Deep Fried Southern Pecan Hand Pies
Deep-fried Southern pecan hand pies with a flaky golden crust and gooey pecan pie filling. A nostalgic twist on classic pecan pie, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet Southern treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (2–3 inches deep)
- Optional: powdered sugar (for dusting) or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until combined.
- Unroll pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into 4–5 inch circles, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of pecan filling onto each circle. Brush edges with beaten egg, top with another circle, and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Heat oil in a skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry pies in small batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–17 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate pecan variation.
- Spice up the filling with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Use a smaller cutter to make mini bite-sized hand pies.
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
