Crispy Apple Pie Egg Rolls: Sweet Dessert Delight!

Apple Pie Egg Rolls offer a truly delightful twist on two beloved culinary traditions, promising a dessert experience that is both familiar and excitingly new. I remember the first time I encountered this ingenious creation; it felt like a stroke of genius, marrying the quintessential American comfort of apple pie with the irresistible crispy texture of an Asian-inspired egg roll. This unique fusion dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how culinary boundaries can be beautifully blurred, resulting in something greater than the sum of its parts. It brings together the heartwarming essence of an American classic with the delightful crunch of a globally loved snack, creating a harmonious blend that is utterly captivating.

Why This Fusion Delight Captures Hearts (and Taste Buds!)

People absolutely adore these crispy pockets of joy for countless reasons. Imagine the warm, spiced apple filling, reminiscent of grandma’s homemade pie, encased in a perfectly golden, crunchy wrapper. The satisfying contrast in textures – the yielding, sweet apples against the shatteringly crisp exterior – creates an unparalleled mouthfeel with every single bite. Furthermore, these Apple Pie Egg Rolls are incredibly convenient, transforming a traditional, sometimes messy, pie slice into a delightful, handheld treat perfect for parties, dessert platters, or simply a cozy evening indulgence. They bring the comforting flavors of autumn into a fun, approachable format that everyone, from children to adults, finds irresistible.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Apple Pie Filling:
  • 6 medium-sized apples, about 3 pounds total. I love using a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and a good bite. Make sure they are peeled, cored, and diced into small, approximately 1/4-inch pieces. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely into your egg rolls.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar. You can adjust this to your apples’ sweetness and your personal preference.
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar. This adds a lovely depth of caramel flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. This will help sauté the apples and create a rich base for our filling.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. This isn’t just for flavor; it also helps prevent the apples from browning and brightens the overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. A classic apple pie spice, essential for that warm, comforting aroma.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Just a pinch enhances the spice blend beautifully.
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice (optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of warmth).
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this is your cornstarch slurry, vital for thickening the filling).
• For the Egg Rolls:
  • 20-25 standard egg roll wrappers. You can find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, often near the produce or tofu. Make sure they are fresh and pliable.
  • 1 large egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon of water (this is your egg wash, crucial for sealing the egg rolls).
  • 4-6 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point that’s suitable for deep frying. The exact amount will depend on the size of your pot.
• Optional Garnishes/Serving Suggestions:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting.
  • Caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for drizzling.
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Preparing the Apple Pie Filling

1. Prepare Your Apples: First things first, let’s get those apples ready! I usually start by peeling all my apples, then coring them carefully. Once they’re peeled and cored, I dice them into small, uniform pieces, roughly 1/4-inch squares. This size is super important because it ensures they cook down evenly and become tender without being mushy, plus they’ll be much easier to roll neatly into our wrappers. You want that perfect bite-sized piece of apple in every glorious mouthful. As you dice them, toss them into a bowl with the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This little trick not only adds a bright, tangy note but also prevents the apples from oxidizing and turning brown while you finish up.
2. Sauté the Apples: Grab a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven, because we’re about to infuse some serious flavor. Place it over medium heat and add your 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add your diced apples (along with any lemon juice that might be in the bowl). Sauté the apples for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to start softening slightly, but don’t let them get too soft just yet – they’ll continue to cook later. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with that delightful aroma of butter and apple, which is just the beginning of our culinary adventure.
3. Add Sugars and Spices: Now it’s time to bring in the sweetness and warmth! Sprinkle in your 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar over the apples. Next, add your 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and if you’re using it, the 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice. Give everything a really good stir to ensure all the apples are coated evenly with the sugars and spices. Continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. As the sugars melt, they’ll create a lovely syrup, and the apples will release their juices, making everything wonderfully fragrant. The goal here is for the apples to become tender but still hold their shape.
4. Thicken the Filling: To get that perfect, luscious apple pie filling consistency, we need a thickener. In a small bowl, whisk together your 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until you have a smooth slurry – no lumps allowed! Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering apple mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the filling has visibly thickened. It should coat the back of a spoon and look glossy. Don’t worry if it seems a little loose; it will continue to thicken as it cools. This step is crucial for preventing a watery filling inside your egg rolls.
5. Cool the Filling: Once your apple pie filling has reached that perfect consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. This next step is incredibly important for successful rolling: you absolutely must let the filling cool down completely before you attempt to assemble your egg rolls. Hot filling will make the wrappers tear, become soggy, and will be incredibly difficult to work with. Transfer the filling to a shallow dish or plate, spread it out a bit, and let it cool at room temperature for at least 30-45 minutes, or even pop it into the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to speed up the process. I often make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge; it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld! You want it to be cool enough to handle comfortably without any steam rising.

Assembling Your Apple Pie Egg Rolls

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Before you start rolling, gather all your components. Have your completely cooled apple pie filling ready. In a small bowl, whisk your large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create your egg wash; this will act as the “glue” for your egg rolls. Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out, as dried wrappers become brittle and tear easily.
2. Orient the Wrapper: Take one egg roll wrapper and place it on your work surface so that it looks like a diamond (one corner pointing towards you, one pointing away). This orientation makes the rolling process much easier and creates a tighter, more secure roll.
3. Portion the Filling: Spoon approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled apple pie filling onto the lower third of the egg roll wrapper, closer to the corner pointing towards you. Make sure to leave ample space around the edges – at least an inch or two – for proper folding and sealing. Don’t overfill, as tempting as it might be! Too much filling will make it impossible to roll tightly and can cause the egg rolls to burst during frying.
4. Fold the First Corner: Take the corner of the wrapper closest to you and fold it tightly over the filling, tucking the tip underneath the filling. Press down gently to create a snug seal around the filling. You want to eliminate any air pockets here.
5. Fold in the Sides: Now, take the left corner of the wrapper and fold it inward towards the center. Repeat with the right corner, folding it inward as well. You should now have an envelope-like shape with the filling securely encased, resembling a neat little packet. This creates strong sides for your egg roll.
6. Roll It Up: Gently but firmly begin to roll the wrapper upwards from the bottom, away from you. As you roll, maintain consistent pressure to keep the egg roll tight and compact. This is key to preventing the filling from leaking out during frying. Roll all the way up until you have about an inch or two of the top corner remaining.
7. Seal with Egg Wash: Dip your finger or a pastry brush into your egg wash and generously brush it along the remaining top corner of the wrapper. This is your sealing agent!
8. Complete the Roll and Seal: Finish rolling the egg roll all the way up, pressing firmly on the egg-washed corner to ensure it’s securely sealed. Give the entire egg roll a gentle squeeze and roll it back and forth a tiny bit on your surface to ensure it’s uniformly tight and sealed. Place the finished egg roll seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat this entire process with the remaining wrappers and apple pie filling until all your delicious Apple Pie Egg Rolls are assembled. If you’re not frying them immediately, you can cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for a few hours, or even freeze them for later (see storage tips).

Cooking the Apple Pie Egg Rolls

1. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep pot, Dutch oven, or high-sided skillet, pour in your chosen frying oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the egg rolls at least halfway, ideally more. I usually aim for about 3-4 inches of oil. Place the pot over medium-high heat. We’re looking for an optimal frying temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you have a deep-fry thermometer, this is the time to use it for accuracy. If not, a good test is to dip a small corner of an egg roll wrapper into the hot oil. If it immediately sizzles and tiny bubbles form around it, your oil is ready. If it just sits there, it’s not hot enough. If it smokes furiously, it’s too hot – take it off the heat for a minute to cool slightly.
2. Fry in Batches: Once your oil is at the correct temperature, carefully place 3-4 Apple Pie Egg Rolls into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot! Frying too many at once will drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy egg rolls that don’t brown properly. Give them space to swim around.
3. Monitor and Turn: Fry the egg rolls for about 3 to 5 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally with tongs or a spider strainer to ensure even browning on all sides. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden-brown color, indicating a wonderfully crisp exterior. The exact time will depend on your oil temperature and the thickness of your wrappers. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite quickly. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle and see the wrappers puff up slightly, promising a delightful crunch.
4. Drain Excess Oil: As each batch of egg rolls finishes frying, use your tongs or spider strainer to carefully lift them out of the hot oil. Hold them over the pot for a moment to allow any excess oil to drip off. Then, transfer the hot egg rolls to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any remaining oil, ensuring your egg rolls are as crisp and non-greasy as possible. This step is crucial for that perfect texture.
5. Maintain Oil Temperature and Repeat: Allow the oil to come back up to temperature before adding the next batch of egg rolls. This might take a minute or two. Repeat the frying process until all your glorious Apple Pie Egg Rolls are cooked to golden perfection. You might need to add more oil if the level gets too low during frying, ensuring it has time to heat up properly before continuing.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

1. Immediate Gratification: While they are utterly delicious at room temperature, Apple Pie Egg Rolls are truly at their peak when served warm, straight out of the fryer. The contrast of the crispy exterior with the warm, gooey apple filling is simply divine. As soon as they’ve drained for a minute or two, they are ready for their grand debut!
2. Classic Toppings: For a simple yet elegant finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. You can use a small sieve to gently sprinkle it over the warm egg rolls.
3. Saucy Enhancements: Elevate the experience by serving them with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist. A small bowl of maple syrup can also provide a delightful, complementary flavor.
4. A La Mode Delight: To truly capture that “apple pie” essence, serve your warm Apple Pie Egg Rolls alongside a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, crispy egg roll creates an unforgettable dessert experience. A dollop of fresh whipped cream also works wonders.
5. Making Ahead and Storage of Cooked Egg Rolls: If you happen to have any leftover (which is rare in my house!), allow the cooked egg rolls to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or air-fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
6. Freezing Uncooked Egg Rolls: This is a fantastic make-ahead option! Once you’ve assembled your Apple Pie Egg Rolls but before frying, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the egg rolls are solid. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to cook, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time (around 6-8 minutes), or bake/air fry as described below. This is incredibly convenient for a quick dessert anytime!
7. Alternative Cooking Methods (Baking/Air Frying): While deep-frying gives the ultimate crispiness, you can also bake or air fry these for a slightly lighter option.
   • For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the assembled egg rolls with a neutral oil. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp. The texture will be slightly different from fried, but still delicious!
   • For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray the assembled egg rolls with oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp. This method often yields results very similar to deep-frying with less oil!

   No matter how you choose to cook them, these Apple Pie Egg Rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Enjoy every sweet, crispy, and warmly spiced bite!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the sweet finale of our culinary adventure, and I truly hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about this incredible recipe. After all the simmering, wrapping, and golden frying, what we’ve created is nothing short of a revelation. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a masterful reinvention, a testament to how classic flavors can be presented in exciting, new ways. I’m talking, of course, about our delightful Apple Pie Egg Rolls.

Why is this recipe an absolute must-try? Let me count the ways! First, there’s the undeniable allure of the texture: an impossibly crisp, golden-brown wrapper that gives way to a warm, luscious, spiced apple filling. It’s that satisfying crunch followed by a tender, sweet burst of autumnal flavor that truly sets these apart. Forget the fuss and potential sogginess of traditional pie crust; these egg rolls offer all the beloved taste of a homemade apple pie, but in a perfectly portioned, handheld package that’s incredibly fun to eat. They’re less messy for little hands and just as delightful for the grown-ups.

Think about the convenience, too. Whipping up a batch of these takes significantly less time than baking a whole pie from scratch, making them ideal for impromptu gatherings, a quick weeknight treat, or when you simply crave something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. They strike that perfect balance between comfort food and an elegant, unique dessert that will undoubtedly impress anyone you share them with. Seriously, prepare for compliments because these are a showstopper!

Elevate Your Experience: Serving Suggestions

While our Apple Pie Egg Rolls are absolutely divine straight out of the fryer, cooling just enough to handle, don’t shy away from taking them to the next level with some simple additions. My personal favorite way to serve them is with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to perfectly contrast with the warm, crispy pastry and tender apples. A drizzle of rich caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top of the egg rolls themselves also adds an extra layer of indulgence that is simply irresistible. For a lighter touch, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to make them feel special. Imagine them served with a small dish of a homemade cream cheese glaze or even a simple maple syrup dip – truly heavenly!

Unleash Your Creativity: Recipe Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Once you master the basic technique, the possibilities for customization are endless. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts to your apple filling for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor. A tiny pinch of cardamom or a whisper of allspice alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg can introduce a new dimension to the spices. You could even fold in a few dried cranberries or golden raisins for a touch of tartness and chewiness.

And who says apple is the only fruit that can shine in an egg roll wrapper? Consider experimenting with other fruit fillings like cherry, peach, or even a mixed berry concoction. For a healthier twist, these egg rolls can also be successfully baked in an oven or cooked in an air fryer until golden and crisp, using just a light brush of oil. This preserves much of the delightful crunch while cutting down on the oil. Imagine serving mini versions using wonton wrappers for bite-sized delights at your next party! The core technique remains the same, but the flavors and presentation can be entirely your own creation.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this Apple Pie Egg Rolls recipe a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joy, to share warmth, and to experience the delightful surprise of a familiar flavor in an unexpected form. I promise you, the smiles and satisfied sighs you’ll get from family and friends will make every moment spent in the kitchen utterly worthwhile. This is a dessert that brings people together, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories.

Once you’ve embarked on this delicious journey, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience! Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, your successes, and even any questions you might have, in the comments section below. Even better, snap a photo of your golden creations and share them on your favorite social media platforms, tagging me or using a relevant hashtag so I can see your wonderful work. Your feedback and beautiful food photos truly inspire me and the rest of our cooking community.

Thank you for joining me on this delicious exploration. I can’t wait to see and hear about your amazing Apple Pie Egg Rolls. Happy cooking, my friends!

Recipe

A delicious recipe

Prep Time
15 min

Cook Time
15 min

Total Time
15 min

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.