Fried peach pies are a classic Southern dessert that brings together the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches wrapped in flaky, golden fried dough. They’re perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want a warm, comforting treat. If you’ve ever wondered how to make fried peach pies from scratch, this guide will walk you through the process with easy-to-follow steps and tips to get that perfect crispy crust and luscious filling every time.
What You’ll Need to Make Fried Peach Pies
Before diving into the recipe, gather these ingredients:
For the Pie Dough:
– All-purpose flour
– Cold butter or shortening
– Baking powder (optional, for fluffier crust)
– Salt
– Ice water or evaporated milk (depending on the recipe)
For the Peach Filling:
– Fresh ripe peaches, peeled and diced
– Brown sugar or peach preserves
– Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
– Cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
– Vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– Butter (to enrich the filling)
For Frying:
– Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
– Optional glaze: powdered sugar mixed with milk and vanilla or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Peach Pies
1. Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by making the filling so it has time to cool and thicken. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced peaches, peach juice or preserves, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Cook until the mixture boils and thickens, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a few pats of cold butter for richness. Let the filling cool completely before using it in your pies. Cooling can be sped up by placing the pot in an ice water bath.
2. Make the Pie Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder (if using), and salt. Cut in cold butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water or evaporated milk and mix until the dough just comes together. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth, then shape into a disc. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. This rest helps the dough become easier to roll out and prevents shrinking during frying.
3. Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (around 4½ to 6 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more circles until all dough is used.
4. Assemble the Pies
Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled peach filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal and then crimp with a fork to ensure the pies don’t open while frying. If needed, wet your fingers with water to help seal the edges better.
5. Fry the Pies
Heat oil in a deep skillet or cast-iron pan to about 325°F (163°C). Fry the pies in batches—usually 3 to 4 at a time—turning after about 45 seconds to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady. Remove pies and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Add the Finishing Touch
While still warm, drizzle your fried peach pies with a sweet glaze or sweetened condensed milk for an extra burst of flavor. A simple glaze can be made by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzling it over the pies.
Tips for Perfect Fried Peach Pies
– Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. If peaches are very juicy, drain excess liquid from the filling before assembling.
– Keep the dough cold to ensure a flaky crust that fries up beautifully.
– Seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking out during frying.
– Maintain oil temperature for even frying and to avoid greasy pies.
– Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Variations You Can Try
– Substitute or mix in other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for different flavors.
– Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a unique spice twist.
– Use store-bought pie crusts for a quicker version, though homemade dough offers the best texture.
Fried peach pies are a delightful way to enjoy the taste of summer any time of year. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a nostalgic Southern treat that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with sweet, spiced peach goodness inside.
Enjoy your homemade fried peach pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just as they are—warm, flaky, and utterly irresistible!
Delicious fried peach pies bring a taste of Southern comfort right to your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and savor every bite!