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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Stacey – December 3, 2013 – 105 Comments

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Deep Fried Pecan PiesEach holiday season, the amazing folks at the Betty Crocker Kitchen select a list of culinary trends they feel will be hot in the coming year.  Betty Crocker’s Red Hot Holiday Trends is a fun way to see what kinds of things are popular across the nation.  This year, they asked the Betty Bloggers to get in on the game by assigning each of us one of the 10 hot trends to use in developing a recipe. 

I was thrilled to find out that I had been assigned the “All American Pastries” trend because us Southerners know some pastries.  And when it comes to classic Southern pastries – pies top the list.  There’s not another Southern pie quite like the pecan pie.  But I knew I couldn’t just produce a plain old pecan pie – I had to kick it up a notch.  So I turned them into hand-pies and deep fried them.  Now, this is true decadence…

Boiling the pecan pie fillingIn a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the pecans. Simmer for about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Cutting pie crust into circlesBring the crusts to room temperature. Unroll one on a lightly floured surface and cut circles using a 4-inch circle cutter. Re-roll the dough and repeat until all of the dough has been used. You should end up with about 24 circles.

Pie crust circles with filling in the middlePlace a heaping tablespoon of the pecan filling mixture in the center of a pie crust circle.

Using water on the edges to seal the pie crustLightly moisten the edges of the crust with water, then fold the crust over.

Crimping the edges of the pies with a forkCrimp the edges together with a dinner fork. Repeat the process until all of the pie crusts have been used.

Prepared pies on a cutting board Pies frying in oil

In a large dutch oven, heat about 1 inch oil in the bottom to 350 degrees F. Fry the pies in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side – or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels then lightly dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
 
Deep Fried Pecan Pies 2
 
Be sure to check out all of the other AMAZING Betty Blogger recipes for this year’s Red Hot Holiday Trends!

 

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4 from 4 votes

Recipe Card

Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, southern
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 24 pies
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

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 (14.1-ounce) packages Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the pecans. Simmer for about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Bring the crusts to room temperature. Unroll one on a lightly floured surface and cut circles using a 4-inch circle cutter. Re-roll the dough and repeat until all of the dough has been used. You should end up with about 24 circles.
  • Place a heaping tablespoon of the pecan filling mixture in the center of a pie crust circle. Lightly moisten the edges of the crust with water, then fold the crust over, crimping the edges with a dinner fork. Repeat the process until all of the pie crusts have been used.
  • In a large dutch oven, heat about 1 inch oil in the bottom to 350° F. Fry the pies in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side - or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels then lightly dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
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Deep Fried Pecan Pies - image for Pinterest

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  1. Regina Sam

    October 23, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    Made these mini hand pies. They were delicious. I made my dough from scratch. Did the pecan today will make apple and pumpkin. Do not be decieved though ,. just because they are mini you can’t eat more than one like the other woman said. They can be addicting. Very good…..

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 26, 2022 at 9:44 am

      Love it! So glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  2. Bea

    September 5, 2022 at 3:04 am

    I think I may be addicted to these pies! I just love them. They’re so much better than my baked mini or regular pecan pies..the filling stays juicy and delicious. The only difference is I make my own pastry dough..

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 6, 2022 at 8:32 am

      They are wonderful and oh so decadent! Is your pastry dough recipe an easy one?

      Reply
  3. Kellie

    August 11, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    Can I use homemade fried pie dough instead of buying a pie dough

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 11, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      Of course!

      Reply
  4. Mary Whitlock

    May 18, 2022 at 9:54 pm

    I would put on lighty buttered cookie sheet and brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top( I love using organic sugar crystals) bake until golden brown. I am definitely trying this. Think I will try it tomorrow.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 19, 2022 at 11:04 am

      Great! Let us know how it turns out!

      Reply
  5. Homegrowncook

    January 30, 2022 at 12:27 pm

    So the filling was basically a very chewy chunk of caramel with pecans. Which made it extremely difficult to scoop into the pastry. And don’t scoop it in there hot or you will melt your dough before you get it sealed and fried. I personally didn’t like that consistency. I was hoping for that buttery, custardy pecan pie filling you get in a slice of pie. The flavor was fine but it was like biting into a piece of caramel wrapped in pastry instead, bummer. Pecans are not cheap so before you begin, just know this is very different.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 31, 2022 at 11:14 am

      Oh no! Sorry to hear you had trouble. It sounds like maybe the filling was cooked a little too long.

      Reply
  6. Booneyshouse

    November 15, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    My husband might marry me again if I make these for him! Thank You !

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 16, 2021 at 11:31 am

      Ha! Good luck!

      Reply
  7. Kathryn Cochran

    August 29, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    I made these pies last fall and sold them at the Farmers Market and they were hit. About to make me first ones this year and I know they will be a hit again. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 31, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Awesome! So glad they turned out great for you!!

      Reply
  8. BZ BUG

    July 4, 2021 at 9:34 am

    One fix on your recipe, right here you say “Boiling the pecan pie filling In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter and salt.” You don’t specify Brown sugar.
    Anyway, love the recipe and thanks.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 5, 2021 at 9:43 am

      I’ll add that so it’s more clear. Thanks!

      Reply
  9. Michelle Smith

    February 15, 2021 at 3:38 am

    These deep fried pies are the best. I made 12 of them couple of nights ago, woke up to only 1 left. My husband ate every single one of them. I’ve had to make another batch of them so me and the kids could enjoy them as well. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I have forwarded on to everyone in my family and told them this is a must have to fix.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 15, 2021 at 8:37 am

      Thanks, Michelle! I’m so glad that y’all have enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply
  10. Paula

    November 8, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Can we use biscuits

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 9, 2020 at 11:18 am

      I’ve not done them that way, but I think several folks mentioned in the comments that they had tried it.

      Reply
  11. DonnaC

    October 8, 2020 at 9:06 pm

    Made these tonight and just WOW. I used molasses instead of dark karo, an old fashioned deep south ingredient, and baked them instead of frying (convection350 x 15 minutes). This recipe is a keeper!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 9, 2020 at 9:31 am

      Wonderful to hear! I’m so glad they turned out great for you!!

      Reply
  12. Millican Pecan

    June 19, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    Stacey, I look at pecan recipes all the time, (of course, I am in the pecan business) and this one is really unique compared to anything I have ever seen before. Wonderful recipe. Well done. Props from Texas!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 20, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  13. Morrica

    March 30, 2019 at 2:41 am

    Wonder if you could air fry these?????

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 1, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      I don’t have much air fryer experience, so I can say for sure. Probably, though.

      Reply
  14. Lisa Wood

    November 30, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    I don’t boil my pecan pie ingredients. Is it necessary?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 3, 2018 at 12:05 pm

      For this recipe it is. The quick cook time in the oil won’t be enough to cook the filling completely.

      Reply
  15. Rhonda Brady

    November 17, 2018 at 4:02 pm

    Best ever at Goat Rodeo restaurant in Houston. Came back to California and Googled the recipe. Making them for Thanksgiving.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 19, 2018 at 11:51 am

      🙂

      Reply
  16. Momma C

    July 8, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    Hello. Can these be mase, froze and then dry as we want to eat them? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Momma C

      July 8, 2018 at 7:45 pm

      I apologize my typing is horrible. I was wondering if these could be pre made, frozen and then fried as we want to eat them? Thanks

      Reply
      • Stacey

        July 17, 2018 at 1:01 pm

        Absolutely! Just allow them to come to room temp before frying.

        Reply
  17. Barbara

    December 19, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    Can the pecan hand pies be baked instead of fried? I’m not physically able to stand but about a minute or so at a time.Thank you.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 19, 2017 at 9:30 pm

      Hi Barbara! In theory it should work, but I have to admit I’ve only fried them.

      Reply
  18. Belinda Tompkins

    August 6, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Are these good a week later

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 7, 2017 at 10:26 am

      Not really. They’re best served warm, right out out of the oil.

      Reply
  19. Beverly

    November 18, 2016 at 12:10 am

    I LOVE pecan pie and I have a fantastic recipe for it, but I have never had a fried pecan pie. Oh, yeah, I’m making these!!!
    I’d like to take them to my club meeting for dessert, so I don’t eat all 24 of them!!! I know you said they’re best served warm–can they be reheated? Or does that make them soggy or otherwise ruin them?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 18, 2016 at 11:40 am

      I think they’re best right out of the oil, but they can be reheated.

      Reply
  20. Mt

    November 14, 2016 at 11:03 pm

    Can eggs be omitted or substituted?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 18, 2016 at 11:42 am

      I’m not aware of a substitute for them in this recipe.

      Reply
  21. Karena

    October 4, 2016 at 1:43 am

    Can these be made ahead ? I want to try them and would love to save time.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 5, 2016 at 10:38 am

      They can be made and ahead and fried when ready to serve, yes. Enjoy!

      Reply
  22. Krystal

    November 25, 2015 at 7:56 am

    Can you use crest rolls

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 25, 2015 at 9:06 am

      I haven’t ever tried that. The trick would be in the frying part with those. If you give it a try, please let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  23. Terri

    October 22, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Made these for my husband last night. They were so good. I had a little filling left over and I used it as a ice cream topping. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 27, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      What a great idea! So glad y’all enjoyed them!

      Reply
  24. Lauren Hunt

    January 24, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Thanks for the recipe! I literally just finished making these and they are FANTASTIC!!! Going to make deep fried apple ones and chocolate filled ones as well!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 24, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      Wonderful! SO glad they turned out great for you!

      Reply
  25. Melody Watson

    November 26, 2014 at 6:43 am

    Oh. Dear. Lord.

    1. Thank you for taking me back to my great-grandmother’s fried pies from my childhood.
    2. Why have I never seen anything like this in my 38 years on this planet?

    I’m drooling and I think that I just gained 10 pounds. EXCELLENT recipe. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      Ha! I hope you’ll enjoy them!

      Reply
  26. Denise

    September 26, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I can’t wait to make these!
    What is the best way to store and reheat them?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 26, 2014 at 10:50 am

      These are really best fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven.

      Reply
  27. LindY G

    September 21, 2014 at 5:42 pm

    Being a Southerner, born and raised, and a Pecan Pie lover….I am soooo going to make these! Bless your heart for sharing this with us.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 22, 2014 at 8:01 pm

      I hope you’ll enjoy them!

      Reply
  28. Margaret

    September 21, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    These are the absolute BEST! I’ve had to double the recipe 2x already! Kids and grandkids can’t get enough. They like taking them to school-their friends are soooo jealous! Thank s for sharing.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 22, 2014 at 8:01 pm

      So glad y’all are enjoying the recipe, Margaret!

      Reply
  29. Jan McClellan

    September 5, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    Made these tonight and they are Devine! Bravo! I feel like FALL now 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 8, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      I’m tickled y’all enjoyed them!

      Reply
      • Robin

        October 31, 2020 at 9:33 pm

        I made these but used canned biscuits for the dough. Do you think you could make them up but freeze to fry later?

        Reply
        • Stacey

          November 2, 2020 at 9:56 am

          Perhaps, but I can’t say for sure.

          Reply
  30. Gloria

    September 5, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    These look amazing! Is there a link to this dough recipes? Some are too flaky and will just come apart. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 8, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      I used a pre-made refrigerated pie dough.

      Reply
  31. Ale Byrum

    July 28, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    can they be served cold? I am baking for my boyfriend.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 28, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      These are one of those things that are really best served warm.

      Reply
  32. Jennifer C.

    April 9, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Stacey, I have been selling baked goods to raise money for a dance camp my daughter will be attending this summer. So far in 2 months I have raised close to $800. I am always looking for ideas and receipes to make for these sales. Do you think these pies would do okay if I fry them then put them in a bag after they have cooled to sale the next morning? If you have any great ideas or bake sale recipes, I would appreciate those too! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 9, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Hi Jennifer! Listen at you! That’s amazing! The thing about these is that they are really best when they are hot. I would recommend them for a bake sale. My Easiest Cookies Bars Ever, Pecan Chewies, and Sweet and Salty Toffee Cookies would work really well, though! Good luck!

      Reply
  33. Toodie

    March 5, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    Oh my heavens, I think I’m going to faint! Quick, revive me with one (or two) of these pies!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 5, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  34. Jessica

    January 22, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    Any chance I could swap out the pecans with apple? These would be great little mini apple pies…

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 22, 2014 at 8:48 pm

      Hi Jessica! I wish I could give you a definitive answer. In theory, I think it would work, but I’m afraid that the apples wouldn’t have enough time to cook through. If you give it a try, please come back and let me know!!

      Reply
      • Dorothy

        September 7, 2014 at 6:57 pm

        You can take apples and cook them before you put them in the pies. try to keep them looking like apple slices add apple pie spice, sugar and butter. I think it would work.

        Reply
        • Stacey

          September 8, 2014 at 8:54 pm

          It should!

          Reply
      • mary colyer

        December 17, 2014 at 10:49 am

        cook the apples first….

        Reply
  35. TrudyAnn Willis

    December 18, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    I love this…..in Spanish, a turnover is empanada…and I could eat anything that is enclosed in a pie crust! Fried pies, empanadas fritas, are the best, and when the filling is pecan…OMG! Heaven! Thank you! Thank you! Love it!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 23, 2013 at 9:08 am

      You are so welcome!!

      Reply
  36. Sabrina

    December 13, 2013 at 11:47 am

    Thanks for all the great messages & recipes throughout the years!

    Merry Christmas, Stacey, to you & yours!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 13, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      Thanks, Sabrina! Merry Christmas to you, too!!

      Reply
  37. Martha Reaves

    December 13, 2013 at 11:03 am

    Looks yummy.

    Reply
  38. Jack Newcomb

    December 13, 2013 at 7:59 am

    Looks great, however being diabetic I have to watch deep fried fook….could these be baked????

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 13, 2013 at 9:27 am

      Absolutely! I would simply bake them in a 350° oven until they are golden brown.

      Reply
  39. bootsie

    December 5, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    I make pecan pie all the time for the holidays. My question is, I have some family member that are older and have a hard time with pecan half. So I blind them in the blinder to chip them up find for my pie. Do you think that would work for those little fry pies.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 6, 2013 at 9:08 am

      Yep, it think it would work just fine. 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply
  40. Mary

    December 4, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    WOW!! Fantastic recipe and great pictures. Can’t wait to make these with my Granddaughter…this will be so much fun. Thanks for a way to make memories! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 5, 2013 at 9:37 am

      Thanks, Mary!! Hope y’all have fun and enjoy them! Merry Christmas to you, too!!

      Reply
  41. Erica

    December 4, 2013 at 11:27 am

    Oh my-those look wickedly delicious .In order to make then just a tad less fattening-do you think that one could bake th eassembled pies on a baking sheet instead of the deep fry method?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:48 pm

      Absolutely! You’ll just want to watch them closely and bake until they are golden brown.

      Reply
  42. Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough

    December 3, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    I can’t even deal with how good these look! So yummy!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks, Stephanie! That is so sweet!

      Reply
  43. Pat

    December 3, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    I wonder how long they would take to bake in the oven? These look great.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm

      I’m not exactly sure. You’ll just want to bake them until they are golden brown. Enjoy!

      Reply
  44. Corey @ Family Fresh Meals

    December 3, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    These look like yummy bundles of joy 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm

      Perfect description! Thanks, Corey!!

      Reply
  45. Lela

    December 3, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    They look fabulous, I am going to make some soon with the left over pecans we have from Thanksgiving. Yumo!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:46 pm

      Thanks, Lela! I hope you will enjoy them as much as we do.

      Reply
  46. cindy

    December 3, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    These pies look awesome! I love a hand hand pie…and fried, even better!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:46 pm

      Thanks, Cindy! They are true decadence. 🙂

      Reply
  47. Jennifer | Bake or Break

    December 3, 2013 at 10:13 am

    I adore pecan pie, and these little fried pies look amazing! My grandmother made the best fried pies, but I’ve never been brave enough to make them myself. Some day!

    Happy holidays, Stacey!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! They are an undertaking for sure, but so worth it. I know YOU won’t have any trouble with them at all. Happy Holidays, friend!

      Reply
  48. Stephanie @ PlainChicken

    December 3, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Hold on, I need to wipe the drool off my keyboard. These look crazy good!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2013 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks, Steph!

      Reply

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Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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