Fried Peach Pies evoke a sense of nostalgia wrapped in a golden, crispy crust that embraces the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches. This delightful recipe will take you on a culinary journey through sweet memories, evoking the essence of family gatherings and warm summer days. Easy to make and utterly comforting, these fried treats are perfect for any occasion, whether as a comforting dessert or a special snack to enjoy with loved ones. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this classic delight right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To make these Fried Peach Pies, gather the following ingredients that will come together to create a deliciously satisfying treat:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your pie crust, providing a perfect buttery yet crispy texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to elevate the flavors of the crust.
¼ cup cold unsalted butter: This ensures a creamy richness that contributes to the flaky texture.
¼ cup butter-flavored shortening: Enhances the buttery taste while maintaining the desired flakiness.
½ cup cold water: Essential for forming the dough and keeping it tender.
16 oz frozen sliced peaches: Provide the sweet, juicy filling that makes the pies irresistible.
½ cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the peach filling, enhancing the natural flavors.
1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the filling.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Additional richness for the filling.
2-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the peach flavor, creating a delightful contrast.
1-2 teaspoons cornstarch (if needed): Helps thicken the filling if it’s too runny.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes off the pies.
2 tablespoons milk: Combines with powdered sugar to create a smooth glaze.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with aromatic sweetness.
Salt, pinch: This little touch balances the sweetness perfectly.

Step-by-Step Directions

In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. This gives the pie crust a light texture.
Next, cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles large crumbs. This step is crucial as it ensures a flaky crust.
Gradually add the cold water, stirring until a dough begins to form. You’ll want to mix gently to avoid toughening the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead it gently until you have a soft, uniform ball. It may be crumbly at first, but with a little patience, it will come together beautifully.
Cut the dough into eight equal-sized pieces and roll each into a ball. Each ball will become an individual pie.
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and flatten each one into a disc. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until you’re ready to use them.
In a large saucepan, combine the frozen peaches, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Toss gently to coat the peaches in sugar.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. As it simmers, the peaches will soften and release their juices.
Mash some of the peach mixture while leaving some chunks for texture. Allow the peach filling to simmer until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the butter and lemon juice, then add cornstarch if the mixture needs thickening. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until it achieves a silky consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk to reach your desired texture.
Add a pinch of salt and the vanilla extract to the glaze, stirring well. Set aside until you’re ready to use it.
To assemble the pies, take one dough ball and roll it out to about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the peach filling in the center, ensuring it’s not overfilled to prevent leakage.
Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly together to seal. You want to ensure no filling escapes during frying.
For a neater appearance, use a pizza cutter to trim the edges of the pie.
Crimp the edges with a fork to secure the seal and give a lovely finish. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 350°F. It’s important to ensure the oil is hot enough for crispy frying.
Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, frying them until they are lightly golden, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. Flip midway through for even cooking.
Once fried, place the pies on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
Brush one side of each pie with the glaze. Allow it to harden before brushing again for a final glossy finish.
Serve these delightful Fried Peach Pies warm or at room temperature, allowing everyone to enjoy the perfect sweet bite.

Tips & Tricks

Using fresh peaches: If you have access to fresh peaches, feel free to substitute them for frozen. Just peel and slice them, cooking them down similarly.
Flavor variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the peach filling for an extra flavor kick.
Dough tips: If you find the dough too crumbly, add a touch more cold water until it comes together smoothly.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Fried Peach Pies can be served on their own but are enhanced when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They make a delightful dessert for summer picnics or family gatherings. Consider serving them with freshly brewed iced tea or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing treat.

Nutritional Information

While these Fried Peach Pies are undeniably delicious, moderation is key. Each pie is approximately 250 calories, with balances of carbohydrates from the crust, sugars from the filling, and some fats from the frying process. It’s a balance of enjoyment and indulgence that fits well into a treat category.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftover Fried Peach Pies, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the un-fried pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Frying them directly from frozen works wonderfully! For variations, consider using other fruits like apples or berries with similar techniques and baking methods.

Conclusion

Give these Fried Peach Pies a try, and you won’t be disappointed! They come together simply and effortlessly, making them the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments; we’d love to hear how your pies turned out!

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just peel and slice them, cooking them down similarly to the frozen ones.
What can I do if my filling is too runny?
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch while cooking the peaches to thicken the filling.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, for a healthier option, bake them at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until golden.
How long do these Fried Peach Pies last?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for two days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and follow the same recipe steps!

Fried Peach Pies

These delightful Fried Peach Pies combine a crispy crust with a sweet, juicy peach filling, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour Provides a perfect buttery yet crispy texture.
1 teaspoon salt Elevates the flavors of the crust.
¼ cup cold unsalted butter Ensures creamy richness and flaky texture.
¼ cup butter-flavored shortening Enhances the buttery taste while maintaining flakiness.
½ cup cold water Essential for forming the dough.

For the Peach Filling

16 oz frozen sliced peaches Provides the sweet filling.
½ cup granulated sugar Sweetens the peach filling.
1 tablespoon light brown sugar Adds a deeper flavor.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter Adds richness to the filling.
2-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Brightens the peach flavor.
1-2 teaspoons cornstarch Helps thicken the filling if needed.

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar Creates a sweet glaze.
2 tablespoons milk Combines with powdered sugar to create the glaze.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses the glaze with aromatic sweetness.
pinch salt Balances the sweetness.

Method

Preparation of Crust

In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
Cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles large crumbs.
Gradually add the cold water, stirring until a dough begins to form.
Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead it gently until you have a soft, uniform ball.
Cut the dough into eight equal-sized pieces and roll each into a ball.
Flatten each dough ball into a disc, cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Preparation of Peach Filling

In a large saucepan, combine the frozen peaches, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the peaches to soften.
Mash some of the peach mixture while leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in the butter and lemon juice, then add cornstarch if the mixture needs thickening. Let the filling cool completely.

Assembly and Cooking

In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add salt and vanilla extract.
Roll out one dough ball to about 5-6 inches in diameter, place 2 tablespoons of peach filling in the center.
Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges firmly.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F. Carefully place 2-3 pies in the oil, frying for about 3-4 minutes until golden.
Drain excess oil on a cooling rack and brush with glaze.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Using fresh peaches is an option. For a healthier option, consider baking them instead of frying.