allows the flavors to meld while releasing natural juices that transform into a syrupy base. After about 5 to 7 minutes, mix in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another couple of minutes until your filling thickens to the perfect consistency. Set it aside to cool completely. This step is essential to avoid soggy pies and to keep that luscious filling intact.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts
While the fruit filling cools, roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut circles about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. These will become the perfect size for your mini fried pies — not too big, not too small, just right for a satisfying bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled fruit filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a little border for sealing. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork. This not only seals the pie but also adds a charming pattern that’s as pretty as it is functional. Proper sealing ensures none of that delicious filling escapes during frying.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pies in batches, cooking each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This quick fry crisps the crust perfectly while keeping the fruit filling warm and bubbling inside. Transfer the pies to paper towels to absorb any excess oil — no one likes a greasy dessert!
How to Serve Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These pies are delightful on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, sweet finish that elevates the presentation and taste. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Your guests will think you spent hours on dessert.
Side Dishes
Fried pies shine as a classic Southern dessert, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee or sweet tea for a simple treat. If you want to make it a full meal experience, try them with whipped cream and fresh berries. The contrast of temperatures and textures is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion or a fun family gathering, serve your Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit slices and seasonal flowers. You can even poke small steam vents into the tops before frying to create little pie “windows,” giving a sneak peek of the fruity goodness inside. Personalizing the edges of each pie with decorative fork patterns is another small detail that adds charm and shows off your culinary love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that they are best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration helps keep the fruit filling safe without compromising flavor too much.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unfried pies by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. When you’re ready for a treat, fry them directly from frozen; just add a minute or two to the cooking time. This makes your Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe a great make-ahead dessert option.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly fried crispiness, reheat refrigerated or frozen pies in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits for this Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches and apples are traditional favorites, berries, cherries, or even pears can work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust sugar and thickening as needed based on the fruit’s juice content.
Is it necessary to fry the pies, or can I bake them?
Frying gives these pies their signature crispy, golden crust that baking can’t quite replicate. However, if you prefer baking, you can brush the pies with an egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, though the texture will be different.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
The oil should be around 350°F (175°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer is the easiest way to check. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without burning.
What can I do if my filling is too runny?
Make sure to cook the fruit filling long enough with the cornstarch slurry to thicken it properly. If it’s still runny after cooling, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water and heat it again briefly until thick.
Are these pies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe uses no animal products and is perfectly vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check your pie crust ingredients if you’re buying pre-made ones, as some may contain lard or other animal fats.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the crispy, warm goodness of the Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe that makes it a beloved dessert in any season. With its straightforward steps and irresistible flavors, this is one dish you’ll want to keep in your recipe arsenal for spontaneous gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy night in. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these golden pockets of joy disappear!
Print
Fried Peach or Apple Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Peach or Apple Pies are a delightful Southern American dessert featuring a crispy golden crust filled with a sweet and spiced fruit filling. Made with fresh or canned peaches or apples and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of tender fruit and crunchy exterior, ideal for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches or apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Dough and Frying
- 1 (14 oz) package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and releases its juices.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the fruit mixture and continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Pie Crusts: Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into circles approximately 5–6 inches in diameter.
- Fill and Seal the Pies: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled fruit filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal tightly.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Pies: Fry the pies in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Optionally dust the fried pies with powdered sugar and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use store-bought canned pie filling to save time.
- These pies are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to crisp up again.
