Apple Pie Egg Rolls: A Creative Twist on a Classic Dessert

Apple pie is a quintessential American dessert—warm, comforting, and brimming with nostalgia. It evokes cozy family gatherings, holiday feasts, and peaceful moments spent by the fireplace. But what if you could enjoy all the familiar flavors of apple pie in a more modern, fun, and handheld form? Enter Apple Pie Egg Rolls, a clever twist on the beloved classic. These crispy, golden bundles of joy are filled with sweet, spiced apples, smooth cream cheese, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon-sugar for a mouthwatering treat.

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Baked to perfection and served with a luscious caramel dipping sauce, Apple Pie Egg Rolls offer the best of both worlds: the warm, spiced goodness of apple pie with the crispy crunch of an egg roll. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dessert, a party snack, or just a fun weekend baking project, these egg rolls will quickly become a crowd favorite.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, preparation process, variations, and serving suggestions for Apple Pie Egg Rolls. Get ready to explore how this delectable dessert comes together and how you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a moment to understand why Apple Pie Egg Rolls are such a fantastic dessert option. This dish has all the flavors of traditional apple pie but with a modern twist. It’s an innovative fusion that is as much fun to eat as it is to prepare.

1. Convenient and Easy to Make
   Unlike the traditional apple pie, which requires a lot of time and effort to assemble and bake, Apple Pie Egg Rolls are simpler and quicker. The prep time is minimal, and baking only takes around 15-17 minutes. Plus, because they’re baked instead of fried, they’re a lighter option that still delivers a crispy, satisfying crunch.
2. Portable and Mess-Free
   Apple Pie Egg Rolls are perfect for those who want the taste of apple pie but in a more convenient, portable form. They’re easy to hold and enjoy on the go, whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them in a lunchbox, or taking them to a picnic. The lack of a messy pie crust makes them much easier to serve and eat than a traditional pie.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
   One of the best things about Apple Pie Egg Rolls is their versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients, tweak the recipe, or add different flavors and textures to suit your preferences. Whether you want to try a different fruit filling, spice things up with additional flavorings, or play around with dipping sauces, the possibilities are endless.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
   Apple Pie Egg Rolls are a great dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday meal, a casual family dinner, a potluck, or just a weekend treat. The golden, crispy exterior and warm apple filling make them a universally loved treat that appeals to kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re so visually appealing that they’re bound to be the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Apple Filling

To make the heart of this dessert—the spiced apple filling—you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 5 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced): Granny Smith apples are ideal because they have the perfect balance of tartness and firmness. They hold up well during cooking, providing that characteristic crisp bite in every bite. You could try using other tart apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn, for a slightly different flavor profile, but Granny Smith is the gold standard for apple pie-style desserts.
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar gives the filling a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the apples’ natural sweetness. Light brown sugar is preferable because it adds a subtle caramel flavor without overpowering the apples.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the quintessential spice for any apple-based dessert. Its warm, earthy notes enhance the apples’ flavor, making it taste like fall in every bite.
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch: This ingredient is crucial for thickening the apple filling. As the apples cook, the cornstarch helps absorb the juices, giving the filling a glossy, pie-like consistency that stays intact inside the wrapper.

For the Egg Roll Wrappers

The base for these egg rolls is made from egg roll wrappers. You’ll need about 22-24 wrappers. These can usually be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, often near the tofu and other Asian food items. Egg roll wrappers are the perfect choice because they’re light, crisp up beautifully when baked, and have a neutral flavor that lets the apple filling shine.

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature: Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that takes these egg rolls from good to great. It adds a rich, velvety texture that balances the sweetness of the apples while contributing a creamy layer to every bite. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before use to ensure it spreads easily.
• Cooking oil or cooking spray: To help the egg rolls bake up golden and crispy, a light coating of oil or cooking spray is essential. You can use any cooking oil you like—vegetable oil, olive oil, or even coconut oil. If you prefer, you can spray each egg roll with a generous coat of cooking spray to achieve the same crispy result.

For the Topping

Once your egg rolls are baked and crispy, you’ll coat them in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture to finish them off. Here’s what you need:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the cinnamon.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: To enhance the apple-pie flavors and create a fragrant, spiced topping.
• ½ cup caramel topping, warmed (for dipping): Caramel sauce adds a luxurious, sweet touch that perfectly complements the cinnamon and apples. It’s the ideal dipping sauce, but you can also drizzle it on top for added indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that the egg rolls don’t stick to the pan and make cleanup easier.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated and the sugar starts to dissolve. You’ll notice that the mixture will begin to become syrupy as the sugar and cornstarch combine with the natural juices of the apples. Set the mixture aside for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Assemble the Egg Rolls

On a clean, flat surface, lay out the egg roll wrappers. Working one at a time, spread 2 teaspoons of softened cream cheese in the center of each wrapper. Then, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the cream cheese.

Rolling the Egg Rolls

1. Wet the edges of the wrapper: Using a small bowl of water, wet the edges of the wrapper to help seal it.
2. Fold the bottom corner up: Bring the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the apple filling, folding it just past the center.
3. Fold in the sides: Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper inward, like you’re folding an envelope. Press gently to seal.
4. Roll the wrapper tightly: Continue rolling from the bottom up until the filling is completely enclosed. Press the edges firmly to seal. If necessary, wet the edges again to ensure they stay sealed during baking. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers.

4. Bake the Egg Rolls

Arrange the rolled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Brush or spray each one lightly with cooking oil. This will give them a golden, crispy finish once they’re baked.

Bake the egg rolls for 15-17 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. The egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy on all sides when done.

5. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar

In a shallow bowl or plate, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Once the egg rolls are out of the oven and still warm, immediately roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. The warm sugar will stick to the egg rolls and create a sweet, crunchy coating.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Apple Pie Egg Rolls with a side of warm caramel topping for dipping or drizzling. The warm, velvety caramel pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating and spiced apple filling, making every bite a true indulgence.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the wrappers are sealed tightly: If the egg rolls aren’t sealed properly, the filling may leak out during baking. Wetting the edges of the wrapper before rolling helps create a tight seal.
• Use room temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is easier to spread and won’t tear the wrapper.
• Don’t overstuff the wrappers: Too much filling can cause the egg rolls to tear or leak. Stick to the suggested amounts for the best result.
• Customize the flavors: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of vanilla extract in the filling for a personalized twist.
• Use a non-stick baking sheet: If you don’t have parchment paper, make sure you use a non-stick baking sheet for easy removal of the egg rolls.

Variations on the Recipe

• Fruit Mix: Try mixing different fruits with the apples. Pears, peaches, or berries work well and bring new flavor combinations to the egg rolls.
• Nutty Filling: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Fried Option: For extra crispiness, you can fry the egg rolls in a shallow pan of hot oil until golden brown. This will give them a traditional egg roll texture with a bit more crunch.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are a modern take on a classic dessert that combines all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a portable, fun form. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, these egg rolls are guaranteed to please anyone who loves warm, spiced apple desserts. With their crispy exterior, creamy interior, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re a guaranteed hit at any table.

So next time you’re craving something sweet and comforting, don’t settle for a traditional apple pie. Try Apple Pie Egg Rolls for a fun twist on an old favorite. Happy baking!