Apple Pie Egg Rolls: A Crispy, Sweet Treat for Beginners

There’s something special about the aroma of warm cinnamon and spiced apples filling the kitchen. It brings back memories of cozy autumn days, family gatherings, and homemade desserts. But while traditional apple pie is a beloved classic, it can take time and effort to prepare. For those who are new to baking or looking for a simpler way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie, Apple Pie Egg Rolls are the perfect solution.

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This recipe combines the crispy texture of an egg roll wrapper with a rich, creamy filling of spiced apples and cream cheese. Unlike traditional apple pie, which requires making and rolling out dough, these egg rolls come together quickly with pre-made wrappers. They are baked instead of fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Ideal for beginners, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal kitchen equipment. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation process is simple enough for even those with little experience in the kitchen. Whether served as a snack, dessert, or party treat, these Apple Pie Egg Rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Egg Rolls:

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

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup caramel topping, warmed, for dipping

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala can be used for a milder, sweeter flavor. Brown sugar adds depth, but white sugar or coconut sugar can be substituted if needed.

For those who prefer a different kind of filling, consider adding finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. The cream cheese adds a rich texture, but it can be omitted for a dairy-free version or replaced with dairy-free cream cheese.

If caramel sauce is unavailable, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can provide a similar finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Apple Filling

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir well to evenly coat the apples in the sugar and spices. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while preparing the egg roll wrappers, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Assembling the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing toward you.

Spread about two teaspoons of cream cheese in the center of the wrapper. This step ensures a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the apples.

Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the apple mixture on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and may cause the wrapper to tear.

3. Rolling the Egg Rolls

To roll the egg roll properly:

• Dip a fingertip in water and lightly wet the edges of the wrapper to help seal it.
• Fold the bottom corner up over the filling and roll it once.
• Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, pressing gently to secure them.
• Continue rolling tightly until the filling is fully enclosed. Use a little extra water to seal the final edge.

Place the assembled egg rolls on the lined baking sheet with the seam side down to prevent them from unraveling.

4. Baking the Egg Rolls

Brush or spray the tops of the egg rolls with a light coating of cooking oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, flipping them over halfway through for even browning. The egg rolls should be golden brown and crisp when done.

5. Coating with Cinnamon Sugar

While the egg rolls are still warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.

Roll each baked egg roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

6. Serving

Serve the egg rolls warm with a side of warmed caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling. The contrast between the crispy wrapper and the gooey apple filling makes each bite satisfying.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. How to Prevent Soggy Egg Rolls

If the apple mixture releases too much liquid, drain any excess juice before assembling the egg rolls. Excess moisture can make the wrappers soggy and difficult to crisp up in the oven.

2. How to Tell When the Egg Rolls Are Done

The egg rolls should be golden brown and crisp when fully baked. If they appear pale, bake them for an additional few minutes while keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

3. Kitchen Tips for Efficiency

• Prepping in Advance: The apple filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. This can save time when preparing the egg rolls.
• Rolling Technique: If the wrappers feel dry or crack while rolling, cover them with a slightly damp cloth to keep them pliable.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If an oven is unavailable, these egg rolls can be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What to Do If Egg Rolls Brown Too Quickly

If the egg rolls start browning too fast before they are fully baked, loosely tent them with aluminum foil to slow down the browning process while allowing them to cook through.

Serving Suggestions

1. Complementary Sides and Sauces

While these Apple Pie Egg Rolls are delicious on their own, they can be paired with additional dips or sides for variety.

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can balance the richness of the filling.
• Chocolate Sauce: For a twist, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the egg rolls.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving warm egg rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Nut Toppings: Chopped almonds or pecans sprinkled on top add extra crunch.

2. Storing Leftovers

Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until crisp.

To freeze, arrange the baked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag and store for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are a fantastic dessert for beginners because they offer all the comforting flavors of apple pie with a much simpler preparation process. The crispy wrapper, creamy filling, and spiced apple center create a perfect balance of texture and taste.

By following this recipe, even those with little experience in the kitchen can achieve a delicious and impressive dessert with minimal effort. Whether making them for a family gathering, holiday treat, or personal indulgence, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, share your experience and any creative variations you made. Enjoy the process of baking, experimenting, and savoring these delightful Apple Pie Egg Rolls.