Blackberry Hand Pies
There’s Something Special About Blackberry Hand Pies
Blackberry hand pies are a delightful treat that brings back nostalgia with every bite. Imagine a crispy, flaky pastry that encases a luscious blackberry filling, hot and perfect for dessert or a snack. They’re not just a culinary delight; these hand pies are also an ideal way to celebrate the sweet, juicy flavors of summer, making them perfect for picnics, gatherings, or rainy afternoons at home. I’ve often whipped these up when friends are coming over, and believe me, they never last long!
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try
There are plenty of reasons to try making blackberry hand pies at home. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare, taking minimal time and effort. Whether you need a quick dessert after dinner or a sweet treat for a brunch gathering, these hand pies fit the bill perfectly. The combination of the sweet and slightly tart blackberry filling with the buttery crust is not only mouthwatering but also a crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest of eaters.
"These blackberry hand pies were the highlight of our picnic! The flaky crust and sweet filling made everyone rave—can’t wait to make them again!” – Emily R.
Preparing Blackberry Hand Pies: A Simple Overview
Making blackberry hand pies is a straightforward process that involves frying flaky pastry crust filled with sweet blackberry filling, and glazing them for an extra touch of sweetness. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll roll out your pie crust, fill it with blackberry pie filling, seal the edges, fry until golden, and then glaze. It’s a fun recipe that everyone can join in on, especially kids who love to help with the filling and crimping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delicious bites, gather the following items:
- 1 (21 oz.) can blackberry pie filling
- Refrigerated pie crust (enough for 6 rounds)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Note: If you can’t find blackberry filling, you can use any berry filling or even make your own by cooking fresh berries with a bit of sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Perfect Blackberry Hand Pies
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Prepare the Oil: Fill a heavy Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil about 4-5 inches deep. Use an oil thermometer to bring the oil to 375°F. Ensure the oil isn’t too cold (which will make the pies greasy) or too hot (which can burn them).
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Roll Out the Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a floured surface. Use a 5-6” bowl to trace and cut out 6 rounds. If needed, roll the crust a bit thinner to fit your bowl.
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Add the Filling: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of blackberry pie filling onto the center of each pastry round. Be careful not to overfill, or they might spill!
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Seal the Pies: Brush a little water on the edges of the dough to help seal. Fold the round over the filling and use your fingers to crimp the edges tightly.
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Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water to create a glaze. Cover with a damp paper towel while frying to keep it from drying out.
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Fry the Hand Pies: Carefully place one hand pie at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the crust turns a deep golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain.
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Glaze and Cool: Use a pastry brush to glaze both sides of each pie. Transfer them to a baking sheet or cooling rack to set.
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Serve Warm: Enjoy them hot for the best flavor!
Creative Serving Suggestions for Blackberry Hand Pies
Blackberry hand pies are delectable on their own, but they can be even more fun when served creatively! Try dusting them with powdered sugar for a fancy touch, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A side of fresh berries can add a nice contrast to the sweet filling, making for an attractive presentation. These hand pies also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Keeping Your Hand Pies Fresh: Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers—though that might be a stretch—these hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; simply wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.
Tips for Success in Making Blackberry Hand Pies
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Oil Temperature is Key: Always monitor the oil temperature closely. If it drops too low, the pies will absorb excess oil, and if it’s too hot, they can burn quickly.
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Prepping the Crust: Roll out the crust gently, and don’t overwork it. This helps maintain its flakiness.
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Crimping: Ensure your edges are well-crimped to avoid any leaks during frying.
Delicious Variations to Try
While blackberry is delectable, you can explore different flavors with this recipe. Substitute blackberry filling with cherry, apple, or even mixed berry pie fillings for a delightful twist. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for added warmth. For a decadent finishing touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed pies!
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare these hand pies?
The entire process takes around 45 minutes – from prep to frying and glazing!
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite pie crust recipe, feel free to use that. It may take a little longer, but the flavor will be unbeatable.
Are these hand pies suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze them before or after frying. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
What other fillings can I use?
You can get creative! Try different fruit fillings or even custard for a unique take on hand pies.
Blackberry Hand Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil about 4-5 inches deep. Heat to 375°F.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a floured surface. Cut out 6 rounds using a bowl.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of blackberry pie filling onto the center of each pastry round.
- Brush a little water on the edges of the dough, fold it over the filling, and crimp the edges tightly.
- Mix the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water in a small bowl to create a glaze.
- Carefully place one hand pie at a time into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Glaze both sides of each pie using a pastry brush and transfer them to a baking sheet to cool.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
