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If you’ve ever walked into a bakery and been entranced by the sight of golden, flaky pastries, you know the allure of a perfectly made deep fried apple hand pie. These delightful treats, with their crispy exterior and warm, gooey apple pie filling, can transport you back to cozy autumn days, where the air is crisp and the scent of cinnamon fills your home. Each bite is a nostalgic experience that combines the joy of childhood with the comfort of traditional American desserts.
My love for these little pockets of apple goodness began in my grandmother’s kitchen. Every fall, she would gather us around the table, rolling out flaky pastry dough and teaching us the art of making homemade apple hand pies. We would peel apples together, laughing and sharing stories, as the scent of cinnamon and sugar wafted through the air. These hand pies were not just dessert pastries; they were symbols of love, warmth, and togetherness. With every bite, I relive those cherished memories. You can learn more about this topic.
Why Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies Work
The secret to achieving the perfect deep fried apple hand pies lies in the balance of ingredients and techniques. The flaky pastry dough provides a satisfying crunch that cradles the sweet and spiced apple filling. By frying them, you create a beautiful golden-brown crust that is impossibly crispy while keeping the insides warm and delicious. The addition of a cinnamon sugar coating elevates these treats, making them irresistible. This recipe combines straightforward cooking techniques with simple ingredients, ensuring that you, too, can recreate these nostalgic bites at home. Check out our related guide for more tips.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed | 1/2 cup |
| Ice water | 5-6 tablespoons |
| Apples, peeled and chopped | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable oil, for frying | Enough for submerging the pies |
| Cinnamon sugar (for coating) | 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon |
For the best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you’re short on time, store-bought pie filling can be used as a quick substitute for homemade apple pie filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. |
| 2 | Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to achieve this. |
| 3 | Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. |
| 4 | Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. |
| 5 | While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. |
| 6 | Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a 4-inch biscuit cutter or a similar-sized template. |
| 7 | Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are sealed tightly. |
| 8 | In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the hand pies into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. |
| 9 | Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. |
| 10 | While still warm, roll the pies in the cinnamon sugar coating until well covered. |
| 11 | Serve warm and enjoy your delicious deep fried apple hand pies! |
Troubleshooting / Pro Tips
- Ensure your dough is chilled before rolling it out; this helps maintain the flakiness.
- Don’t skip the crimping step; it keeps the filling from leaking out during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature to ensure even cooking; too hot will burn the outside while leaving the filling cold.
- Test one pie first to determine cooking time; adjust as necessary for your stovetop and pot size.
FAQ
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the hand pies, freeze them, and fry them when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze them? How do I reheat them? Yes, deep fried apple hand pies freeze well. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- What can I serve with these? They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Conclusion
These deep fried apple hand pies are not just a recipe; they are a way to create memories, just like I did with my grandmother. I encourage you to try them and share your experience. Comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or tag us on social media with your delicious creations. Let’s spread the love for these sweet treats for gatherings and warm dessert snacks together!
Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies
These delightful treats, with their crispy exterior and warm, gooey apple pie filling, can transport you back to cozy autumn days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 5-6 tablespoons ice water
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a 4-inch biscuit cutter.
Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the hand pies into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
While still warm, roll the pies in the cinnamon sugar coating until well covered.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious deep fried apple hand pies!
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Reviews
- ★★★★★
Excellent recipe!
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Excellent recipe!