Old-Fashioned Fried Pies
Old-Fashioned Fried Pies are crispy, golden treats with sweet fillings, perfect for nostalgic dessert lovers or hearty snack enthusiasts seeking classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix eggs, sugar, and lard together in a bowl.
- Add milk to the mixture and blend well.
- Combine baking powder with flour separately.
- Mix all ingredients together and let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
- Roll out the dough and cut around a saucer to form circles.
- Wet the edges of each circle with water.
- Place fruit filling on one half of each circle and fold over.
- Seal the edges by pressing with a damp fork.
- Deep-fry the pies in Crisco until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of lard, or a combination of both. If you're looking to make the pies even sweeter, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit filling. When rolling out the dough, keep it slightly thicker to prevent tearing during frying. If you have leftover dough, use it to make smaller pies or experiment with different fillings.
Serving Suggestions
These fried pies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with warm caramel sauce for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with Light Cream Cheese Frosting for a sweet contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or a slice of Mennonite Corn Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through, helping to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Fried Pies contains roughly 677 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% 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 types of fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute the fruit filling with your favorite options like apple, peach, or cherry. Just ensure the fruit is well-cooked and sweetened to your liking before placing it in the pies to maintain the right consistency during frying.
Is it possible to bake these pies instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the pies for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the filled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. This method will produce a different texture but is equally delicious.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Additionally, flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough. Remember to work quickly to keep the dough cold.
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).