Copycat Popeyes Blackberry Cheesecake Fried Pie (Easy Homemade Recipe)
If you’ve ever bitten into a warm Popeyes blackberry cheesecake fried pie, you know exactly why people can’t stop talking about them. That buttery, crispy crust… the sweet-tart blackberry filling… the creamy cheesecake center… it’s like a handheld slice of dessert heaven. Today I’m sharing my copycat Popeyes Blackberry Cheesecake Fried Pie recipe so you can enjoy that same flavor at home. No drive-thru required, just a few basic ingredients and about an hour in your own kitchen.A Little Background: Popeyes & Their Iconic Fried Pies
Popeyes is known across the USA for bold, Southern-style flavors, crunchy fried chicken, and those buttery biscuits. But their seasonal and limited-time desserts often steal the show, especially their fried pies. Their blackberry cheesecake fried pies are:- Crispy on the outside – a flaky, golden-brown crust that shatters with each bite
- Warm and gooey inside – a sweet blackberry filling that’s slightly tart
- Creamy – with a soft cheesecake layer that makes every bite rich and indulgent
Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Cheesecake Fried Pie
- Easy ingredients – mostly pantry and fridge staples
- Simple technique – no fancy tools needed
- Make-ahead friendly – freeze before frying for quick desserts later
- Customizable – swap in other berries or use different crusts
Copycat Popeyes Blackberry Cheesecake Fried Pie Recipe
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| Copycat Popeyes Blackberry Cheesecake Fried Pie — golden, crispy, fruity, and creamy, just like the drive-thru favorite |
Ingredients
For the cheesecake filling:- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half of an 8 oz block)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp sour cream (or heavy cream)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/4–1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
- Pinch of salt
- Option 1 – Easy: 2 boxes refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 crusts per box)
- Option 2 – Extra flaky: 1 package refrigerated puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 Tbsp water (egg wash)
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying (about 6–8 cups, depending on pot size)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1–1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
1. In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, sour cream, and a pinch of salt.2. Beat with a hand mixer (or whisk well) until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
3. Cover and chill in the fridge while you make the blackberry filling. This helps it firm up a bit so it’s easier to scoop.
Step 2: Make the Blackberry Filling
1. In a small saucepan, add blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to break down and release their juices (about 5–7 minutes).
3. In a small cup, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
4. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the bubbling berries while stirring constantly.
5. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens and looks glossy. It should be thick like warm jam, not runny.
6. Remove from heat. Let it cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes. Cool filling helps prevent leaks.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
If using refrigerated pie crust:- Unroll the crusts on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a rolling pin to gently roll them just a bit thinner, if needed.
- Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Gently roll out to even thickness, being careful not to flatten too much.
- For rectangles: cut into about 3 x 5 inch pieces.
- For circles: use a large biscuit cutter or a wide glass/mug to cut rounds, about 4–5 inches across.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pies
1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water to make your egg wash.2. Working with a few pieces of dough at a time, place them on a clean surface.
3. Add about:
- 1 heaping teaspoon of cheesecake filling
- 1 heaping teaspoon of blackberry filling
4. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash.
5. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon or a rectangle pocket, pressing the edges together firmly.
6. Use a fork to crimp the edges all the way around for a tight seal.
7. Place filled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Chill in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes while you heat the oil. Cold pies fry better and hold their shape.
How to Fry Blackberry Cheesecake Pies Safely
Step 5: Heat the Oil
1. Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, filling it about 2–3 inches deep.2. Clip on a deep-fry thermometer if you have one.
3. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Too hot (over 370°F) and the pies can burn before the insides heat through.
- Too cool (under 325°F) and they’ll absorb more oil and turn greasy.
Step 6: Fry the Pies
1. Carefully lower 2–3 pies into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Don’t overcrowd the pot.2. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
3. Turn them gently halfway through with tongs or the slotted spoon.
4. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F in the center for food safety.
5. Remove the pies and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Let the oil return to 350°F before frying the next batch.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar (Optional but Delicious)
1. In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste.2. While the pies are still warm (but cool enough to handle), roll or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Serve warm, when the crust is crisp and the filling is soft and gooey.
Approximate Nutrition per Fried Pie
These numbers are estimates and will vary based on your ingredients, crust type, and exact size of each pie. Per 1 pie (out of 12):- Calories: ~260–320
- Carbohydrates: ~32–38 g
- Protein: ~3–4 g
- Fat: ~14–18 g
- Saturated fat: ~5–7 g
- Sugar: ~15–20 g
- Fiber: ~2–3 g
- Sodium: ~200–260 mg
Even Easier Version: Air Fryer Blackberry Cheesecake Pies
Don’t feel like dealing with a pot of hot oil? An air fryer version is a great time-saving and lower-oil option.To air fry instead of deep-fry:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
2. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray.
3. Arrange chilled, filled pies in a single layer, leaving a little space between each.
4. Brush tops lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray so they crisp and brown.
5. Air fry for about 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
6. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
7. Toss or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
The texture will be slightly different from deep-fried, but still crisp, flaky, and very satisfying.
Simple Ingredient Swaps for Home Kitchens
If you want to simplify things even more, here are some shortcuts:- Use canned pie filling: Swap the homemade blackberry filling for canned blackberry or mixed berry pie filling. Stir in a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Use biscuit dough: Canned biscuit dough (like the ones in the refrigerated tube) can be flattened and filled for a more “fair food” style pie.
- Skip the swirl: If you’re in a rush, make single fillings — all blackberry one day, all cheesecake another — instead of combining both in each pie.
- Make a casserole version: Layer pieces of dough, cheesecake mixture, and blackberry filling in a greased 9x9 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F until golden and bubbly.
Allergy-Friendly and Special Diet Swaps
Always double-check labels for your specific allergies, but here are some general ideas.Gluten-Free Option
- Use a gluten-free pie crust or gluten-free puff pastry (found in some grocery stores or specialty markets).
- Make sure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
Dairy-Free Option
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream.
- Use an oil-based pie crust or a store-bought dairy-free crust.
Vegan Option
- Follow the dairy-free swaps above.
- Use a vegan pie crust or puff pastry (many brands are naturally vegan, but check labels).
- Replace the egg wash with a mix of non-dairy milk and a little oil or maple syrup to help with browning.
Lower Sugar Option
- Use less sugar in the blackberry filling and rely more on the natural sweetness of the berries.
- Skip the cinnamon-sugar coating or use a lower-sugar substitute.
How to Serve and Store Blackberry Cheesecake Fried Pies
Serving ideas:- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with a little melted white chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 325°F for 5–8 minutes to crisp them back up. The microwave will warm them but make the crust softer.
- Place filled, uncooked pies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Fry or air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes, and always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let’s Talk: Did You Try This Copycat Recipe?
Have you had the blackberry cheesecake fried pie from Popeyes before? How does this copycat blackberry cheesecake fried pie compare for you? I’d love to hear:- What kind of crust you used (pie crust vs puff pastry)
- Whether you deep-fried or air fried
- Any fun twists you added (different berries, extra spices, chocolate drizzle, etc.)
Important Disclaimers
- This is a homemade copycat recipe created for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not the official Popeyes recipe, and we do not claim any association with or endorsement from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.
- The flavors and textures are inspired by restaurant versions, but no insider knowledge or proprietary recipes were used.
- Food safety: Always cook foods to safe internal temperatures (at least 165°F for these pies) and handle hot oil with care.
- Affiliate disclosure: Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon affiliate. That means we may earn a small commission if you purchase products through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools and ingredients we genuinely use or believe will help you in the kitchen.
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