Nothing quite says comfort like the sweet and crunchy combination of a pecan pie but what if we told you it gets even better? Imagine that classic pecan pie filling wrapped up in a crispy, golden shell and fried to perfection. Yes, deep-fried pecan pies are here, and trust me, they’re going to be your new favorite treat. The moment you bite into one, you’ll get that warm, gooey pecan filling paired with that irresistible crispy outer layer. I’m telling you, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Deep Fried Pecan Pies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re treating yourself, hosting a family gathering, or getting together with friends, these deep-fried pecan pies will steal the show. Here’s why they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe book:
Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy evening or a holiday celebration, these fried treats can be enjoyed any time. They’re great for gatherings, and you can even serve them as a fun, shareable snack.
Budget-Friendly: With a few pantry staples, you can create something that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: These little pies don’t take hours to make, and the frying process is straightforward. Even if you’re new to frying, you’ll nail it.
Customizable: Want to switch it up? You can tweak the filling to include chocolate chips, caramel, or even mix in a few extra nuts.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Deep Fried Pecan Pies
Here’s the magic of these deep-fried pecan pies: simple ingredients, yet the result is out-of-this-world delicious.
- Pecan Halves: The star of the filling, pecans bring that sweet, nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible.
- Corn Syrup: This adds sweetness and a perfect sticky consistency that holds everything together.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of richness and deep sweetness.
- Butter: Because everything’s better with butter! It adds richness to the filling.
- Eggs: To bind everything together and give the filling its smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla brings out the flavors and makes everything smell divine.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The perfect, flaky vessel to hold all that pecan goodness.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying to a golden, crispy perfection.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this crispy, gooey masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oil: Start by heating your oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. This ensures your pies cook evenly and get that golden-brown color.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the pecan halves, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the individual triangles.
Fill the Dough: Spoon a generous amount of the pecan filling onto the center of each dough triangle. Fold the dough over to create a pocket, pinching the edges to seal.
Fry to Perfection: Carefully lower each pie into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Cool: Once fried, remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 450-500
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Deep Fried Pecan Pies
These deep-fried pecan pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top. They’re perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, these sides will do just that!
Additional Tips
- Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly to avoid any filling spilling out during frying.
- If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can also use pie dough or phyllo dough for a flakier crust.
- For a twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot right out of the fryer.
FAQ’s
How do I store leftover deep-fried pecan pies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the filling and dough ahead of time, then fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds would work wonderfully in place of pecans.
How can I make these pies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or corn syrup in the filling if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying since they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Baking isn’t recommended for this recipe, as the frying gives the pies their signature crispy texture.
How do I know when the pies are done frying?
The pies should be golden brown and crispy. If in doubt, use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F.
Can I freeze these pies?
Yes! You can freeze them before frying. Just thaw them in the fridge and fry as usual.
Can I use store-bought pie filling?
While it’s possible, I recommend making your own filling for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacer if you need a vegan version.
Conclusion
Deep Fried Pecan Pies are the perfect treat when you want something a little different. They’re crispy, gooey, sweet, and savory all at once no one will be able to resist! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging in a quiet moment at home, these little pies will surely be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up that oil, and treat yourself to something delicious. You won’t regret it!
Print
Deep Fried Pecan Pies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying (or Baking)
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, these hand-held treats feature a rich, gooey pecan filling encased in a flaky crust, deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pecan Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
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Assemble the Pies:
- Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a 4-inch circle cutter, cut out circles from the dough. You should get approximately 24 circles.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooled pecan filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
-
Fry the Pies:
- In a large Dutch oven or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the pies in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
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Serve:
- Lightly dust the fried pies with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Baking Option: If you prefer to bake these pies instead of frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with an egg wash, and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Freezing: Unfried pies can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, fry or bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Variations: For a chocolate twist, add a few chocolate chips to the pecan filling before sealing the pies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 449 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 328mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg