Fried Apple Pies
Fried Apple Pies are a delightful treat featuring tender, spiced apple filling encased in a flaky pastry. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these pies bring warmth and nostalgia with their comforting flavors. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, they are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the apples and water. Simmer until tender, then cool.
- Mash the apples, stir in the sugar and cinnamon, and chill.
- Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until well blended.
- Add the milk a little at a time to form a dough, then chill for 1 hour.
- Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thick and cut into 4 inch rounds.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each circle.
- Moisten the edges with water, then fold the pastry in half, pressing the edges together.
- Heat the oil to 370°F and fry the pies until brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delicious twist, try using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you don't have vegetable shortening, butter or lard can be substituted, although this may alter the texture slightly. To avoid soggy pies, ensure the apple filling is well drained before adding it to the dough. Also, chill the dough for easier handling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried apple pies warm, dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing side, consider a light Orange-Pineapple Salad to balance the richness of the pies. A cup of hot cinnamon tea also complements the dessert nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but this may make the crust less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Apple Pies contains roughly 779 calories, with 16g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 992mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or cherries. Just adjust the sugar and spices according to the sweetness and flavor of the fruit. Keep in mind that some fruits may require slightly different cooking times.
How do I prevent the pies from leaking during frying?
To prevent leakage, ensure the edges of the dough are sealed tightly after folding. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or press them firmly with your fingers. Also, avoid overfilling the pies with the apple mixture to minimize the risk of leaks.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).