Fried Apple Pies

Introduction:

These Fried Apple Pies are a homemade, old-fashioned treat inspired by Amish-style cooking. They feature a tender, flaky pie crust made from scratch, a delicious cinnamon sugar apple filling, and a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a classic comfort dessert, these fried apple pies are sure to become a family favorite. While they may resemble those fast-food versions, nothing beats the taste of a freshly made pie with real ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples (1 Granny Smith and 1 Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup milk
• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the apples start releasing their juices.
3. In a small bowl, mix the apple cider (or juice) with the cornstarch to make a slurry. Pour this into the saucepan with the apples.
4. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-rising flour. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt. Heat the milk until it is steaming (about 30 seconds in the microwave).
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Place the dough onto parchment paper and knead for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
6. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball into a circle (don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round).

Step 3: Assemble the Fried Apple Pies

1. Place 2 tablespoons of the apple pie filling in the center of each dough circle.
2. Fold the dough in half over the filling to form a semi-circle. Pinch the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
3. Use a pastry wheel or knife to trim any excess dough if desired.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

1. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, use the wooden spoon test: place the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil; if small bubbles form around the handle, the oil is ready.
2. Gently place the pies into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
3. Remove the pies from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
2. While the pies are still warm, brush the glaze over each pie using a pastry brush, or dip the pies into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

These Fried Apple Pies are a delicious, nostalgic dessert that brings the comfort of homemade apple pie into a handheld treat. The combination of the flaky, buttery crust, warm cinnamon apple filling, and sweet glaze makes them an irresistible delight. Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a weekend treat, these pies will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best flavor!