Easy Apple Pie Egg Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling

Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Key takeaways:

• A fast, fun twist on classic apple pie, ready in under 40 minutes.
• The secret to a non-soggy filling is a small amount of cornstarch.
• Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for easy assembly without torn wrappers.
• Perfect for baking or air frying, making them a versatile dessert option.
• Easily customizable with ingredient substitutions for dietary needs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients List for Apple Pie Egg Rolls
• Timing
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Nutritional Information
• Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Serving Suggestions
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storing Tips for the Recipe
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

Did you know that over 65% of home bakers are actively seeking ways to reinvent classic desserts with a fun, modern twist? We often get stuck in the rut of making the same apple pie, but what if you could capture that iconic flavor in a portable, crispy, and utterly irresistible package? That’s precisely the magic of Apple Pie Egg Rolls. This ingenious fusion dessert takes the warm, spiced heart of a traditional apple pie and wraps it in a delightfully crisp shell, creating a handheld treat that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or a unique dessert offering. Forget everything you thought you knew about complicated pastries; this recipe, crafted by Chef Mia, is about to become your new go-to for wowing a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to dessert perfection. This list is designed for flavor balance and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredible baked apple pie egg rolls:

For the Filling:

• 5 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 3½ cups): Granny Smiths are essential. Their firm texture holds up during baking, and their tartness beautifully offsets the sweet sugars and rich cream cheese.
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed: This adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that white sugar can’t provide, complementing the warm spices.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice for any apple dessert.
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch: This is our secret weapon! It thickens the natural juices from the apples, preventing a soggy egg roll.

For Assembly:

• 22-24 egg roll wrappers: Found in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores. Their thin, wheat-based dough gets incredibly crispy.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (about 2 teaspoons per egg roll): The room temperature part is non-negotiable. It makes the cream cheese easy to spread and prevents it from tearing the delicate wrappers. This adds a luxurious, tangy creaminess that elevates the rolls beyond ordinary fried apple pastries.

For Baking & Finishing:

• Cooking oil or cooking spray: A light coating is all you need for a golden, crispy bake. Avocado or canola oil spray works great.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• ½ cup caramel topping, warmed, for dipping: The pièce de résistance. The warm, gooey caramel sauce is the perfect dip for these crispy dessert egg rolls.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Apples: Can’t find Granny Smith? Honeycrisp or Braeburn are excellent substitutes.
• Sugar: You can use all granulated sugar if needed, but you’ll lose the deeper flavor of the brown sugar.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
• Air Fryer Option: These work wonderfully in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Timing

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its speed. From prep to plate, you’re looking at:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes

That’s nearly 50% faster than baking a traditional double-crust apple pie, making these quick apple pie rolls a fantastic solution for impromptu guests or last-minute dessert cravings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Station
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your rolls are ready to go. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Spiced Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, gently toss together the finely diced Granny Smith apples, packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the cornstarch. Ensure the apples are evenly coated. The cornstarch will seem like a small amount, but it’s crucial for the right consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay a single egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, oriented like a diamond. Place 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture in the center. Dollop about 2 teaspoons of the room-temperature cream cheese right on top. Now, fold like a pro: fold the bottom corner up over the filling, fold the left and right corners inward, then roll it up tightly towards the top corner. Use a dab of water on the final corner to seal the edge securely. Repeat this process for all wrappers.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the sealed egg rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with cooking oil—this is what gives them that gorgeous, golden-brown, baked-not-fried crispness. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when lightly tapped.

Step 5: The Cinnamon Sugar Coat
While the rolls are baking, mix the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. As soon as the apple pie egg rolls come out of the oven, carefully roll each one in this cinnamon-sugar mixture. The residual heat will help the sugar adhere perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade apple pie egg rolls immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Provide a small bowl of warmed caramel topping for dipping. The combination of hot, spiced apples, creamy cheese, crispy wrapper, and sweet caramel is nothing short of divine.

Nutritional Information

Please note: The following is an estimate per egg roll (based on a yield of 23) and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Fat: ~4g
• Protein: ~2g
• Sugar: ~10g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten up this treat? It’s easy!

• Reduce Sugar: You can slightly reduce the brown sugar in the filling by a tablespoon or two without majorly impacting the texture.
• Lighter Cream Cheese: Use a reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese.
• Boost Fiber: Use whole wheat egg roll wrappers if you can find them.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol that measures 1:1 like sugar, and a sugar-free caramel syrup.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are incredibly versatile!

• A La Mode: Take them to the next level by serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The hot-and-cold contrast is phenomenal.
• Dessert Charcuterie: Slice them in half diagonally and arrange them on a platter with other finger desserts for a stunning party display.
• Drizzle, Don’t Dip: Instead of a dipping bowl, artistically drizzle the caramel and a little melted chocolate over the plated rolls for a gourmet restaurant presentation.

If you love this fusion dessert, you might also enjoy our recipe for Churro Cheesecake Bites, another fantastic handheld treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Soggy Rolls: The main culprit is under-draining juicy fillings or skipping the cornstarch. Always use cornstarch as directed.
• Torn Wrappers: Using cold, hard cream cheese can tear the wrapper. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for easy spreading.
• Uneven Cooking: Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the rolls instead of baking them. Give them a little space for the hot air to circulate.
• Not Sealing Properly: If you don’t seal the final edge with water, your rolls can burst open during baking, letting the filling ooze out.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls a day in advance. Arrange them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Storing Leftovers: Allow baked rolls to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Re-crisp them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. The microwave will make them soft.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked, assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the original bake time.

For more great make-ahead dessert ideas, check out our guide to Freezer-Friendly Desserts.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Egg Rolls are the ultimate fusion dessert, combining classic spiced apple pie filling with a crispy, baked egg roll wrapper and a creamy surprise. Ready in under 40 minutes, they are an impressive, crowd-pleasing treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for any occasion, from a family snack to a party showstopper.

We’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Share your experience, tips, or photos in the comments section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and innovative recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

FAQs

Q: Can I fry these apple pie egg rolls instead of baking them?
A: Absolutely! For a more traditional, decadent treat, you can deep-fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel before rolling in the cinnamon sugar.

Q: I can’t find egg roll wrappers. What can I use instead?
A: Spring roll wrappers are thinner and will work but will result in a more delicate, flakier texture. You could also use wonton wrappers to make smaller, bite-sized apple pie bites.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
A: Ensure you don’t overfill the wrappers and that you seal the final edge very well with water. The cornstarch in the filling is also critical, as it thickens the juices and minimizes leakage.

Q: Can I use pre-made apple pie filling?
A: You can, but the result will be much sweeter and softer. If using canned filling, drain it well and consider omitting or drastically reducing the added brown sugar in the recipe.

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