Apple Pie Egg Rolls: Crispy and Sweet Dessert Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of apple pie but are looking for a fun and exciting variation, Apple Pie Egg Rolls might be just the dessert you need. These egg rolls take everything you love about a classic apple pie—the sweet, spiced filling, the soft cooked apples, and the warm cinnamon flavor—and wrap it in a crispy, golden egg roll shell. The result? A delicious, portable, and bite-sized version of your favorite fall dessert, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home.

The combination of textures in Apple Pie Egg Rolls is what makes them so irresistible: the gooey apple pie filling contrasts perfectly with the crunchy exterior of the egg roll. You get all the flavors of a traditional apple pie, but with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Plus, these egg rolls are versatile—you can deep fry them for an indulgent treat, bake them for a lighter version, or even air-fry them for a healthier alternative.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delectable treats, explore several variations of the recipe, and offer suggestions for serving, storing, and reheating them. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them as an after-dinner snack, Apple Pie Egg Rolls are sure to be a hit.

Why Apple Pie Egg Rolls Work So Well

Apple Pie Egg Rolls work for one simple reason: they combine the best aspects of two iconic foods—crispy egg rolls and warm apple pie. The spiced apple filling brings a familiar comfort, while the egg roll wrapper adds a unique textural element. The sweetness of the apple pie filling, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, is perfectly balanced by the light, crunchy exterior of the egg roll. This contrast between crispy and soft, sweet and spiced, makes each bite a flavorful experience.

The egg roll wrapper plays an important role in creating that perfect crunch, which is something you can’t quite achieve with a traditional pie crust. It also provides a more manageable size—making it easier to serve at parties or as finger food for guests. Additionally, the small size of each roll means they cook quickly, so you can whip up a batch in no time.

The versatility of Apple Pie Egg Rolls is another reason they are so popular. You can deep fry them for maximum crispiness, bake them if you’re looking for something lighter, or even air fry them for a healthier version. And because they can be made in batches, they’re ideal for feeding a crowd.

How to Make Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Apple Pie Egg Rolls. This recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the preparation process, from creating the perfect apple filling to assembling and frying (or baking) the egg rolls.

Ingredients

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their sweet-tart balance)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
12 egg roll wrappers
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling or dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by preparing the apple pie filling. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with the lemon juice to prevent them from browning. The lemon juice not only preserves the apples’ color but also adds a slight tang that enhances the sweetness of the dessert.

Once the apples are coated, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir the mixture until the apples are well coated with the sugars and spices. If you want an extra touch of flavor, a pinch of ground ginger can be added to the spice mix.

Next, sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and stir again. The cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling, preventing it from becoming too runny when the egg rolls are fried. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the apples to soften slightly and release their juices.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Once your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the egg rolls. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of the wrapper.

To wrap the egg rolls, fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners, and roll tightly toward the top corner. Be sure to moisten the top corner with a little water to seal the egg roll completely. This ensures that the filling stays inside during cooking and doesn’t leak out. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls

For a perfectly crispy exterior, frying is the most popular method for making Apple Pie Egg Rolls. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature or test by dropping a small piece of egg roll wrapper into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Carefully place the assembled egg rolls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary. Cook each egg roll for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the egg rolls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the egg rolls to cool slightly before serving. If desired, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. These egg rolls are best served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

For an indulgent dessert, serve the egg rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The cool creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy egg rolls, while the caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that enhances the flavor of the apples.

Baking or Air-Frying Options

If you’re looking for a lighter version of Apple Pie Egg Rolls, baking or air-frying are great alternatives to deep frying.

To Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the egg rolls as directed. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly brush each egg roll with melted butter or spray them with cooking spray to help achieve a golden color.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are crispy and golden brown.

To Air-Fry:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the egg rolls as directed and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Air-fry the egg rolls in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Both methods result in a crispy exterior, though not quite as indulgent as deep-frying. These lighter versions are perfect for those looking to enjoy the treat with fewer calories.

Delicious Variations of Apple Pie Egg Rolls

The classic Apple Pie Egg Rolls recipe is always a winner, but there are countless ways to customize this dessert to suit your preferences or add a unique twist. Here are some variations you can try:

Caramel Apple Pie Egg Rolls

To add a rich caramel flavor, drizzle caramel sauce into the apple filling before wrapping the egg rolls. You can also serve the finished egg rolls with a side of caramel sauce for dipping or drizzle caramel over the top before serving. The caramel melts into the filling as the egg rolls fry, creating a buttery, sweet interior.

Cream Cheese Apple Pie Egg Rolls

For an extra creamy twist, mix softened cream cheese into the apple pie filling before assembling the egg rolls. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the sweet apples and spices, making these egg rolls even more decadent.

Mixed Fruit Egg Rolls

If you want to experiment with different flavors, try using other fruits like pears, peaches, or even a combination of berries in place of apples. The process remains the same—dice the fruit, toss it with sugar and spices, and wrap it in egg roll wrappers. This variation is especially delicious in the summer when stone fruits and berries are in season.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Instead of dusting the egg rolls with powdered sugar, you can roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar immediately after frying. The warm rolls will pick up the cinnamon sugar mixture, giving them a churro-like exterior that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Pie Egg Rolls can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

With Ice Cream

The classic pairing for any apple dessert is vanilla ice cream, and Apple Pie Egg Rolls are no exception. Serve the warm egg rolls with a scoop of ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast of hot and cold. The ice cream will melt slightly over the egg rolls, creating a luscious combination.

Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the egg rolls with warm caramel or chocolate sauce before serving. You can even serve both sauces on the side, allowing your guests to dip the egg rolls as they please.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

For a simpler presentation, dust the egg rolls with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the apple filling.

With Whipped Cream

Top the egg rolls with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and creamy addition. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for an extra flavor boost.

Storing and Reheating Apple Pie Egg Rolls

If you have leftover egg rolls (though they rarely last long!), here’s how you can store and reheat them to maintain their crispiness and flavor:

Storing

Allow the egg rolls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each egg roll individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated or frozen egg rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and heat them for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. You can also use an air fryer to reheat the egg rolls for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content for one Apple Pie Egg Roll:

Calories: 150-200 (depending on whether you fry, bake, or air fry)
Fat: 6-10 grams
Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
Sugar: 12-15 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Protein: 1-2 grams

While Apple Pie Egg Rolls are an indulgent treat, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie with a modern, crispy twist. The combination of a warm, spiced apple filling and a crunchy egg roll wrapper makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, a family dinner, or just as a special treat for yourself, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit.

With plenty of options for customization, from caramel and cream cheese fillings to different fruits, Apple Pie Egg Rolls offer something for everyone. You can deep fry them for the ultimate crispiness, bake them for a lighter option, or air-fry them for a healthier twist.

So, why not give them a try? Whether you serve them with ice cream, drizzle them with caramel, or simply dust them with powdered sugar, Apple Pie Egg Rolls are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

Apple Pie Egg Rolls: A Sweet, Crispy Twist on a Classic Dessert