Fried Peach Pieces
Sweet and crispy fried peach pastries with tender fruit filling, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack that highlights fresh peaches and golden-brown crusts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place peaches in a bowl; sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar over peaches and set aside for about 1 hour.
- Place peaches, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan.
- Cook peaches over medium heat until they reach pie filling consistency, stirring occasionally.
- If necessary, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, place 3 cups of self-rising flour; cut in 6 tablespoons of shortening with a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add 1 1/2 cups of cold water, mixing until dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a floured board and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness, roughly the size of a saucer.
- Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of peach filling onto each round of dough.
- Fold the dough over the filling and flute the edges with a fork to seal.
- Heat vegetable oil in an electric skillet to between 300° and 325°F.
- Fry the peach pies until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. If fresh peaches aren't available, frozen peaches can be substituted; just thaw and drain excess moisture. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the peach filling. When cutting in the shortening, ensure it’s chilled for a flakier crust, similar to techniques used in recipes like Self-Rising Beer Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful fried peach pieces warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making for a delicious dessert. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving with a side of Cherry Waldorf Gelatin, which adds a fruity touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried peach pieces can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Peach Pieces contains roughly 1060 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% 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 instead of peaches?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted to use other fruits like apples, cherries, or even berries. Keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments in sugar and cooking times to achieve the desired filling consistency.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on top of the dough while rolling. Only add a small amount at a time to avoid making the dough tough. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can also help firm it up.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To create a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar in the peach filling or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a vegan twist, replace the shortening with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the dough.
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).