KFC Cherry Pie Poppers: Copycat Recipe & Delightful Dessert Ideas

Craving that sweet, warm, and utterly satisfying taste of KFC’s Cherry Pie Poppers? These bite-sized delights are a nostalgic favorite for many, and while they might come and go from the KFC menu, you can always enjoy them at home! This article will guide you through a detailed copycat recipe for KFC Cherry Pie Poppers, along with some creative variations and serving suggestions to elevate your dessert game.

## What are KFC Cherry Pie Poppers?

KFC Cherry Pie Poppers are miniature, hand-held pies filled with a sweet and tart cherry filling, deep-fried to golden perfection, and often dusted with powdered sugar. They offer a burst of flavor and a satisfyingly crispy exterior, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Their small size makes them ideal for sharing (or not!), and they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Why Make Copycat Cherry Pie Poppers?

* **Availability:** As mentioned, KFC’s menu offerings can be fleeting. Making them at home guarantees you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
* **Customization:** A homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it healthier (slightly!) or adjusting the sweetness to your liking. You can even experiment with different fillings and toppings.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making a batch at home is often significantly cheaper than buying individual servings from KFC.
* **Fun Activity:** Cooking and baking can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, especially with friends and family.
* **Impress Your Guests:** Homemade treats always impress, and these Cherry Pie Poppers are no exception.

## The Ultimate KFC Cherry Pie Poppers Copycat Recipe

This recipe aims to replicate the classic KFC Cherry Pie Poppers flavor and texture as closely as possible. It involves making both the pie crust and the cherry filling from scratch, but you can also use store-bought ingredients for convenience.

**Yields:** Approximately 24-36 poppers
**Prep Time:** 45 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10-15 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Pie Crust:**

* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* ½ cup ice water
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter crust)

**For the Cherry Filling:**

* 2 (14.5 ounce) cans pitted tart cherries in water or light syrup, drained (reserve ½ cup of the liquid)
* ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the cherries)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
* Pinch of salt

**For Frying:**

* Vegetable oil or canola oil, for deep frying

**For Dusting (Optional):**

* Powdered sugar

### Equipment:

* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor (optional)
* Rolling pin
* 2-3 inch round cookie cutter
* Deep fryer or large pot
* Slotted spoon or spider strainer
* Paper towels

### Instructions:

**Part 1: Making the Pie Crust**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse it in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process. The key is to keep the butter cold and in small pieces.
3. **Add the Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over-mix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and make the crust tough.
4. **Form the Dough:** Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.

**Part 2: Preparing the Cherry Filling**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the drained cherries, sugar, cornstarch, reserved cherry liquid, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and salt.
2. **Cook the Filling:** Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The filling should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. **Cool the Filling:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cherry filling cool completely. This is important to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

**Part 3: Assembling and Frying the Poppers**

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie crust to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
2. **Fill the Poppers:** Place a spoonful (about 1-2 teaspoons) of the cooled cherry filling in the center of each circle.
3. **Seal the Poppers:** Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the filling inside. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
4. **Prepare for Frying:** Heat vegetable oil or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the poppers.
5. **Fry the Poppers:** Carefully place the poppers into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. **Drain and Cool:** Remove the fried poppers with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. **Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):** While the poppers are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar, if desired.

**Part 4: Serving and Enjoying**

1. **Serve Warm:** The Cherry Pie Poppers are best served warm. The filling will be gooey and the crust will be perfectly crispy.
2. **Enjoy Immediately:** Enjoy your homemade KFC Cherry Pie Poppers immediately! They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

### Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Poppers

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Cold butter and ice water are crucial for a flaky pie crust. Ensure your ingredients are as cold as possible before starting.
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Over-mixing the dough will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.
* **Cool the Filling:** Cooling the filling prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling the poppers.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** Properly sealing the edges of the poppers prevents the filling from leaking out during frying. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is important for even frying. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer:** Overcrowding the fryer will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy poppers. Fry the poppers in batches, making sure there is enough space between them.
* **Drain Excess Oil:** Drain the fried poppers on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
* **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Dusting the poppers with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look even more appealing.

### Variations and Creative Ideas

* **Different Fillings:** Experiment with different fruit fillings, such as apple, blueberry, or peach. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warmer flavor.
* **Chocolate Pie Poppers:** Add a layer of chocolate ganache or a few chocolate chips to the cherry filling for a decadent twist.
* **Savory Pie Poppers:** Use a savory filling, such as cheese and ham, or spinach and ricotta, for a savory appetizer.
* **Air Fryer Version:** For a healthier alternative, try air frying the poppers. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the poppers for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
* **Gluten-Free Pie Poppers:** Use gluten-free flour to make the pie crust for a gluten-free option.
* **Vegan Pie Poppers:** Use vegan butter and plant-based milk to make the pie crust for a vegan option. You can also use a vegan cherry pie filling.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the Cherry Pie Poppers with dipping sauces such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce.
* **Pie Popper Skewers:** Thread several Cherry Pie Poppers onto a skewer for a fun and festive presentation.
* **Pie Popper Sundae:** Create a Cherry Pie Popper sundae by layering the poppers with ice cream, whipped cream, and your favorite toppings.

## Store-Bought Shortcuts

While making everything from scratch is rewarding, sometimes you need a shortcut. Here are some store-bought alternatives to make the process faster:

* **Pie Crust:** Store-bought refrigerated pie crust can save a lot of time and effort. Just make sure to use a good quality brand for the best results.
* **Cherry Pie Filling:** Store-bought cherry pie filling is another convenient option. Look for a brand with a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

## Serving Suggestions

KFC Cherry Pie Poppers are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways:

* **As a snack:** They are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving any time of day.
* **As a dessert:** Serve them as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a meal.
* **At parties:** They are a great addition to any party or gathering.
* **With ice cream:** Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
* **With coffee or tea:** They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per popper):

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 15-20mg
* Sodium: 50-75mg
* Carbohydrates: 18-25g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.*

## Conclusion

With this detailed copycat recipe, you can now enjoy the irresistible taste of KFC Cherry Pie Poppers whenever you want. Whether you make them from scratch or use store-bought shortcuts, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your fryer, and get ready to indulge in a sweet and satisfying treat!

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Pie Poppers!