Popeyes Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie Copycat Recipe
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| Break into that crisp, golden crust and you get warm cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry jam, and the kind of bakery-style crunch that disappears fast. |
If you have ever taken a bite of a warm, crispy strawberry cheesecake fried pie and wished you could make one at home, you are in the right place. This easy Popeyes Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie copycat recipe brings together a flaky golden crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry flavor in one hand-held dessert.
It is rich, fruity, crunchy, and just plain fun to eat. The best part? You do not need a restaurant kitchen to pull it off.
This recipe is made for home cooks in the USA who want a simple, reliable dessert that feels a little special. I will walk you through every step so even if frying sounds a little intimidating, you can still make these with confidence.
Why People Love Popeyes Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie
Popeyes is best known for bold comfort food, crispy fried chicken, and those extra tempting limited-time desserts that seem to disappear just when people fall in love with them. Their fried pies have built a loyal fan base because they combine a crackly, golden shell with a soft, sweet filling that tastes like pure comfort.
The Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie stands out because it mixes two dessert favorites in one bite. You get the tangy richness of cheesecake and the bright sweetness of strawberry tucked inside a fried pastry crust. It is the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic, like a warm fruit pie from a county fair and a slice of cheesecake had a very tasty little meeting.
To be clear, this is a copycat recipe inspired by Popeyes. It is not the restaurant’s official recipe, and we are not claiming any affiliation with Popeyes. We are simply recreating the idea at home with easy ingredients and methods.
What This Copycat Fried Pie Tastes Like
Picture this: the outside is golden brown, crisp, and flaky. Then you bite in and hit a creamy cheesecake center swirled with sweet strawberry filling. The texture contrast is what makes this dessert so good. The shell has that light crunch, while the inside stays smooth and soft.
It is like eating a cheesecake turnover, only warmer, crispier, and a little more indulgent.
If you love fried pie recipes, copycat dessert recipes, or easy cheesecake desserts, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe makes 8 fried pies.
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (14.1 ounces, usually 2 crusts)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or strawberry pie filling, chopped if pieces are large
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, helps thicken loose jam)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional topping:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon strawberry jam for a quick drizzle
Prep Time, Cook Time, Yield, and Nutrition
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: About 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pies
- Serving size: 1 pie
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
These numbers are approximate and can change based on the brand of crust, jam, and how much oil the pies absorb.
Kitchen Tools That Help
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Deep skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy pot
- Thermometer for oil
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towel-lined plate or wire rack
If you have ever tried frying without a thermometer, you know it can feel like guessing the weather by looking out the window. A thermometer really helps here.
How to Make Popeyes Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie at Home
Step 1: Make the cheesecake filling.
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. You can use a fork if the cream cheese is very soft, or a hand mixer for an extra creamy texture.
The filling should be thick and spreadable, not runny. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the strawberry filling.
If your strawberry jam is thin, stir in the cornstarch. If you are using strawberry pie filling with large fruit pieces, chop them up a bit so the pies seal more easily.
You want the strawberry filling to be thick enough to stay in place. If it is too loose, it may leak during frying.
Step 3: Roll and cut the pie crust.
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll them a little thinner to stretch the dough. Cut each crust into 4 rectangles or 4 large circles, depending on the shape you want. Rectangles are easier for beginners and feel a lot like classic hand pies.
You should end up with 8 pieces of dough.
Step 4: Fill the pies.
On one half of each dough piece, spread about 1 tablespoon cheesecake filling. Leave a small border around the edges. Add about 2 teaspoons strawberry jam on top of or next to the cheesecake filling.
Do not overfill. This is one of those moments where less is more. Too much filling makes sealing harder and causes leaks in the hot oil.
Step 5: Seal the pies.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of each dough piece lightly with the egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling if using circles, or place another dough piece on top if using cut rectangles from scraps.
Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then crimp with a fork. This helps trap the filling inside and gives that classic hand pie look.
If you want to be extra careful, chill the assembled pies in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before frying. This can help them hold their shape.
Step 6: Heat the oil safely.
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot. Heat the oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer and keep an eye on the temperature as you cook.
Food safety tip: Hot oil can splatter, so lower the pies in gently and never overcrowd the pan. Keep children and pets away from the stove while frying.
Step 7: Fry the pies.
Carefully place 2 to 3 pies into the hot oil, depending on the size of your pan. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
Turn them gently with tongs or a slotted spoon. Once cooked, transfer the pies to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before eating. The filling gets very hot, almost like fruit lava, so do not skip this resting time.
Step 8: Add the glaze if you like.
For a simple topping, stir together powdered sugar, a little milk, and a spoonful of strawberry jam until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm pies.
This step is optional, but it makes them look bakery-style and adds a little extra sweetness.
Tips for the Best Fried Pies
- Use softened cream cheese so the filling stays smooth.
- Keep the filling thick to avoid leaks.
- Do not overfill or the pies may burst open.
- Seal the edges well with egg wash and a fork.
- Maintain 350°F oil for even frying. If the oil is too cool, the pies get greasy. If it is too hot, they brown too fast.
- Cool before biting because the inside stays very hot.
Easy Air Fryer and Baked Options
If deep frying is not your thing, you still have options.
Air fryer method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Brush both sides of the pies lightly with oil or cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Baked method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden.
Will they taste exactly like a fried pie? No. But they will still be flaky, creamy, and delicious. Think of it as the weeknight shortcut version.
Allergy-Friendly and Preference-Based Swaps
One thing I love about homemade copycat recipes is how easy they are to adjust. Restaurant desserts are usually one-size-fits-all. Your kitchen does not have to be.
Gluten-free:
- Use a gluten-free pie crust or gluten-free puff pastry if available.
- Check your jam and powdered sugar labels to make sure they are gluten-free.
- Be gentle when sealing since gluten-free dough can crack more easily.
Dairy-free:
- Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Use a dairy-free milk for the glaze if making it.
- Double-check your pie crust since some brands contain butter or milk.
Vegan:
- Use a vegan pie crust.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese.
- Replace the egg wash with plant milk or a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for sealing and browning.
- Fry in vegetable oil and check that the sugar used is vegan if that matters to you.
Lower-sugar option:
- Use a reduced-sugar strawberry jam.
- Cut the powdered sugar in the cheesecake filling by a tablespoon or two.
- Skip the glaze on top.
Fruit swaps:
- Try raspberry, cherry, blueberry, or peach filling.
- A mixed berry version is especially good if you like a little tartness.
Nut allergy note:
- This recipe does not call for nuts, but always read package labels on crusts, jams, and dairy-free products for cross-contact warnings if allergies are a concern.
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Air fryer: 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes
- Oven: 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes
- Microwave: 15 to 20 seconds, though the crust will soften
The air fryer is the best choice if you want to bring back some of that crispy texture.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the pies and refrigerate them for several hours before frying. You can also freeze them before cooking. Fry from chilled or thaw frozen pies in the fridge first for more even results.
Can I use crescent dough?
You can, but the texture will be softer and more bread-like than pie-like. Refrigerated pie crust gives a closer copycat fried pie feel.
Why did my pies leak?
Usually it is from overfilling, thin jam, or edges that were not sealed tightly. A little leak is not the end of the world. They will still taste great.
Do I need to cook the filling first?
No. Since the filling ingredients are ready to eat, you only need to heat the pies until the crust is cooked and crisp.
Why This Recipe Works for Home Cooks
This recipe keeps things simple. It uses easy-to-find ingredients, skips complicated pastry steps, and gives you options for frying, baking, or air frying. That means you can make a copycat Popeyes Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie without turning your kitchen upside down.
And honestly, that is what the best copycat recipes do. They give you the fun and flavor of the original, but in a way that fits real life.
Share Your Fried Pie Results
If you make this strawberry cheesecake fried pie recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or did you try a fun fruit swap? Did you fry them, bake them, or use the air fryer?
Leave a comment and share your tips. And if this recipe made your dessert table a little happier, send it to a friend or save it for later.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by Popeyes Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie. It is not an official recipe, and no knowledge of the actual restaurant recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Popeyes.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
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