Prepare to indulge in a delightful fusion of classic pecan pie and crispy fried goodness. This unique twist on a traditional dessert will surprise your taste buds and add a fun element to your dessert table. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary.
Photos of Deep Fried Pecan Pie Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe, such as corn syrup and pancake batter, may not be commonly found in every household. When heading to the supermarket, ensure you pick up these items, along with pecans and unsalted butter, to achieve the perfect deep-fried pecan pie.
Ingredients For Deep Fried Pecan Pie
All purpose flour: The base for the pie crust, providing structure and texture.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and filling.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the crust.
Egg yolks: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.
Pecans: The star of the pie, offering a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Light corn syrup: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a gooey consistency.
Eggs: Provide structure and set the filling.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the pie slices to golden perfection.
Pancake batter: Creates a crispy coating for the fried pie slices.
Powdered sugar: Sprinkled on top for a touch of sweetness and decoration.
One reader, Arly Mcdade says:
This deep fried pecan pie recipe is a game-changer! The crispy, golden crust combined with the rich, nutty filling is simply divine. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Deep Fried Pecan Pie
How to sift flour: Use a sifter or a fine-mesh strainer to aerate the flour and remove any lumps. How to pinch butter into flour: Use your fingertips to break up the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. How to mix dough: Combine the liquid ingredients with the flour mixture until it just starts to come together, adding more liquid if necessary. How to roll out dough: Use a rolling pin to spread the dough evenly, turning it frequently to prevent sticking. How to par-bake a pie crust: Bake the pie crust partially before adding the filling to ensure it is fully cooked. How to make pie filling: Combine the ingredients for the filling until well mixed. How to insert popsicle sticks: Carefully make an incision in the crust side of each pie slice and insert a popsicle stick. How to fry pie slices: Dip the pie slices in pancake batter and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
How To Make Deep Fried Pecan Pie
This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover pecan pie into something crispy yet moist. It’s also a creative way to serve up something sweet.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Pie Crust:
- 2cupsall purpose flour,plus more for dusting
- 1pinchkosher salt
- 1¼sticksunsalted butter
- 2largeegg yolks
- 4tbspice water
For Pecan Pie:
- 2cupspecan,halves, divided
- ¾cuplight corn syrup
- 3largeeggs
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2tbspbutter,melted
- ½tspkosher salt
- 8cupsvegetable oil
- 4cupsprepared pancake batter
- ¼cuppowdered sugar,for dusting
Instructions
Crust:
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Sift the flour and salt together into a large bowl.
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Using only your fingertips, pinch the cubes of butter into the flour, breaking up the butter as you go, until no large lumps remain.
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Mix the egg yolks and ice water together in a small bowl with a fork until evenly combined.
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Add the liquid to the flour mixture, reserving a quarter or so. Quickly mix everything together with a fork until the dough just starts to come together. Add more liquid to the driest parts of the dough if needed. The dough is ready when it holds together in a ball when squeezed.
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Transfer the dough to a clean surface and bring together in a disc. Wrap the dough disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 days.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180°C).
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Lightly flour a clean surface and unwrap the disc of chilled dough. Flour the top of the dough. Using a rolling pin, push down on the dough, giving it a quarter turn every few smushes, to spread the dough evenly and ensure it doesn’t stick to the surface.
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Start to roll out the dough, continuing to turn. If any cracks form, smush them back together. Roll out the dough to a circle about ⅛-inch thick and place into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough around the edges. Crimp the edges in a decorative pattern.
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Place a piece of parchment in the center of the pie crust and add the pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
Filling:
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In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups pecans, corn syrup, eggs, sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and salt.
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Carefully lift the parchment with the pie weights from the par-baked pie crust, then pour in the filling. Top with the remaining ½ cup of pecans in concentric circles.
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Return the pie to the oven for 20 minutes, then cover with a piece of foil and continue baking for 40 minutes, until the filling is completely set. Let the pie cool completely.
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Cut the pie into 8 equal slices and carefully insert a popsicle stick into the crust side of each slice, using a small paring knife to make an incision if needed. Place the pie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze overnight, or until solid.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350 degrees F.
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Working in batches, dip the slices of pie into the prepared pancake batter, then carefully transfer to the hot oil and fry for 4 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and serve warm.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 2920.64kcal
- Fat: 269.29g
- Saturated Fat: 30.97g
- Trans Fat: 2.42g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 179.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 45.93g
- Carbohydrates: 126.38g
- Fiber: 3.22g
- Sugar: 54.40g
- Protein: 12.84g
- Cholesterol: 190.46mg
- Sodium: 736.56mg
- Calcium: 111.69mg
- Potassium: 297.49mg
- Iron: 3.85mg
- Vitamin A: 232.59µg
- Vitamin C: 2.01mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Deep Fried Pecan Pie
When making the pie crust, ensure that the butter is very cold. This helps create a flaky texture by preventing the butter from fully incorporating into the flour. The small pieces of butter will melt during baking, creating steam pockets that result in a light, flaky crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Deep Fried Pecan Pie
Use store-bought pie crust: Save time by using a pre-made pie crust instead of making one from scratch.
Pre-chop pecans: Chop pecans in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Batch frying: Fry multiple pie slices at once to reduce overall cooking time.
Use a deep fryer: A deep fryer can maintain a consistent temperature, speeding up the frying process.
Pre-make pancake batter: Prepare the pancake batter ahead of time and refrigerate it until needed.
Substitute Ingredients For Deep Fried Pecan Pie Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the crust slightly denser.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar texture, though the flavor may be slightly different.
egg yolks - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg yolk. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the dough.
ice water - Substitute with cold milk: Cold milk can add a bit of richness to the dough while keeping it moist.
pecan - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar crunch and slightly different but complementary flavor.
light corn syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup of applesauce per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that adds moisture.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that complements nuts well.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used in the same quantity and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
kosher salt - Substitute with table salt: Table salt can be used in the same quantity but is finer, so use slightly less if measuring by volume.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for deep frying.
prepared pancake batter - Substitute with tempura batter: Tempura batter is light and crispy, providing a different but delicious texture.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used but may not dissolve as smoothly.
Presentation Tips for Serving Deep Fried Pecan Pie
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the deep-fried pecan pie into bite-sized pieces to create an elegant and manageable portion for each guest.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and a small sprig of fresh mint to add a touch of color and freshness.
Plate with precision: Arrange the bite-sized pieces on a sleek, modern plate, ensuring each piece is evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a thin line of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache on the plate for added flavor and visual interest.
Incorporate texture: Add a small dollop of whipped cream or a quenelle of vanilla ice cream beside each piece to provide a creamy contrast to the crunchy deep-fried pecan pie.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a few whole pecans artistically around the plate to emphasize the key ingredient and add a touch of sophistication.
Use height: Stack a couple of the bite-sized pieces slightly off-center to create a sense of height and dimension on the plate.
Finish with a flourish: Add a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the entire dish to enhance the aroma and flavor profile.
Essential Equipment for Making Deep Fried Pecan Pie
Large bowl: Used for sifting the flour and salt together and mixing the dough ingredients.
Sifter: Helps to sift the flour and salt together to ensure there are no lumps.
Fork: Used to mix the egg yolks and ice water together and to combine the liquid with the flour mixture.
Plastic wrap: Used to wrap the dough disc before chilling it in the refrigerator.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Pie dish: A 9-inch dish to hold the pie crust and filling.
Parchment paper: Placed in the center of the pie crust to hold the pie weights or dried beans during par-baking.
Pie weights: Used to keep the pie crust from puffing up while baking. Dried beans can also be used as a substitute.
Whisk: Used to mix the pecan pie filling ingredients together.
Heavy-bottomed pot: Necessary for heating the vegetable oil to the correct temperature for frying.
Thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches and maintains the correct frying temperature of 350 degrees F.
Popsicle sticks: Inserted into the pie slices to make them easier to handle while frying.
Paring knife: Used to make incisions in the pie crust for inserting the popsicle sticks.
Pancake batter: Prepared batter used to coat the pie slices before frying.
Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper to hold the pie slices while they freeze.
Tongs: Used to carefully transfer the pie slices into and out of the hot oil.
Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain excess oil from the fried pie slices.
Powdered sugar: Used for dusting the fried pie slices before serving.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Deep Fried Pecan Pie
Let the deep-fried pecan pie slices cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the deep-fried pecan pie slices:
- Arrange the cooled slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the slices are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen deep-fried pecan pie slices will keep for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen slices, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed deep-fried pecan pie slices, as this can affect their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Deep Fried Pecan Pie
To reheat leftover deep fried pecan pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the fried exterior while keeping the filling warm and gooey.
For a quicker option, you can use an air fryer to reheat your deep fried pecan pie slices. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie slices in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the filling is heated through. This method is perfect for maintaining the crispy texture of the fried crust.
If you prefer a softer crust, you can reheat your deep fried pecan pie slices in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the filling to become too hot and potentially burn your mouth.
For a unique twist, try slicing your leftover deep fried pecan pie into bite-sized pieces and serving them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, crispy pie bites and the cool, creamy ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience. This method works well for both reheating and repurposing your leftover pie.
Interesting Trivia About Deep Fried Pecan Pie
A unique aspect of this deep fried pecan pie recipe is the combination of traditional pecan pie with a modern twist of deep frying. This method adds a crispy texture to the classic dessert, making it a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
Is Making Deep Fried Pecan Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this deep fried pecan pie recipe, it's clear that the ingredients like pecans, unsalted butter, and vegetable oil can be quite pricey. The pancake batter and powdered sugar are more affordable, but the overall cost can add up. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30 USD. Given the unique nature and indulgence of this dessert, the overall verdict rating is a 6 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Is Deep Fried Pecan Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?
This deep-fried pecan pie recipe is undoubtedly indulgent and unhealthy. Here's why:
- The pie crust is made with all-purpose flour and a significant amount of butter, which are high in calories and saturated fats.
- The pecan pie filling contains corn syrup, sugar, and more butter, all of which contribute to the dish's high sugar and fat content.
- Deep-frying the pie slices in vegetable oil adds even more unhealthy fats and calories to the already decadent dessert.
- The powdered sugar dusting at the end further increases the sugar content.
While this treat might be acceptable for special occasions, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie, fat, and sugar content, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease if eaten regularly.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative for the pie crust to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of butter in the crust and filling, or replace some of it with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or avocado.
- Swap the corn syrup with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and reduce the overall amount of sugar in the filling.
- Instead of deep-frying the pie slices, try baking them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. This will significantly reduce the amount of unhealthy fats.
- Omit the powdered sugar dusting or replace it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor without the extra sugar.
Editor's Opinion on the Deep Fried Pecan Pie Recipe
This deep-fried pecan pie recipe is a delightful fusion of classic Southern comfort and indulgent fairground fare. The buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty filling, while the deep-frying process adds an irresistible crunch. Freezing the pie slices ensures they hold their shape during frying, making for a visually appealing and structurally sound treat. The final dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory notes. Overall, this recipe is a creative twist on a traditional dessert, sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Why trust this Deep Fried Pecan Pie Recipe:
This deep fried pecan pie recipe combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with a delightful twist. The homemade pie crust ensures a flaky base, while the pecan filling is rich and satisfying. By freezing the pie slices before frying, you achieve a perfect texture. The pancake batter adds a light, crispy coating that contrasts beautifully with the gooey interior. Trust this recipe for its detailed steps and the use of quality ingredients like unsalted butter and kosher salt. Enjoy a unique dessert experience that’s sure to impress.
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