FRIED APPLE OR PEACH PIES

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our delicious Fried Apple or Peach Pies recipe! These handheld treats are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, sweet fruit filling, and warm spices, making them a delightful indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re craving the comforting flavor of apple pie or the juicy sweetness of peach pie, these fried pies are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Follow our simple recipe to create these irresistible treats that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup soft unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Filling:
    • 1 box of apple pie filling or peach pie filling
  • Topping:
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat until smooth.
  3. Add vanilla, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to about an inch thick.

Step 2: Cutting the Dough

  1. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out 40 circles of dough.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling

  1. Place the apple or peach pie filling in a bowl and mash it up until there are no more big chunks.

Step 4: Assembling the Pies

  1. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of 15 dough circles.
  2. Cover each filled circle with another dough circle.

Step 5: Sealing the Pies

  1. Crimp the edges of each paired circle with the tines of a fork to seal them together.

Step 6: Baking the Pies

  1. Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Adding the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  2. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each pie for a sweet finishing touch.

Step 8: Serving

  1. Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving.
  2. Enjoy the warm, flaky goodness of these Fried Apple or Peach Pies as a delightful dessert or snack!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving:

  • Serve the Fried Apple or Peach Pies warm for the best taste and texture.
  • Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
  • Sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar topping over the pies just before serving for an extra burst of sweetness.
  • Serve as a delightful treat at parties, picnics, or family gatherings.

Storage:

  • Store any leftover Fried Apple or Peach Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • To maintain their crispy texture, avoid stacking the pies on top of each other.
  • For longer storage, freeze the pies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pies can be stored for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat frozen pies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Variations:

1. Mixed Berry Pies:

  • Replace the apple or peach pie filling with a mixture of fresh or frozen mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, for a colorful and fruity variation.

2. Nutella Banana Pies:

  • Spread a dollop of Nutella on each dough circle before adding the filling, then top with sliced bananas for a decadent chocolate and banana twist on traditional fried pies.

3. Lemon Curd Pies:

  • Fill the pies with tangy lemon curd for a refreshing and zesty flavor profile. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

4. Caramel Apple Pies:

  • Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple pie filling for an indulgent caramel apple pie experience. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for added crunch.

5. Cherry Almond Pies:

  • Use cherry pie filling and add a sprinkle of almond extract to the dough for a delightful cherry almond flavor combination. Top each pie with sliced almonds before baking for extra texture.

6. Blueberry Cream Cheese Pies:

  • Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then spread a spoonful over each dough circle before adding the blueberry pie filling. The cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet blueberries.

7. Pumpkin Pie Pies:

  • Fill the pies with canned pumpkin pie filling and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist on fried pies. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

8. Chocolate Banana Pies:

  • Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread on each dough circle, then top with sliced bananas before sealing the pies. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious chocolate and banana dessert.

9. Strawberry Rhubarb Pies:

  • Combine sliced strawberries and rhubarb with sugar and a splash of lemon juice for a sweet and tart filling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic summer dessert.

10. Savory Meat Pies:

  • Fill the pies with a savory mixture of cooked ground meat (such as beef, chicken, or turkey), diced vegetables, and seasonings for a hearty and satisfying savory pie option. Serve with a side of gravy or marinara sauce for dipping.

FAQs:

1. Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of making the dough from scratch?

  • Yes, you can use pre-made pie dough for convenience. Roll out the store-bought dough and cut it into circles to assemble the pies as directed in the recipe.

2. Can I fry these pies instead of baking them?

  • Yes, you can fry the pies in hot oil instead of baking them. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F and fry the assembled pies until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

  • Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

4. Can I use different fruit fillings for these pies?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various fruit fillings such as cherry, blueberry, strawberry, or even savory fillings like pulled pork or vegetables for a unique twist.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

  • Make sure to crimp the edges of each pie securely with the tines of a fork to seal them tightly. Additionally, avoid overfilling the pies to prevent leakage.

6. Can I freeze the unbaked pies for later use?

  • Yes, you can assemble the pies and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

7. How do I reheat leftover pies?

  • Reheat leftover pies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack.

8. Can I make these pies gluten-free?

  • Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the pie filling, are also gluten-free.

9. Can I make mini pies instead of large ones?

  • Absolutely! Use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and adjust the amount of filling accordingly to make mini pies. Reduce the baking time as needed.

10. Can I serve these pies with a dipping sauce?

  • Yes, you can serve the pies with a variety of dipping sauces such as caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a simple vanilla glaze for added flavor.

With their crispy exterior, tender fruit filling, and irresistible aroma, our Fried Apple or Peach Pies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a portable treat for on-the-go snacking, these pies are guaranteed to bring joy to any occasion. Get creative by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the deliciousness of homemade fried pies today!