Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Imagine all the cozy, spiced warmth of a classic apple pie, transformed into a crispy, portable, handheld treat you can eat in just a few delicious bites. That’s the magic of Apple Pie Egg Rolls. This genius fusion dessert takes a sweet, gooey filling of tender cinnamon apples and wraps it in a delicate egg roll wrapper, frying it to golden-brown perfection. The result? A shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to a bubbling, fragrant apple pie center—perfect for dipping in vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Whether you’re looking for a fun party dessert, a unique fair-style treat to make at home, or simply a new way to enjoy apple pie without the fuss of a crust, this recipe is your answer. They come together surprisingly quickly, fry in just minutes, and are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Let’s turn your kitchen into a mini dessert carnival.

Why Apple Pie Egg Rolls Are a Must-Try

This recipe takes the comfort of apple pie and combines it with the fun, shareable format of an egg roll. It’s easier than making a full pie (no lattice crust required!) but feels just as special. The contrast between the hot, soft filling and the crispy, flaky wrapper is utterly addictive. Plus, they’re perfect for serving a crowd—everyone gets their own personal “pie.”

The Secret to the Perfect Filling: Avoiding Sogginess

The key to a great apple pie egg roll is a thick, not watery, filling. We achieve this by cooking the apples beforehand to release their juices and then thickening those juices with cornstarch. This ensures your filling is packed with flavor and won’t leak or make the wrapper soggy during frying.

Your Simple Ingredient List

For the Apple Filling:

· Apples: 2-3 medium apples (Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix), peeled and finely diced.
· Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: The classic flavor duo.
· Butter: For sautéing and richness.
· Cornstarch: The crucial thickener (mixed with water to make a “slurry”).
· Lemon Juice: A splash to balance sweetness and prevent browning.
· Vanilla & Pinch of Salt: To deepen all the flavors.

For Assembly & Frying:

· Egg Roll Wrappers: Find them in the refrigerated produce section.
· Water: For sealing the wrappers.
· Neutral Oil: For frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil).
· Cinnamon Sugar: For rolling the hot egg rolls (optional but classic).

For Serving:

· Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.

Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Spiced Apple Filling

Sauté Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples begin to soften.

Thicken: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Pour into the skillet with the apples. Add lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.

Cook Until Thick: Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes very thick and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool completely before assembling. A warm filling will steam and tear the wrappers.

How to Assemble Your Egg Rolls Like a Pro

Set Up: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond). Keep other wrappers covered with a damp towel.

Add Filling: Spoon 1.5-2 tablespoons of cooled filling just below the center of the wrapper.

Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner up over the filling. Fold the left and right corners in toward the center. Brush the top corner with a little water, then roll it up tightly, sealing the edge. Press firmly. Ensure it’s sealed well to prevent oil from seeping in.

Frying to Golden Perfection: Stovetop Method

Heat Oil: In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Fry in Batches: Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls in the hot oil, seam-side down. Do not overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.

Drain: Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this keeps them crispy). Immediately roll in cinnamon sugar if desired.

The Air Fryer Alternative (For a Lighter Version)

For a less oily version, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly brush or spray the assembled egg rolls with oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. They will be slightly less blistered than deep-fried but still delicious.

The Signature Finish: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the egg rolls are still piping hot from the oil, roll them gently in a shallow dish of cinnamon sugar. The residual heat will help the sugar adhere, creating that classic, sweet, crackly exterior that mimics pie crust.

Pro Tips for Crispy, Leak-Proof Egg Rolls Every Time

· Cool the Filling Completely: This is the #1 rule. A hot filling creates steam, which can burst the wrapper and cause sogginess.
· Seal Tightly: Use water as “glue” on the final flap and press firmly.
· Maintain Oil Temperature: If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown before the filling is hot. Keep it at 350°F.
· Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes them hard to seal and more likely to burst.

Dipping Sauces & Serving Ideas

The dip takes it to the next level! Serve with:

· Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The hot/cold contrast is divine.
· Salt Caramel Sauce: The perfect sweet-salty pairing.
· Cream Cheese Icing: For a cheesecake-like twist.
· Spiced Rum Sauce: For an adult-only version.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

To Freeze Before Frying: Assemble the egg rolls, place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
To Freeze After Frying:Let them cool completely, then freeze. Re-crisp in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot.

5 Flavor Variations to Try

Apple Cranberry: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries to the filling.

Salted Caramel Apple: Place a small piece of soft caramel in the center of the apple filling before wrapping.

Apple Cheddar: Add a pinch of sharp cheddar cheese to the filling for a sweet-savory kick.

Apple Pie à la Mode: Inject cooled, fried egg rolls with vanilla pudding or whipped cream using a piping tip.

Pumpkin Pie: Use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of apples.

FAQs: Your Apple Pie Egg Roll Questions Answered

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A:Yes. Brush generously with oil or melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. They won’t be as uniformly crisp as fried, but still tasty.

Q: My filling leaked out during frying. What happened?
A:Likely the filling was too wet, the wrapper wasn’t sealed properly, or the oil was too hot, causing a rapid burst. Ensure filling is thick and cool, and seals are tight.

Q: What’s the best apple to use?
A:A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) gives the best flavor complexity and texture.

Q: Can I use spring roll wrappers?
A:Yes, but they are thinner. Use two wrappers per egg roll or double-wrap for extra strength, and note they’ll fry faster.

The Final Verdict: A Fun, Shareable Dessert Sensation

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They combine nostalgia with novelty in a perfectly packaged, delicious bite. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Your Turn to Create a New Classic

So grab those wrappers and apples. In less than an hour, you can be dipping a crispy, sugary, apple-filled egg roll into a scoop of melting ice cream. It’s a simple joy that feels like a celebration.

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Recipe Card: Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Yield: 10-12 egg rolls Prep Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

Filling:

· 2-3 medium apples, peeled & finely diced (about 3 cups)
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
· 1/3 cup brown sugar
· 1 tsp ground cinnamon
· 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
· 1 tsp lemon juice
· 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
· Pinch of salt

Assembly:

· 10-12 egg roll wrappers
· Water for sealing
· Neutral oil for frying (2-3 cups)

Cinnamon Sugar (Optional):

· 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon, mixed

Instructions

1. Make Filling: Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 5-7 mins until apples soften. Stir cornstarch slurry, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt into skillet. Cook 1-2 mins until very thick. Cool completely.
2. Assemble: Place wrapper in a diamond. Add 1.5 tbsp cooled filling below center. Fold bottom up, sides in, brush top corner with water, and roll tightly to seal. Repeat.
3. Fry: Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time for 2-3 mins per side until golden. Drain on wire rack.
4. Coat: While hot, roll in cinnamon sugar (if using).
5. Serve: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

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Did you make these irresistible handheld pies? Share a photo of your golden, crispy egg rolls and tell us your favorite dip in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next party.

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