Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies
Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies: A Delightful Treat
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a freshly fried cherry cheesecake hand pie. With a crispy crust that cradles a rich cream cheese filling combined with sweet cherry pie filling, these delightful desserts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving something sweet on a weeknight, these hand pies are sure to impress with their nostalgic flavors and comforting texture.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cherry cheesecake hand pies are a unique treat that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of cheesecake with the juicy burst of cherry filling, all encased in a flaky crust. They’re quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients, and definitely kid-approved, making them an excellent choice for family cooking or neighborhood gatherings. Plus, these hand pies are versatile enough for virtually any occasion, from brunch to holiday celebrations or as a fun dessert for a game night.
“These cherry cheesecake hand pies disappeared within minutes at my last get-together! Everyone raved about how delicious and fun they were!”
Preparing Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies
Getting started with these delicious hand pies is straightforward and fun! You’ll gather your ingredients, prepare the filling and dough, and then fry to golden perfection. It’s a manageable process that yields impressive results!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering hand pies, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- Refrigerated pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Feel free to substitute low-fat cream cheese or sugar alternatives if you’re looking for healthier options without compromising too much on flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Oil: Fill a heavy Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with 4-5 inches of vegetable oil. Monitor the temperature using an oil or candy thermometer and heat it to 375°F. Remember, if the oil is too cold, the pies absorb excess oil; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn.
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Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and softened cream cheese. Blend together with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll out your refrigerated pie crust. Trace a 5-6 inch round shape using a bowl and cut out six rounds. If your bowl is too large for the dough, roll it out a bit more until it fits three times.
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Fill the Hand Pies: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and about 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto one side of each dough round.
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Seal the Edges: Lightly brush water on the edges of the crust to help seal it. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to secure them.
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Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water until smooth; set aside.
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Fry the Pies: Deep fry each hand pie one at a time for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oil and let drain on paper towels.
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Glaze the Pies: Once slightly cooled, brush the glaze over both sides of each hand pie and place them on a baking sheet or cooling rack.
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Serve Immediately: These hand pies are best enjoyed right away while they’re warm and crispy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving your cherry cheesecake hand pies can be as simple or festive as you want! They’re delightful on their own, but consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for added indulgence. You could also dust them with extra powdered sugar for presentation or serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a flavor twist.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store these delicious hand pies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container to avoid moisture build-up. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, they can also be frozen once fully cooled. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Quick Cooling Method: If you want to enjoy the pies sooner, place them on a cooling rack in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after frying.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance to save time. Just keep it stored in the fridge until you’re ready to fill the dough.
- Don’t Rush the Frying: Always maintain the oil temperature. Use a thermometer for precision.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations you might consider:
- Berry Mash-Up: Substitute the cherry filling with mixed berries for a fruity blend.
- Chocolate Surprise: Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a rich twist.
- Savory Option: Experiment with savory fillings using ingredients like ham and cheese for a different take.
FAQs
How long does it take to make these hand pies?
The entire process takes about an hour from prep to frying, making it a quick treat to whip up when you’re in the mood for dessert.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cherry pie filling with your favorite fruit filling, such as blueberry or apple, for a delicious variation.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help restore the crust’s crispiness.
Dive into these cherry cheesecake hand pies and enjoy every crispy, creamy bite! You might just find yourself making them a regular feature in your dessert rotation.
Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the oil by filling a heavy Dutch oven or pot with vegetable oil and heat it to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and softened cream cheese and blend until smooth.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crust. Cut out six 5-6 inch rounds.
- On one side of each dough round, spoon a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and about 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling.
- Brush water on the edges of the crust, fold over the filling, and crimp edges to seal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water until smooth for the glaze.
- Deep fry each hand pie one at a time for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and let drain on paper towels.
- Once cooled slightly, brush the glaze over both sides and place on a baking sheet or cooling rack.
- Serve warm; they are best enjoyed while crispy.
