Deep Fried Pecan Pies
Deep fried pecan pies are a delicious twist on a classic Southern dessert. These mini versions of pecan pies are crispy on the outside, with a rich, gooey, and sweet filling inside.
Perfect for a special occasion or as a fun treat to share with family and friends, these deep-fried pies pack all the familiar flavors of a traditional pecan pie but with the added crunch and indulgence of being fried.
With just a few simple ingredients and some careful frying, you can recreate this mouthwatering dessert at home.
Whether served as a bite-sized snack or a sweet finish to a meal, deep-fried pecan pies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Start by preparing the pie crusts. Roll them out on a lightly floured surface and cut them into small circles or squares.
depending on the size you want for your fried pies. Make sure you have a deep frying pan or a deep fryer ready for cooking.
In a bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Then, gently fold in the pecan halves, ensuring they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture. This will be your pie filling.
Spoon the pecan mixture onto the center of each pie crust circle or square. Be careful not to overfill them, as they need to fold up without spilling.
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a pocket or half-moon shape, depending on your desired look. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal the pies.
Heat oil in your frying pan to around 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few of the prepared pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
After frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth with the hot filling.
Serve the deep fried pecan pies warm, either as is or dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
They are perfect as a standalone dessert or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Make
To make these deep fried pecan pies, the key is in preparing the crust and filling with care. Make sure your crust is thin enough to fry up crispy.
but not too thin that it tears easily when folding. If you don’t have pre-made pie crusts.
you can also make your own dough from scratch. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the right thickness for frying.
Another important step is to fry the pies at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the pies may burn on the outside before the filling has had a chance to cook through.
If the oil is too cool, the pies will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A thermometer is useful to ensure the oil stays at a consistent 350°F.
For best results, make sure your pecan filling is well-mixed and your pecans are fresh. Older pecans can have a rancid taste that will affect the overall flavor of the pies.
Chopping the pecans into smaller pieces will also give the pies a more even filling, but leaving them whole offers a nice, crunchy bite.
Be sure to drain the pies well on paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil. This step ensures your pies won’t be too greasy and helps maintain their crispiness.
Let the pies cool slightly before serving them to prevent the filling from burning your mouth.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your deep fried pecan pies, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling mixture.
These little touches can elevate the taste and add complexity to the dessert.
Deep fried pecan pies are also customizable. If you like your pecan pies with a bit more of a caramelized flavor.
You can try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Alternatively, experimenting with different types of nuts such as walnuts or almonds can give the pies a unique twist.
Finally, to make the pies even more decadent, you can drizzle a little bit of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
This extra step adds richness and visual appeal to the dish, making it perfect for a special occasion.
Variations
If you’re looking for a way to change things up, you can experiment with different pie crusts. Instead of using traditional pie crust.
try making a cinnamon-sugar crust for a sweet twist. A cinnamon-flavored crust pairs beautifully with the pecan filling and adds a layer of spice to the overall flavor profile.
Another variation could involve adding chocolate to the filling. Chopped chocolate chips or melted chocolate mixed into the pecan filling can give the pies a rich.
chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the nutty taste of the pecans. Dark chocolate works best for this, but milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
For a fruity take on deep fried pecan pies, try adding dried fruit to the filling, such as cranberries or raisins.
These fruits add both sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy pecans.
If you want to make your pies a little less sweet, you can adjust the amount of corn syrup and brown sugar in the filling.
Reducing the sugar will result in a more subtle sweetness, which can be balanced by adding a little more salt or a dash of vanilla extract to bring out the flavor of the pecans.
For a unique, savory version, try replacing the brown sugar with honey and the butter with a bit of olive oil.
This variation creates a more savory-sweet combination that pairs well with roasted vegetables and can be served as a side dish rather than a dessert.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts. While pecans are traditional, try swapping them out for macadamia nuts.
hazelnuts, or cashews for a different flavor profile. Each type of nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the pie.
Finally, for a fun spin, you could turn these deep fried pecan pies into mini tarts by using small tart pans instead of folding the dough.
Bake them until golden and crispy, then serve them as individual servings at a party or gathering.
Tips
One of the most important tips when making deep fried pecan pies is ensuring the dough is sealed properly.
If the edges aren’t sealed completely, the syrup filling may leak out during frying, making a mess. Using a fork to crimp the edges helps ensure the pies stay intact.
Another tip is to fry the pies in batches. Don’t overcrowd the frying pan, as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop too quickly and result in uneven frying.
Frying in smaller batches ensures the oil stays hot, and the pies cook evenly on all sides.
If you’re using a deep fryer, be sure to monitor the temperature closely to avoid overheating the oil. If the oil gets too hot, the pies can burn on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.
When selecting your pie crusts, try to find a high-quality pre-made dough that holds up well during frying.
You can also make your own dough if you’re up for the challenge. Just be sure to roll it out thinly to get a crispy texture once fried.
Don’t forget to let the pies rest on paper towels after frying. This step helps absorb excess oil, keeping the pies crisp and less greasy.
Letting them cool slightly also makes them easier to eat without burning your mouth on the filling.
If you’re looking to add a little extra sweetness, dust the fried pecan pies with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a delicate, sugary touch and makes them look even more inviting.
Lastly, serve these pies warm for the best experience. If they cool down too much, they may lose their crispiness.
You can always reheat them in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Conclusion
Deep fried pecan pies are a creative and indulgent way to enjoy a beloved Southern classic. The combination of crispy crust.
warm pecan filling, and sweet syrup makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a party or as a special dessert for yourself, these pies are sure to impress.
With a few simple ingredients and some careful frying, you can create a decadent dessert that’s both fun and flavorful. Get ready to delight in the delicious crunch of deep fried pecan pies!