There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, homemade fried pie. These Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of comfort and indulgence. With a crispy crust, sweet and spiced filling, and a smooth glaze, these pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these pies are sure to be a hit.
The recipe is straightforward, making use of convenient ingredients like refrigerated pie crusts and canned pie filling. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency and ease of preparation. Let's dive into the detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious pies.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crust: Using pre-made pie crusts simplifies the process and guarantees a flaky, tender crust.
- 1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling: Pre-made filling ensures a sweet and consistent flavor. If you prefer, you can also use apple pie filling.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Essential for making the sweet glaze that coats the pies.
- ¼ cup milk: Combines with powdered sugar to create a smooth and pourable glaze.
- 1 egg white, beaten: Used to brush over the pies before baking to achieve a golden, shiny crust.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your delicious Fried Apple or Peach Pies:
Preparing the Filling
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven is heating, allow the pie crusts to come to room temperature. This makes them easier to handle when assembling the pies.
Prepare the Filling: Open the can of peach pie filling and pour it into a shallow bowl. Use a fork and knife to dice the peaches into smaller pieces. Add the teaspoon of cinnamon and mix well to combine. Set the filling aside.
Assembling the Pies
Cutting and Shaping: Unroll the pie crusts on a flat surface. Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 6 circles from each pie crust. If needed, re-roll the scraps to get additional circles.
Filling and Sealing: Place about 1 tablespoon of the peach filling in the center of each circle. Fold the circle in half to form a semicircle, then pinch the edges to seal. Use the tines of a fork to press the edges and ensure they are completely sealed. Poke each pie once with a fork to vent.
Baking and Glazing
Egg Wash: Beat the egg white until frothy. Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg white. This will give the pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
Baking: Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
Glazing and Serving
Making the Glaze: While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make the glaze.
Coating the Pies: Once the pies are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately dip each warm pie into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Use two forks to flip and remove the pies carefully.
Setting and Enjoying: Place the glazed pies back on the parchment paper and allow the glaze to set for about 5 minutes.
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your Fried Apple or Peach Pies are perfectly glazed and set, it's time to serve them. These pies are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Serve them on a platter and watch them disappear quickly at any gathering. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
If you have leftovers, allow the pies to cool completely before storing them. Place the pies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness before serving.
Helpful Notes and Variations
There are several ways to customize these Fried Apple or Peach Pies to suit your preferences. Here are some helpful tips and variations:
- Fruit Variations: You can use apple pie filling instead of peach for a different flavor. Other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry also work well.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Homemade Filling: For a more homemade touch, you can prepare your own filling using fresh or frozen fruit, sugar, and spices.
- Frying Option: If you prefer a more traditional fried pie, you can fry the pies in hot oil instead of baking them. Fry until golden brown and then glaze as instructed.
As Ina Garten often says, "Good ingredients make good food." Using quality ingredients like fresh fruit and high-quality pie crusts will elevate your pies to the next level. These Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends with their homemade goodness.