Looking to add a touch of nostalgia to your dessert repertoire? Consider making these delightful Fried Apple Hand Pies. These old-fashioned treats feature a flavorful homemade apple filling seasoned with warm spices, all tucked inside a flaky, crisp pie crust. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glaze or dusted with cinnamon sugar, these hand pies are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple Hand Pie
- Homemade Comfort: Enjoy the nostalgic taste of homemade apple pie in a convenient hand-held form.
- Warm and Spicy: The apple filling is flavored with a blend of warm spices, offering a comforting and aromatic experience.
- Versatile Treat: These hand pies can be enjoyed with a sweet glaze or a simple cinnamon sugar coating, catering to different preferences.
- Fun and Festive: Perfect for parties, picnics, or dessert buffets, these hand pies are a charming addition to any occasion.
Ingredients
DOUGH
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 4-8 tablespoons ice water
APPLE FILLING
- 2 large firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
GLAZE
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Fried Apple Hand Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles gravel.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough, form into a disc, wrap, and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and dice the apples.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and cook the apples with sugar and spices until soft.
- Mix water and cornstarch, add to the apples, and cook until thickened.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 5-inch circles.
- Place a tablespoon of apple filling on one side of each circle.
- Fold the dough over, crimp the edges with a fork, and repeat for all hand pies.
Step 4: Fry the Hand Pies
- Prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Heat oil to 375°F in a deep skillet.
- Fry the hand pies in batches for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil, then brush the glaze on one side of each hand pie.
Storage Options
For optimal freshness, store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To extend their shelf life, refrigerate the pies for up to one week or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen hand pies in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Variations and Substitutions
- Shortcut Crust: Use canned biscuits in place of homemade dough for a time-saving alternative.
- Filling Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties or add a dash of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Seasonal Flavors: Enhance the filling with seasonal spices like nutmeg or clove for a festive touch.
- Savory Twist: Swap the sugar and spices in the filling for a savory option by adding cheese and herbs.
What to Serve With Fried Apple Hand Pie
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair the warm hand pies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm hand pies with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Apple Cider: Enjoy the hand pies with a glass of chilled or warm apple cider for a cozy fall-inspired pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Top the pies with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these hand pies instead of frying them?
- Yes! Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Can I freeze the unbaked hand pies?
- Yes, you can freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
- Absolutely! Prepare the hand pies in advance, then fry or bake them just before serving to ensure they’re fresh and delicious.
After making these Fried Apple Hand Pies, you can expect a delightful blend of sweet, spiced apples enveloped in a crispy, flaky crust. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and apple pie spice shining through. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack, a dessert indulgence, or a party treat, these hand pies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
Fried Apple Hand Pie Recipe
Add a touch of nostalgia to your dessert repertoire with these delightful Fried Apple Hand Pies. Featuring homemade apple filling seasoned with warm spices tucked inside a flaky crust, these hand pies are a hit for any occasion.
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Servings: 8 hand pies
Equipment
- Deep Skillet
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup shortening
- ice water
Apple Filling
- 2 large firm apples
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening. Gradually add ice water to form dough. Knead, form into a disc, and refrigerate.
- Peel, core, and dice apples. Cook with butter, sugar, and spices until soft. Add water with cornstarch, and thicken the filling.
- Roll out dough, cut into circles. Place filling, fold over, crimp edges. Fry in batches until golden brown. Brush with glaze.
Notes
Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator.
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