Apple Pie Egg Rolls: A Fun, Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
There’s something undeniably comforting about apple pie—the sweet, spiced apples nestled in a buttery crust that makes your taste buds dance with joy. But what if you could enjoy all those familiar flavors in a fun, bite-sized, crispy form? That’s where Apple Pie Egg Rolls come in. These little treats bring together the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, the richness of cream cheese, and the satisfying crunch of an egg roll wrapper, all dusted with cinnamon-sugar and served with a luscious caramel dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 22-24 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking, Frying (optional)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples (about 3½ cups): Granny Smith apples are a great choice because of their tartness, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon. Their firm texture also holds up well when baked, preventing the filling from becoming mushy.
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds a lovely caramel-like flavor to the filling. It melts beautifully with the apples, creating a syrupy mixture that helps hold the filling together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a key ingredient in many apple-based desserts, and its warm, slightly spicy flavor is perfect for these egg rolls. It infuses the apples with a comforting, inviting aroma as they bake.
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling and ensures that the juices from the apples don’t make the egg roll wrappers soggy. It gives the mixture a more cohesive texture.
- 22–24 egg roll wrappers: These are the base of the egg rolls. The thin, crispy wrappers are the perfect vessel for the apple filling. They crisp up wonderfully in the oven, providing the satisfying crunch that makes these egg rolls so irresistible.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy layer inside each egg roll, balancing out the tart apples with a subtle richness. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Cooking oil or cooking spray: You’ll need a bit of cooking oil to brush the egg rolls before baking, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray for a lighter option.
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: This will add sweetness to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: It’s the perfect complement to the sugar, creating a flavorful coating for the egg rolls.
- ½ cup caramel topping (warmed): This makes a luscious dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the egg rolls, adding a sweet, buttery richness that completes the dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the egg rolls bake evenly and don’t stick. Set the baking sheet aside for now.
Next, take your Granny Smith apples and peel, core, and finely dice them. You should have about 3½ cups of diced apples. Place the diced apples in a medium bowl and add the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix everything well, ensuring that the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. The cornstarch helps thicken the mixture, preventing any excess liquid from leaking out during baking.
Let the apple mixture sit while you prepare the egg rolls. This will allow the flavors to meld and give the apples a chance to release some of their juices.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Rolls
On a clean, flat surface, lay out your egg roll wrappers. Take one wrapper at a time and spread about 2 teaspoons of room-temperature cream cheese in the center. Be careful not to use too much cream cheese; you just want a thin layer to complement the apples without overpowering the flavor.
Next, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of the cream cheese. Be mindful not to overfill the wrapper, as it could make it harder to seal.
Now, let’s roll the egg roll. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water to help seal it. To roll the egg roll, fold up the bottom corner of the wrapper, just over the apple and cream cheese filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners toward the center, pressing gently to seal the edges. The wrapper should look like an open envelope at this point.
Continue rolling the egg roll tightly until the filling is fully enclosed. Press the top edge of the wrapper to seal it. Repeat this process for all of your egg rolls, ensuring that each one is sealed well so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Egg Rolls
Place the prepared egg rolls onto the lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave a little space between each one so they bake evenly. Lightly brush or spray each egg roll with cooking oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven and give them a golden-brown color.
Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time. Keep an eye on them, as the baking time can vary depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re done when the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While the egg rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the cinnamon throughout the sugar.
Once the egg rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will give them a sweet, spicy coating that adds the perfect finishing touch. Be sure to coat them completely so every bite is full of flavor.
Step 5: Serve with Caramel Sauce
For the final touch, warm up the caramel topping in the microwave or on the stovetop. Serve the Apple Pie Egg Rolls warm, with a side of caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling over the top. The caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
Notes
- Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for this recipe due to their tartness, which helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon. However, you can also experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that different apples release varying amounts of juice, so you may need to adjust the cornstarch accordingly.
- Cream Cheese Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, consider substituting mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different creamy texture. These will still provide the creamy richness without the tanginess of cream cheese.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even ginger can add a unique twist to the classic cinnamon flavor. Play around with the spice ratio until you find your perfect blend.
- Frying Option: While these egg rolls bake beautifully in the oven, you can also deep-fry them for an extra-crispy texture. If you choose to fry them, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each egg roll until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels before rolling in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serving Ideas: These Apple Pie Egg Rolls can be served as a standalone dessert, or paired with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert table or as a sweet snack for an afternoon tea.