There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about fried apple or peach pies—those golden, flaky pockets filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced fruit, and drizzled with a luscious glaze. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a Southern classic or satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe brings all the deliciousness of homemade pie in a portable, hand-held treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.
These hand pies are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Their crispy exterior, combined with the warm, gooey fruit filling and sugary glaze, make them an irresistible dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, meaning you can enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, ensuring that your fried pies turn out perfectly every time.
Pie Crust (2 boxes, 14.1 oz each)
The foundation of any great pie is the crust, and for these hand pies, pre-made refrigerated pie crust is a game-changer. It saves time while still delivering that crisp, buttery texture that holds the fruit filling beautifully. The pie crust forms a golden, flaky shell that crisps up perfectly when baked.
Peach Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz)
The star of this recipe is the sweet and fruity filling. While you can certainly make your own filling from scratch, using canned peach pie filling keeps things quick and easy. The peaches are naturally sweetened and ready to go—just chop them up and you’re ready to fill your pies!
Cinnamon (1 tsp)
Adding a touch of cinnamon elevates the flavor of the peaches, giving the pies a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit. It also gives your pies that traditional pie flavor that makes them so beloved.
Powdered Sugar (2 ½ cups)
This is the key ingredient for the glaze that will cover your fried pies. Powdered sugar ensures that the glaze is smooth and glossy, adding just the right amount of sweetness and shine to the final product.
Milk (¼ cup)
Milk is used to thin the powdered sugar into a smooth, pourable glaze. It helps balance the sweetness and adds a velvety texture that coats the pies perfectly.
Egg White (1, beaten)
The beaten egg white serves as a brush-on glaze that helps your hand pies achieve that beautiful golden finish during baking. It also helps the dough edges seal tightly, ensuring that the filling stays inside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is warming up, open your can of peach pie filling and dump it into a shallow bowl. Take a fork and knife and dice the peaches into small pieces. You want them to be bite-sized, not too big, so each bite is filled with delicious fruit. Add 1 tsp cinnamon and mix everything together until well blended. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Cut the Pie Crust
Unroll your pie crusts and let them come to room temperature for easier handling. Use a 4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out circles from each pie crust. You should be able to get 6 circles from each crust (12 total). If needed, re-roll the scraps to get your last circle.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the peach filling onto the center of each pie circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the pies difficult to seal. Fold the crust in half over the filling and pinch the edges together tightly. Then, fold the pinched edges over and use the tines of a fork to seal the edges securely, creating a classic hand pie look. Don't forget to poke a small hole in the center of each pie with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.
Step 4: Brush with Egg White
In a small bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. Brush it over the top of each hand pie to give them a beautiful, golden finish. This step ensures your pies will have that irresistible, crispy outer layer.
Step 5: Bake the Pies
Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 6: Glaze the Pies
While the pies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups powdered sugar and ¼ cup milk until smooth and creamy. Once the pies are done baking, remove them from the sheet and immediately drop them (while warm) into the glaze. Use two forks to flip each pie in the glaze and carefully lift them out, allowing the excess to drip off.
Step 7: Set and Enjoy
Return the glazed pies to the parchment paper and allow them to set for about 5 minutes. This gives the glaze time to firm up. Once they’ve cooled slightly, they’re ready to enjoy!
Why This Recipe is Loved
These fried apple or peach pies are loved for their perfect combination of flaky crust, sweet filling, and glazed finish. The fruit is tender and perfectly spiced, while the glaze adds the ideal amount of sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavors of the peaches or apples. They're small enough to be portable, making them a fantastic dessert for parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pies:
- Don't overfill the pies: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst or leak.
- Seal the edges well: Pressing and crimping the edges tightly will ensure the pies stay intact during baking.
- Use cold pie crust: For an even flakier texture, keep your pie crust cold until you're ready to cut it.
- Don't skip the egg white wash: It creates a beautiful, golden, and crisp outer shell that elevates the pies’ appearance.
Serving Suggestions
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. They make a wonderful dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet snack for any time of day.
Conclusion
In just a few easy steps, you can make these fried apple or peach pies, a treat that combines flaky crust, sweet fruit, and a glossy glaze into a mouthwatering dessert. The simplicity of this recipe doesn’t take away from its rich flavor, making it a dessert that’s perfect for anyone—whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner. With their warm filling and golden, crisp exterior, these pies are sure to be the highlight of any meal. Don’t let this recipe slip away—it's one you’ll want to make again and again!