A Modern Twist on Tradition: Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are an inventive dessert merging the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the crispy, handheld appeal of egg rolls. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or looking for a delightful family treat, this recipe delivers a blend of spiced apples, creamy indulgence, and a crunchy shell—all topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and served with caramel sauce. In this article, we’ll explore the creation of this dessert, break down its ingredients, and provide step-by-step guidance to make the perfect Apple Pie Egg Rolls. Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity.

Print

The Appeal of Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Apple pie is a dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and tradition. With Apple Pie Egg Rolls, you get the best of these classic flavors in a new format that’s easy to prepare and serve. Imagine the tartness of Granny Smith apples, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the warm spice of cinnamon, all enveloped in a golden, crispy egg roll wrapper. A touch of cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess, while a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a side of caramel sauce elevate this dessert into a showstopper.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Egg Rolls

For this recipe, the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the rich flavor and perfect texture.

Apple Filling:

• 5 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 3½ cups)
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch

Egg Rolls:

• 22–24 egg roll wrappers
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (about 2 teaspoons per egg roll)
• Cooking oil or spray (for baking)

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional for Serving:

• ½ cup caramel topping, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Apple Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix until the apples are well-coated. This combination creates a luscious filling that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Egg Rolls

On a clean work surface, lay out your egg roll wrappers. Take one wrapper and spread 2 teaspoons of cream cheese onto its center. Next, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the prepared apple mixture on top of the cream cheese. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the apple filling.

To roll the egg rolls:

1. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water.
2. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the apple mixture and roll it once.
3. Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, pressing gently to seal.
4. Continue rolling tightly until the filling is fully enclosed, sealing the top edge with a bit of water if needed.

Repeat this process for all wrappers, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent leakage during baking.

Baking the Egg Rolls

Arrange the assembled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush or spray each one lightly with cooking oil to ensure a golden, crisp exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–17 minutes, flipping the rolls halfway through to ensure even browning.

While the egg rolls are baking, prepare the topping. In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Adding the Final Touch

As soon as the egg rolls come out of the oven, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm egg rolls will absorb the topping beautifully, creating a sweet and spiced coating that enhances the overall flavor.

Serve the egg rolls warm, with a side of caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Variations and Substitutions

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are highly adaptable, and there are countless ways to make this recipe your own:

1. Apple Varieties: Swap Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples for a slightly different flavor profile.
2. Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and a nutty flavor.
3. Spice Mix: Enhance the filling with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a more complex flavor.
4. Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
5. Frying Option: If you prefer a more traditional egg roll texture, fry them in hot oil instead of baking.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Egg Rolls

• Dice Apples Finely: Ensure the apples are evenly diced to prevent the filling from bursting through the wrapper during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Use the recommended amount of filling to make rolling easier and avoid leaks.
• Seal Properly: Moisten the edges of the wrapper generously with water to ensure they stay sealed during baking.
• Flip Midway: Turning the egg rolls halfway through baking helps achieve an even, golden color.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

1. With Ice Cream: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
2. Holiday Treat: Serve them on a dessert platter during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
3. Coffee Pairing: Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy treat.
4. Party Appetizer: Cut them into halves or thirds and serve with toothpicks for bite-sized dessert appetizers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Pie Egg Rolls bring together the timeless appeal of apple pie with the modern convenience of finger food. They are easy to prepare, fun to assemble, and even more delightful to eat. The crisp outer shell gives way to a creamy, spiced apple filling that’s comforting yet indulgent.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a family dessert, or simply treating yourself. Its balance of flavors and textures, combined with its stunning presentation, will make it a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the magic of Apple Pie Egg Rolls—a sweet twist on a classic favorite!