Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown pastry that oozes with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling – a dessert so irresistible it'll transport you straight to grandma's kitchen! These Ranch Apple Fried Pies are not just a recipe; they're a nostalgic journey of American comfort food that combines the perfect balance of sweet, crispy, and comforting flavors. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a show-stopping dessert, these handheld delights are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced apples
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 package of pie crusts
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples are soft and mixture thickens, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Remove apple filling from heat and let cool completely to room temperature. This prevents the pie crust from becoming soggy.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles using a round cookie cutter or drinking glass.
- Place a small spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold the pie crust over to create a half-moon shape, sealing edges by pressing with a fork to create a crimped border.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Carefully place filled pies into hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove fried pies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze while still warm.
- Allow pies to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to prevent burning. Best served warm.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 375°F for perfectly crispy, non-greasy pies.
- Cooling Matters: Let the apple filling cool completely before filling the pie crusts to prevent soggy edges and ensure a crisp seal.
- Don't Overcrowd: Fry only 2-3 pies at a time to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve even browning.
- Seal Tightly: Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, preventing filling from leaking during frying.
- Drain Excess Oil: Always let fried pies rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and maintain a light, crispy texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze for an extra touch of decadence.Pro Tip: These pies can be prepared in advance and frozen before frying, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days or unexpected guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
