Fried Lemon and Apple Pies: The Perfect Sweet and Tart Dessert

Fried pies are a delicious Southern treat that combine the best of crispy, buttery pastry with warm, flavorful fillings. Among the most beloved variations are the Fried Lemon and Fried Apple Pies, two unique flavors that strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart. Whether you’re preparing these pies for a family gathering, a special event, or just as a tasty snack, they are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re relatively easy to make and offer a fun twist on traditional baked pies.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making these pies at home, including the best ingredients to use, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your pies come out perfectly golden and delicious.

Why Fried Lemon and Apple Pies Are the Best Dessert Option

Fried pies offer something unique compared to their baked counterparts. The frying process creates a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful fillings. While baked pies tend to be larger and more delicate, fried pies are compact, portable, and can be eaten by hand. This makes them perfect for picnics, parties, or any casual event.

Not only do lemon pies add a refreshing tang, but apple pies also bring warmth with their sweet, spiced filling. Whether you’re a fan of citrusy desserts or prefer something more traditional like apple pie, these fried versions will elevate your dessert game. For a truly perfect crust, it’s worth considering how to make homemade pie dough for extra flakiness.

Ingredients for the Best Fried Lemon and Apple Pies

The ingredients you choose are essential to achieving the best flavor and texture in your pies. To get the most out of this recipe, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the fillings, as they will impact the overall taste.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons butter

For the Lemon Pie Filling:

½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter

For the Pastry:

Homemade or store-bought pie dough or puff pastry
Vegetable oil for frying

When it comes to choosing apples for your pies, Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness holds up well against the sweetness of the filling. If you need help deciding on the right apples, here’s a helpful guide on choosing the best apples for baking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Lemon and Apple Pies

1. Preparing the Apple Pie Filling

The secret to a perfect apple pie filling lies in the balance of sweetness and spices. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy, with just enough spice to complement the natural flavor of the fruit.

Ingredients:

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

First, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Then, add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest.
Let the apples cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely before using it in your pies.

2. Preparing the Lemon Pie Filling

A lemon pie filling should be smooth, tart, and slightly sweet. The goal is to balance the richness of the egg yolks and butter with the sharpness of the lemon.

Ingredients:

½ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Begin by whisking together the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.
Slowly add the lemon juice and zest while continuing to whisk the mixture.
Next, cook the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot lemon mixture to temper the yolks, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Continue to cook the filling for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes thick and smooth.
Finally, remove the pan from the heat, stir in the butter, and let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies.

3. Assembling and Frying the Pies

Assembling the Pies

Once both fillings have cooled, it’s time to assemble your pies. Properly sealing the pies is crucial to prevent any filling from leaking during the frying process.

Roll out your pie dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
Use a 4-5 inch round cutter (or a small bowl) to cut circles out of the dough.
Place a spoonful of filling (apple or lemon) in the center of each circle, ensuring you don’t overfill.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies securely, preventing any filling from escaping.

Frying the Pies

Frying pies requires precision, especially with oil temperature. You want a crisp exterior without burning the dough, and keeping the oil at the right temperature is key.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature to avoid soggy pies.
Fry the pies in small batches, for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the pies and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is critical for crispy, non-greasy pies. If you want more details on achieving the perfect fry, check out this guide on how to fry pies to perfection.

Serving and Storing Fried Lemon and Apple Pies

Fried pies are best served warm, though they’re equally enjoyable at room temperature. There are various ways to enhance their presentation and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Dust the pies with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finish.
Serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
For a tangy twist, drizzle the lemon pies with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Storing Fried Pies:

To keep your pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
When reheating, place the pies in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs about Fried Lemon and Apple Pies

Can I bake these pies instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative, and the pies will still turn out delicious. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the pies for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Brushing the tops with egg wash will help create a shiny, golden crust.

Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Absolutely. You can swap out the apples and lemons for fruits like peaches, berries, or even pears. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and spices according to the fruit’s sweetness and tartness.

How do I prevent the pies from leaking?

To prevent leaks, avoid overfilling the pies and make sure the edges are tightly sealed by crimping them with a fork. Chilling the assembled pies for about 15 minutes before frying can also help keep them intact.

How do I keep the pies crispy after frying?

To maintain crispiness, keep the oil at a consistent temperature (350°F) while frying. After frying, let the pies drain on paper towels and avoid stacking them, as the steam can make them soggy.

Conclusion

Fried Lemon and Apple Pies are a delightful combination of crispy fried dough and flavorful fillings that offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you prefer the citrusy brightness of lemon or the warm, spiced flavor of apple, these fried pies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create perfectly crispy, golden pies that are ideal for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can bring this classic Southern dessert to life in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and indulge in the deliciousness of fried pies today!