Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines rich cream cheese, sweet cherry filling, and a crispy golden crust, these Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies are the perfect treat. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of creamy, fruity, and flaky textures that is sure to impress family and friends.

Whether for a weekend dessert, holiday gathering, or indulgent snack, these hand pies are fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. They bring the nostalgic charm of traditional fried pies together with the decadent flavors of cheesecake and cherries.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies

• Decadent yet portable: Perfectly sized individual pies make serving and sharing easy.
• Rich and creamy: Smooth cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with sweet cherries.
• Golden, crispy crust: Fried to perfection for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Customizable sweetness: Glaze can be adjusted to taste for your preferred level of sweetness.
• Fun for home bakers: Easy to assemble with refrigerated pie crusts and a simple filling.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 6 hand pies and uses common pantry ingredients.

Cheesecake Filling

• 60 g granulated sugar
• 113 g cream cheese, softened

Cherry Filling

• 595 g canned cherry pie filling

Dough & Frying

• Refrigerated pie crusts, sufficient for 6 hand pies
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Glaze

• 60 g powdered sugar
• 5 ml corn syrup
• 15 ml water

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make these hand pies successfully, you’ll need:

• Deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cooking thermometer (for precise oil temperature)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Lightly floured surface
• 13–15 cm bowl or round cutter
• Pastry brush
• Slotted utensil for frying
• Paper towels
• Wire rack or parchment-lined tray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oil

Fill a deep pot or Dutch oven with 10–12 cm of vegetable oil. Attach a cooking thermometer and heat oil to 190°C (375°F). Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for even frying and a golden crust.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth and homogeneous.

3. Cut Pie Crusts

Unroll the refrigerated pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 13–15 cm bowl as a guide, cut out six circles. Gently roll out the dough if you need extra rounds.

4. Assemble the Hand Pies

• On each dough circle, spread 1 heaping tablespoon (about 20 g) of cream cheese filling.
• Top with 30 g of cherry pie filling.
• Lightly brush water along the edges of each circle.
• Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch/crimp the edges to seal.

5. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water until smooth. Set aside for brushing after frying.

6. Fry the Hand Pies

Carefully lower one assembled pie into preheated oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning for even browning, until golden. Remove with a slotted utensil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Glaze the Pies

While still warm, brush each hand pie with the glaze using a pastry brush. Place them on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray to set.

8. Serve

Hand pies are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy crust, creamy filling, and sweet glaze.

Tips & Variations

Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

• Monitor oil temperature: 190°C is ideal for golden, non-greasy crusts.
• Seal edges tightly: Prevents filling from leaking during frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the oil: Fry one at a time for even cooking.
• Adjust glaze sweetness: Taste and add more or less powdered sugar to your liking.

Variations

• Other fruit fillings: Blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling works beautifully.
• Baked version: Brush pies with egg wash and bake at 200°C for 18–20 minutes for a lighter option.
• Chocolate drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the glaze for extra indulgence.
• Mini pies: Use smaller dough circles for bite-sized treats, ideal for parties or kid-friendly desserts.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture: Crispy exterior with creamy cheesecake filling and juicy cherry center.
• Flavor: Sweet and tangy cherries balanced with rich cream cheese and golden fried dough.
• Best enjoyed with: A simple cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or tea.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1 hand pie, approximate):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 18 g (Saturated 6 g, Unsaturated 9 g)
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Sodium: 180 mg

Dietary notes: Vegetarian, contains dairy, contains gluten, fried.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Pre-assemble: Hand pies can be assembled and kept refrigerated for a few hours before frying.
• Storage: Best eaten immediately. If necessary, store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a 180°C oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness; microwave may make crust soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush with egg wash and bake at 200°C for 18–20 minutes until golden.

2. Can I use frozen cherry pie filling?
Yes, just thaw before use and drain excess syrup if needed.

3. Can I make these in advance?
You can assemble ahead of time and refrigerate. Fry just before serving for optimal texture.

4. Can I substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, use a plant-based cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version, though frying texture may slightly differ.

5. How do I prevent filling from leaking?
Seal the edges tightly and use a light water wash before folding and crimping.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	10 minutes
Assemble pies	10 minutes
Fry pies	2–3 minutes per pie
Glaze pies	5 minutes
Total time	40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
• Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate over the glaze.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Recipe Variations

1. Blueberry Cheesecake Hand Pies: Substitute cherry filling with blueberry pie filling.
2. Mini Hand Pies: Use smaller dough rounds for bite-sized treats.
3. Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies: Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
4. Baked Option: Brush with egg wash and bake instead of frying for a lighter version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese

• Selection: Softened but not melted; helps create smooth, creamy filling.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated until use.
• Tip: Beat until completely smooth to prevent lumps in the filling.

Cherries

• Selection: Use canned pie filling for convenience; fresh or frozen cherries can be used if cooked with sugar and cornstarch.
• Flavor impact: Sweet-tart flavor balances the rich cream cheese filling.

Pro Baking Tips

• Consistent oil temperature: Prevents greasy or undercooked pies.
• Proper sealing: Crimp edges thoroughly to avoid leaking filling.
• Small batches: Fry one at a time for even golden crust.
• Glaze while warm: Ensures the glaze sticks and creates a shiny finish.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Best eaten immediately; store assembled pies in the fridge for up to a few hours before frying.
• Freezing: Not recommended for fried pies, as the texture may degrade.
• Reheating: Oven is best to restore crispiness.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	36 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Unsaturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	180 mg

Dietary notes: Vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy, gluten-containing, fried.

Expanded Conclusion

These Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies are a dessert lover’s dream—crispy, golden, sweet, and creamy all at once. With rich cream cheese filling, tangy cherry topping, and a perfectly fried crust, they make a perfect indulgence for special occasions, weekend baking, or holiday treats.

Their individual size makes them fun to serve and share, while the simple, pantry-friendly ingredients mean they can be made with minimal preparation. By following the steps carefully and keeping an eye on oil temperature, you’ll achieve hand pies that are crispy on the outside and luscious on the inside.

This recipe is perfect for experimenting—try different fillings, glazes, or toppings to make them your own. Once you taste one of these fried delights, it’s easy to see why they’re a show-stopping dessert that friends and family will ask for again and again.

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