Chocolate fried pies are irresistibly tasty! Homemade from scratch, these delightful treats combine a flaky, crispy crust with a rich, decadent chocolate center.
To begin, the rich chocolate filling is simply made by combining sugar, butter and cocoa powder. Next, the flaky crust is prepared using shortening, milk, salt and flour.
After the dough is rolled out, circles are cut and filled with the chocolate filling. Then they truly come alive during the frying process. This causes the outside to turn a beautiful golden brown while sealing in the melt-in-your-mouth center.
For an even easier method, one could fill each pie with a mini chocolate bar instead of making the filling from scratch. Both options promise intensely chocolatey goodness.
Furthermore, people describe the taste as simply irresistible. With their flaky crust and fudgy interior, some even claim chocolate fried pies surpass chocolate pop tarts. That’s really saying something!
Chocolate Fried Pies Ingredients
For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Shortening
- Milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Filling:
- Sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Unsalted butter or margarine, melted
How To Make Chocolate Fried Pies
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, and shortening.Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, mixing until the dough comes together. If needed, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions, rolling each into a ball.
Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix until a thick, gritty chocolate paste forms.
Assemble the Pies: Flatten each dough ball into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold it over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra-tight seal.
Fry the Pies: Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium. Fry the pies in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until golden brown on one side (about 2–3 minutes), then flip and fry the other side. Transfer the fried pies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:Let the pies cool slightly. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, and enjoy warm.
Pro Tips
Seal Carefully: Properly sealing the edges prevents the filling from leaking out during frying.
Test the Oil: Use a small piece of dough to test the oil temperature. If it sizzles gently, the oil is ready.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open while frying. Stick to 2 tablespoons.
Keep Dough Covered: Cover unused dough balls with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
Variations
Peanut Butter Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the filling for a nutty twist.
Fruit-Filled Pies: Replace the chocolate filling with your favorite fruit jam or pie filling.
Spiced Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the filling for a warm or spicy kick.
Ingredient Substitutes
Shortening: Swap for unsalted butter or coconut oil.
Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or buttermilk for a dairy-free or tangy option.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer taste.
Ingredient Notes
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can use pastry flour for an even flakier crust.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the filling its bold chocolate flavor, so choose a high-quality brand.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil is ideal, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store leftover pies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer: Wrap unfried assembled pies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frying.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these pies instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the pies with egg wash before baking for a shiny finish.
2. Can I use premade pie crust?
Absolutely! Premade pie crust can save time, but homemade dough provides a more authentic flavor and texture.
3. Why is my filling leaking during frying?
Leaking occurs if the edges are not sealed tightly or if the dough is too thin. Be sure to crimp the edges well and roll the dough to an even thickness.
4. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, a deep fryer works great. Heat the oil to 350°F and fry the pies until golden brown.
5. What else can I sprinkle on top?
In addition to powdered sugar, you can drizzle the pies with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
More Recipes
- Turnip Green Soup
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Bread
- Caramel Apple Cookies
- No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Chocolate Fried Pies
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup milk more if needed
- vegetable oil for frying
Filling
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine melted 1 stick
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt. Use a fork to cut the shortening into the mixture. Pour in the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
- Portion the dough into ten evenly sized balls.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugar until they blend into a thick paste.
- Fill a large skillet with about 1/4 inch of oil and heat it over medium-high heat as you prepare the pies.
- On a floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a 6-inch circle. Spoon 2 tablespoons of chocolate filling into the center of each. Moisten the edges of the dough with water using your fingertips. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Once the oil has been heating for about five minutes, lower the temperature to medium. Gently place a few pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until the pies are golden brown on one side, then flip them over and cook until the other side is equally golden.
- Transfer the cooked pies to a plate lined with paper towels and continue frying the remaining pies. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and if you like, sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.