Description
Southern Fried Pies are crispy, buttery hand pies filled with a sweet fruit filling, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. This recipe uses a double crust pie dough to encase a rich fruit filling made from dried or fresh fruit cooked with sugar, delivering a warm, flavorful treat with a delightful crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- Double crust pie dough (your favorite), enough for 12 pies
Fruit Filling
- 4 cups dried fruit (or fresh fruit)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Water (enough to cover fruit)
Other
- Flour, for rolling dough
- 12 tablespoons butter (1 tablespoon per pie)
Instructions
- Cook the Fruit Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of dried or fresh fruit with 1 cup of granulated sugar and enough water to cover the fruit. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the fruit is soft and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
- Prepare the Dough Surface: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking and roll out the double crust pie dough evenly.
- Cut Dough Circles: Using a large circular cutter or bowl, cut out large circles of dough and then roll them out slightly again to ensure they are even and thin enough for frying.
- Add Fruit Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared fruit filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving enough space around the edges for sealing.
- Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly and then crimp with the tines of a fork to seal completely and prevent leaking during cooking.
- Melt Butter for Frying: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter per pie over medium heat to ensure a rich, crispy crust.
- Cook the Pies – First Side: Place each pie into the hot skillet carefully. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cook the Pies – Second Side: Flip the pies over carefully and cook the other side for another 3 minutes or until the crust is equally golden and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried pies from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess butter. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Southern Fried Pies.
Notes
- You can use a variety of dried fruits like apples, peaches, or berries, or fresh fruit depending on availability and preference.
- If the fruit filling is too thick, add a little more water while cooking to prevent burning.
- Be careful when flipping the pies to avoid breaking the crust or spilling the filling.
- These pies are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in an oven.
- For a sweeter crust, consider brushing the pies with a little sugar before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
