Fried Apple Hand Pie: There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, crispy hand pie filled with sweet, spiced apples. This traditional treat, reminiscent of simpler times, brings comfort and joy with each bite. A perfect handheld delight, these hand pies make a versatile dessert that satisfies that sweet tooth at gatherings or as a cozy nightcap.
Speaking from personal experience, these fried apple hand pies have a special place in my family’s gatherings. Every fall, as the air turns crisp, my family looks forward to apple picking at our local orchards. After gathering our harvest, the kitchen becomes a hub of warm smells and loving banter, with these hand pies as the centerpiece. It was my grandmother who taught me the intricate steps of crafting the perfect pie crust and the secret mix of spices that make the apple filling utterly irresistible. Making these hand pies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about rekindling cherished memories and creating new ones.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple Hand Pie Recipe
– Utterly Delicious: The irresistible combination of sweet, spiced apples and flaky crust makes each pie a treat.
– Perfect for Gatherings: Easily shared and enjoyed at events or family dinners.
– Customizable: Swap out the apple for other fruits or choose a different glaze to suit your taste.
– Fun to Make: An enjoyable baking project that you can involve friends and family in.
Ingredient Notes
– All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and flakiness.
– Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
– Shortening: Provides the dough with a tender, crumbly texture.
– Ice water: Helps to integrate the dough without gluten development, which keeps it from becoming too elastic.
– Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples: These firm, slightly tart apples hold up well during cooking and provide a perfect flavor balance.
– Butter: Adds richness to the apple filling.
– Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
– Apple pie spice and cinnamon: These spices add a warm, comforting flavor to the apples.
– Corn starch: Thickens the apple filling, giving it a good consistency for encasing in the dough.
– Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract: Combine to create a sweet glaze that complements the spicy filling.
How to Make Fried Apple Hand Pie Recipe
– Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like gravel. Gradually add ice water and mix until a dough forms. Knead briefly, form into a disc, and refrigerate.
– Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and dice the apples. Cook them with butter, sugar, and spices until soft. Thicken with a slurry of corn starch and water.
– Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness, and cut into 5-inch circles.
– Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place a spoonful of filling on one side of each dough circle, fold over, and crimp edges with a fork.
– Step 5: Fry the Hand Pies
Heat oil to 375 degrees F. Fry the pies until golden, then drain and glaze.
Storage Options
For best results, enjoy the hand pies fresh, though they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to crisp up before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
– Use a cinnamon sugar coating instead of a glaze for a different texture.
– Try using pear or peach fillings for a twist on the classic apple.
– Replace some flour in the dough with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
– Vegan-friendly: use plant-based shortening and a non-dairy milk alternative in the glaze.
What to Serve With Fried Apple Hand Pie
– A dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements the warm spices.
– Chai latte or spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully, enhancing the autumnal feel.
– A sharp cheddar cheese balances the sweetness with its tanginess.
– Serve alongside a crisp fall salad to lighten the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, for a quicker preparation, ready-made pie crust can be used.
– How do I prevent the hand pies from opening while frying?
Ensure the edges are crimped firmly, and use an egg wash to seal them.
– Can I bake these hand pies instead of frying?
Absolutely, bake them at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
– What are the best apples for frying?
Granny Smith and Honey Crisp are ideal as they maintain their texture and offer a good flavor balance.
Expect your kitchen to fill with a delightful aroma that promises bites of a perfectly golden, crispy crust enveloping a lusciously sweet and spiced apple filling. These fried apple hand pies are not just a treat to your taste buds but a heartwarming reminder of the joy simple pleasures can bring.
Fried Apple Hand Pie
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 6 tbsp ice water
Apple Filling
- 4 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp corn starch
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles gravel. Gradually add ice water and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a disc and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook diced apples with butter, sugar, and spices until soft. Thicken with a slurry of corn starch and water.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into 5-inch circles.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling on one side of each dough circle, fold over, and crimp edges with a fork.
- Fry the pies in oil heated to 375 degrees F until golden. Drain and apply a glaze.