Description
Southern-style golden fried peach pies offer a delightful journey through classic dessert traditions. Sweet peach filling nestled in crisp pastry creates a nostalgic treat perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) peaches, fresh, peeled and diced (or canned, drained and chopped)
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar, granulated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups (240 g) flour, all-purpose
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, unsalted, chilled and diced
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with ½ tsp vinegar)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups (473 ml) vegetable oil
- powdered sugar
- honey or glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Peach Compote Creation: Simmer chopped peaches with sugar, cornstarch, warm spices, and citrus in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a rich, aromatic compote, then cool completely to allow flavors to meld.
- Pastry Dough Preparation: Blend flour and salt, then integrate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently incorporate buttermilk, working until the dough just combines, then wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Pie Assembly: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to a thin consistency, cutting circular shapes. Spoon cooled peach filling onto dough circles, fold into half-moon shapes, and seal edges with a decorative fork crimp.
- Frying Process: Heat oil to 350F in a deep skillet. Carefully lower pies into hot oil, frying until golden and crisp, turning once to ensure even browning. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Finishing Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey, serving the pies warm to highlight their crisp exterior and molten peach interior.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Filling: Cool the peach mixture completely before adding to pastry to avoid excess moisture that could compromise the crisp texture.
- Master Dough Handling: Work pastry dough gently and minimally to prevent tough, dense pies; cold butter and light touch ensure flaky, tender results.
- Optimize Frying Temperature: Maintain consistent 350F oil heat for even golden browning; use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour, and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version that preserves the original recipe’s delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg