If you have a sweet tooth and love that irresistible combination of gooey filling and crunchy crust, the Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful treat takes the classic pecan pie flavors and transforms them into perfectly golden, crispy, handheld pies that are just begging to be devoured. Each bite bursts with the rich, buttery sweetness of pecans and caramel, wrapped in a crispy shell that’s fried to perfection. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a festive treat, these deep fried pecan pies will quickly become your go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the flaky pie crust that cradles the filling to the sticky sweetness of the syrup and brown sugar, everything comes together in perfect harmony.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred): Provide a tender, flaky base that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and that signature nutty flavor that defines pecan pies.
- 3/4 cup corn syrup: Gives the filling its glossy, sticky texture and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, caramel-like richness to the filling.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances flavor and ensures the filling stays luscious and smooth.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the filling together and gives it a custardy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amps up the overall taste.
- Vegetable oil for frying: The perfect neutral oil for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by whisking together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl until fully combined. This mixture creates the luscious, gooey base that will give you all the classic pecan pie flavor with every bite. Once smooth, gently fold in the chopped pecans to add that satisfying crunch. Set the filling aside as you move to the crust.
Step 2: Cut the Pie Crust Circles
Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Using a round cutter or even a drinking glass, cut out circles that are about 4-5 inches in diameter. These circles will be the perfect size for handheld pies. Depending on the size of your cutter, you should get about eight circles from your dough, enough for a sharing-worthy batch.
Step 3: Fill the Dough Circles
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of your pecan filling right into the center of each dough circle. Be mindful not to overfill as this could cause the filling to ooze out when frying. This step is where the magic starts to happen because you’re building layers of flavor inside a delicate, crispy package.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
Fold each dough circle over the filling to create a charming half-moon shape. Press down along the edges with a fork to seal everything in tightly. This not only holds the filling in place but also creates those cute ridges that make the pies look irresistible once fried.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (175°C). The oil needs to be hot enough to crisp the crust quickly without soaking it in grease. Make sure you have enough oil to completely submerge the pies for even frying.
Step 6: Fry the Pies
Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can drop the temperature and make the crust greasy. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and perfectly crispy. Watching these little pies turn luscious golden brown is truly a joyful moment.
Step 7: Drain the Pies
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, gently remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This step is essential to soak up excess oil and keep your pies delightfully crisp.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
For the perfect finishing touch, dust your deep fried pecan pies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Serve them warm for the ideal gooey, crunchy combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe
Garnishes
While these pies are spectacular on their own, a little garnish can elevate them wonderfully. Consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a sparkly, sweet touch or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the rich nutty flavors. A drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs beautifully if you want to be extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
Deep fried pecan pies make a wonderful dessert any time, but pairing them with cooling sides like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced gelato can balance the richness perfectly. Fresh berries or a simple fresh fruit salad can add brightness and a bit of tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few pies on a pretty cake stand for a rustic, inviting dessert display. For parties, serve them on small plates with mini forks and little ramekins of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or bourbon caramel. Wrapping individual pies in parchment paper tied with twine makes for an adorable, portable treat perfect for gifting or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep that signature crispiness, avoid refrigeration as it can cause the crust to become soggy and less enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze deep fried pecan pies, though it’s best to freeze them uncooked for optimal freshness. After sealing, place the pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore that crispy crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving as it will make the crust soft and less delightful.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a personalized touch and can taste even better. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before cutting and frying to handle the filling without tearing.
What if I don’t have corn syrup? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey, but keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor and texture. Corn syrup helps create that perfect sticky, gooey filling traditional to pecan pies.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
While this recipe is designed for frying to get that crisp, golden exterior, you could bake them, but the texture will be different—less crunchy and more like a traditional pie crust. Baking would take about 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
A candy or deep-fry thermometer is your best friend here. When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), it’s hot enough for frying. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a few hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before filling the pies to make spreading easier.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like sharing hot, crispy, sweet pockets of joy with friends and family, and the Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe makes that incredibly easy. From its simple ingredients to the wonderfully indulgent results, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and happiness with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked on this perfect blend of comfort and decadence!
Print
Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Deep Fried Pecan Pies offer a crispy, golden crust encasing a gooey, sweet pecan filling. Perfectly fried for a crunchy exterior paired with a rich, nutty center, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare with refrigerated pie crusts and simple pantry ingredients, these pies bring the classic flavor of pecan pie in a fun, handheld form.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 3/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans. Set the filling mixture aside.
- Prepare the pie crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out 4-5 inch circles from the dough. You should be able to get about 8 circles from the dough, depending on size.
- Fill the pies: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the pecan filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling can spill out when frying.
- Seal the pies: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pies, ensuring the filling is secure inside.
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to submerge the pies for frying.
- Fry the pies: Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil one at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the pies: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the pies from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Dust the fried pies with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is steady at 350°F to achieve a crisp, non-greasy texture.
- Do not overfill the dough circles to prevent filling leakage during frying.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs for safe removal from hot oil.
- Powdered sugar is optional but adds a sweet finishing touch.
- Pie crusts can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Let the pies cool slightly after frying to avoid burning your mouth with hot filling.
