Name: Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup corn syrup; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts); All-purpose flour for dusting; Vegetable oil for frying; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Imagine a crispy, golden shell giving way to a gooey, nutty center bursting with sweet, buttery flavor — that’s the magic of Deep Fried Pecan Pies. This irresistible Southern treat takes everything you love about classic pecan pie and wraps it in an irresistibly flaky crust, perfect for handheld snacking. Whether you’re looking to wow guests at a gathering or add a playful twist to family dessert time, these bite-sized pies deliver major comfort with a little extra crunch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Deep Fried Pecan Pies is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building that classic, unforgettable flavor. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be ready to dive into Southern dessert bliss!

Chopped pecans: Give a hearty, rich crunch that’s unmistakably Southern and absolutely vital for the pie filling.
Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and rich sweetness that melds perfectly with the pecans.
Corn syrup: Keeps the filling smooth and gooey, mimicking classic pecan pie texture in every bite.
Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle depth that enhances the overall richness.
Melted butter: Lends a luxurious mouthfeel and ties the filling together with its creamy finish.
Egg (lightly beaten): Binds the filling, ensuring everything sets up perfectly without being runny.
Refrigerated pie crusts: Shortcut magic! They guarantee a flaky, tender shell with zero fuss.
All-purpose flour for dusting: Prevents sticking when you roll out those perfect circles for pie assembly.
Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral in flavor, it lets the star ingredients shine while delivering that craveable crunch.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Gives a final flourish and extra touch of sweetness that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

Start by combining the magic in a bowl: chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, melted butter, and your lightly beaten egg. Stir everything until it’s glossy and well mixed—you want a cohesive, spoonable filling with pecans evenly coated by that luscious mixture. The aroma at this stage will already have your kitchen smelling like the holidays!

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts

Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles about 4 to 5 inches wide—big enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling but still easy to fold and fry. If you have dough scraps left, gather and reroll gently so you can squeeze in as many pies as possible.

Step 3: Fill and Seal Each Mini Pie

Place a heaping tablespoon of your pecan filling right in the center of each dough circle. Then fold the dough over to create those adorable half-moons. Press the edges with a fork to seal—this step is essential for keeping all that gooey, nutty goodness tucked inside while they fry.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Set over medium heat and bring to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small scrap of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and turn golden within about 60 seconds, letting you know it’s ready to work its magic.

Step 5: Fry the Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Carefully lower 2 or 3 pies at a time into the shimmering oil, taking care not to crowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping gently with tongs or a slotted spoon. They’re ready when they’re deeply golden brown, crisp, and bubbling at the edges. Use that slotted spoon to transfer pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Let the pies cool just enough to handle, then dust generously with powdered sugar if you like an extra pop of sweetness. The hardest part? Waiting long enough for them to cool before sneaking a bite!

How to Serve Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Garnishes

For a festive finish, a generous snowfall of powdered sugar always looks beautiful, but you can also get creative! Set out tiny bowls of caramel sauce or whipped cream for dipping, or add a sprinkling of extra chopped pecans for crunch and visual flair. A small mint leaf or twist of orange zest can add a playful touch if you want to bring a bakery vibe to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Deep Fried Pecan Pies go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the hot pie and cold cream to melt together. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of milk is classic, but a few fresh berries or simple fruit salad alongside can help balance the richness and round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dessert into a party! Try threading mini deep fried pies onto skewers for a playful twist, serve them stacked on a tiered cake stand, or package them in wax-paper bags for a Southern-style bake sale feel. For a real showstopper at gatherings, build a “pie bar” with different dipping sauces—think chocolate drizzle, bourbon caramel, or even a maple glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust may lose a touch of its initial crisp, but a quick refresh works wonders for reviving them. Avoid refrigerating, as that can make the crust soggy.

Freezing

Deep Fried Pecan Pies are freezer-friendly! Assemble and seal the pies but skip frying; place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When a craving hits, fry them straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the cook time for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that just-fried magic, pop leftover pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until hot and crispy. Skip the microwave, as it tends to make the crust chewy rather than crisp, and your pies deserve better!

FAQs

Can I bake Deep Fried Pecan Pies instead of frying?

Absolutely! Simply brush the assembled pies with an egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden. They won’t have the exact same crispy exterior, but you’ll still get a delightful handheld treat.

What kind of pie crust works best?

Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts make these pies ultra easy, but if you have a favorite homemade crust, you can definitely use that as well—just roll it a bit thinner than usual for the perfect balance of filling and crunch.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure you don’t overfill the pies, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. If you’re extra cautious, you can lightly moisten the rim of each dough circle with water before folding and sealing to help it stick even better.

Can I add extra flavors to the filling?

Definitely! Mix in a dash of cinnamon, a splash of bourbon, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic Southern filling. Just don’t overload the filling or it may become difficult to seal the pies.

Are Deep Fried Pecan Pies vegetarian?

Yes, these pies are vegetarian-friendly as written! They contain eggs and butter, but as long as you use vegetable-based pie dough and a plant-based butter substitute, they can easily be made suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s nostalgic, playful, and guaranteed to draw a crowd, you owe it to yourself to try making Deep Fried Pecan Pies at home. They come together faster than you might think and the results are spectacular—crisp, gooey, and unmistakably Southern. Give them a go, share with friends, and watch them disappear!

Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 mini pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Deep Fried Pecan Pies – mini hand-held Southern treats with a crispy crust and a sweet, nutty filling. Perfect for a special dessert or a fun snack.

Ingredients

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Pecan Filling:

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 egg, lightly beaten

Other Ingredients:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
All-purpose flour for dusting
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, melted butter, and beaten egg.
Assemble the Pies: Roll out pie crusts, cut into circles, place pecan filling in the center, fold over, and seal the edges.
Fry the Pies: Heat oil, fry pies until golden brown, drain on paper towels, and dust with powdered sugar.