Name: Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 cup corn syrup; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts); Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended); Powdered sugar for dusting

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If you’ve ever dreamed of buttery, gooey pecan pie wrapped in the crispest, golden crust imaginable, then you absolutely must try Deep Fried Pecan Pies. These little pockets of pure southern comfort elevate the traditional pecan pie experience by frying the pies to an irresistible crunch, creating a warm, caramel-filled treat that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, nutty pecans and a crisp, flaky crust that’s been kissed by bubbling oil, finished off with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of indulgence.

Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with familiar ingredients that come together to create spectacular flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the rich pecans that bring crunch and depth, to the pie crust that crisps up beautifully during frying.

1 cup pecans, chopped: Adds a lovely nutty crunch that’s essential to traditional pecan pie filling.
1 cup corn syrup: Provides sweetness and a glossy, gooey texture that binds the filling.
3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor to the filling.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness with a lighter touch.
3 large eggs: Helps set the filling and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Cuts through the sweetness, highlighting the other flavors.
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts): The ready-made crust makes this recipe a breeze and crisps perfectly when fried.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying to achieve that golden color and crisp texture.
Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty finish and a subtle sweet kick.

How to Make Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

Start by combining the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl. Blend everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This filling is the heart of your Deep Fried Pecan Pies, offering a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors amidst a silky, gooey texture.

Step 2: Cut the Pie Crust Rounds

Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a cookie cutter or a glass about 4 inches in diameter, cut out approximately sixteen round discs. This ensures each pie is perfectly sized for frying and easy to handle.

Step 3: Assemble the Pecan Pies

Place about 1 tablespoon of the luscious pecan filling in the center of half of your crust rounds. Then, moisten the edges of these filled rounds lightly with water. Place the remaining crust rounds over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal. For a charming touch and extra seal, crimp the edges with a fork – this also creates that classic pie look that makes them so inviting.

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry

Heat your frying oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully and gently place a few of the pies into the oil using a slotted spoon or spider. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy, signaling that your Deep Fried Pecan Pies are perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Drain and Dust

Remove the pies from the hot oil and set them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Once slightly cooled but still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. This final step adds a delightful sweetness and a snow-dusted finish that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Garnishes

While these pies are a star on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a dreamy touch. You can also drizzle a bit of warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra layer of decadence. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this indulgent treat into a show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

Deep Fried Pecan Pies pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries that provide a bright contrast to their richness. Serving alongside a cup of coffee or spiced tea also complements the sweet, nutty flavors beautifully, making for a cozy snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, serve your Deep Fried Pecan Pies in a rustic basket lined with a patterned napkin. You can arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for parties or dust with cinnamon sugar for a seasonal twist. Even arranging small pies on skewers to serve as bite-sized treats is a fun, unexpected way to enjoy them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Deep Fried Pecan Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their crisp crust while preserving that ooey-gooey filling inside.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unfried pies by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fry them straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover or pre-fried pies and maintain that signature crunch, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy, as it can quickly become soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust for Deep Fried Pecan Pies?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works beautifully and adds a personal touch. Just ensure it’s rolled out evenly and chilled before cutting and assembling to help it hold up during frying.

What oil is best for frying these pecan pies?

A neutral, high smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil is ideal. These oils fry evenly and don’t impart strong flavors, allowing the pies’ rich filling to shine.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the pecan pie filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This can even help deepen the flavors. Just give it a quick stir before assembling your pies.

Are Deep Fried Pecan Pies very sweet?

They do have a sweet profile thanks to the sugars and corn syrup in the filling, but the balance of pecans and slight saltiness keeps them from being overly sweet. The powdered sugar dusting is optional for adding a little extra.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You could bake them, but they won’t have the same crispy, crunchy crust that frying gives. If you bake, reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly—still delicious but a different texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that once you make and taste these Deep Fried Pecan Pies, you’ll wonder why they’re not a regular fixture in your dessert rotation. With their crispy, golden crust and rich, nutty filling, they’re the kind of treat that brings smiles all around. So gather your ingredients, warm up that oil, and get ready to create your new favorite indulgence. You won’t regret diving into these delightful pockets of southern comfort.

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Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 mini pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Deep Fried Pecan Pies offer a delectable twist on the classic pecan pie by encasing the rich, sweet filling in flaky pie crust and frying it to a golden crisp. Perfect as an indulgent snack or dessert, these mini pies combine the warm flavors of brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla with crunchy pecans and a crispy fried exterior, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch.

Instructions

Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Cut Pie Crust Rounds: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch cookie cutter, cut out about 16 rounds from the dough, ensuring the rounds are uniform in size for even frying.
Fill the Dough Rounds: Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling onto the center of half of the dough rounds, spreading slightly but leaving room at the edges for sealing.
Seal the Pies: Moisten the edges of the filled rounds with a little water to help seal. Cover each with an unfilled dough round and press the edges together firmly. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed and to add a decorative pattern.
Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at the correct temperature for frying.
Fry the Pies: Carefully place a few pies at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove and drain the pies on a wire rack or paper towels.
Finish and Serve: Once slightly cooled, dust the fried pecan pies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature; too hot oil will burn the pies, too cool will make them greasy.
Refrigerate assembled but unfried pies if you wish to prepare them ahead of time; fry just before serving.
For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or omit nuts entirely.
These fried pies are best enjoyed the same day for optimal crispiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Deep Frying
Cuisine: American Southern