Fried pies are a nostalgic, mouthwatering dessert with a flaky, golden-brown crust and a sweet, fruity filling inside. Whether filled with apple, peach, cherry, or even chocolate, these handheld delights are deep-fried to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey center.

Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat, fried pies are a beloved Southern classic that will make any occasion extra special.

Ingredients (Makes about 8–10 pies)

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for slightly sweet dough)

For the Filling: (Choose your favorite!)

1 ½ cups fruit filling (apple, peach, cherry, or your choice)
¼ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of fruit)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple or peach filling)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken filling, if needed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance flavor)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil (for deep frying, about 3–4 cups)

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Fried Pies Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, add your fruit filling, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice.
If the filling is too runny, stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
Cut out circles using a 4-6 inch round cutter or the rim of a bowl.
Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each pie for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Add the Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Drizzle or brush over the warm pies for extra sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Fried Pies

Chill the Dough
Don’t Overfill
Seal the Edges Well
Maintain the Right Oil Temperature
Try Different Fillings

Final Thoughts

Fried pies are a crispy, warm, and comforting treat that bring back memories of old-fashioned homemade desserts. Whether you prefer them with a classic fruit filling or a creative twist, they are always a hit! Enjoy them fresh, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with glaze for an extra indulgence. Make a batch today and treat yourself to this simple yet irresistible dessert!

Fried Pies Recipe

Fried pies are a nostalgic, mouthwatering dessert with a flaky, golden-brown crust and a sweet, fruity filling inside. Whether filled with apple, peach, cherry, or even chocolate, these handheld delights are deep-fried to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey center.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for slightly sweet dough)
1 ½ cups fruit filling (apple, peach, cherry, or your choice)
¼ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of fruit)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple or peach filling)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken filling, if needed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance flavor)
Vegetable oil (for deep frying, about 3–4 cups)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
In a saucepan over medium heat, add your fruit filling, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice.
If the filling is too runny, stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
Cut out circles using a 4-6 inch round cutter or the rim of a bowl.
Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each pie for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Drizzle or brush over the warm pies for extra sweetness.