Caramel Drizzled Apple Pie Egg Rolls

In our neighborhood, every Halloween, we do something a little quirky. Instead of just passing out candy, we hold a little block party where each household brings a hand-held dessert that screams fall. Last year, the Parkers made mini caramel apples, the Nguyens served pumpkin empanadas, and I still unsure of what to make looked at the overflowing basket of apples on my kitchen counter and just stared.

My daughter had brought them home after her field trip to an orchard upstate. While slicing a few for her lunchbox the next day, I wondered what if I could turn these into something crispy, warm, and portable?

That evening, I got to work. With music playing and my little one sitting on the counter munching apple slices, I simmered them with butter, sugar, and spice. But instead of making a pie, I reached for a stack of egg roll wrappers leftover from a spring roll night. The idea clicked instantly. I assembled, rolled, and fried until golden brown. The smell of cinnamon and butter filled the whole kitchen.

By party time, I had a plate of Apple Pie Egg Rolls stacked and dusted like snowy logs. They disappeared before the cider even finished brewing. A teenager came back for seconds and whispered, “You should sell these.” I didn’t. But I made them again last week for a PTA brunch, and they were just as good. So here it is my crispy, spiced, golden secret to share.

Short Description

Crispy Apple Pie Egg Rolls combine the warm spiced filling of classic apple pie with the crunchy exterior of egg roll wrappers

Key Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Egg Rolls

• 10–12 egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Topping & Serving

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Caramel sauce, optional
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, optional

Tools Needed

• Medium skillet
• Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl (for egg wash)
• Frying pan or pot (if deep frying)
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Air fryer (optional)
• Paper towels

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir thoroughly, and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg and roll tightly to seal. Repeat for remaining wrappers.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2 to 3 egg rolls at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Alternative Method: Air Fryer Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush egg rolls with oil. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 4: Finish and Serve
While still warm, dust egg rolls with powdered sugar. Serve them on a platter with caramel sauce for dipping or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crispy outside, warm spiced apple center

Quicker and easier than traditional apple pie

Great for parties, brunches, and holidays

Can be fried or air-fried to suit preferences

Pairs beautifully with caramel or ice cream

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using mushy apples
Soft apples break down too much during cooking.
Solution: Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for a nice texture.

Overfilling the wrapper
Filling can burst out and make a mess while frying.
Solution: Use no more than 2 tablespoons of filling per roll and seal tightly.

Skipping the flour in the filling
Without it, the filling stays runny.
Solution: Always stir in a spoonful of flour to thicken the mixture.

Frying in oil that’s too hot or too cold
Too hot and it burns, too cool and it gets soggy.
Solution: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F. Test with a thermometer or a small drop of batter.

Not letting the filling cool before wrapping
Hot filling can soften the wrapper and cause tears.
Solution: Let filling cool at least 10 minutes before assembling.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a drizzle of warm caramel

Pair with whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream

Add to a brunch table with cinnamon rolls or muffins

Present on a dessert board with dipping sauces

Serve plated with chopped pecans for crunch

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat (oven): Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through.

Reheat (air fryer): 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes.

Avoid microwave: Makes them soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

2. Can these be baked instead of fried?
Yes, but they won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, brushing with oil first.

3. Can I use store-bought pie filling?
It works in a pinch, but homemade gives better texture and flavor.

4. What apples work best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for balance, or Fuji for natural sweetness.

5. Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze uncooked rolls. Fry or air fry straight from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes.

Tips & Tricks

Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for best results.

Try adding a pinch of salt to the filling to enhance the sweetness.

Rolling tightly helps prevent leaks during frying.

If using air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches.

Recipe Variations

1. Cinnamon Pear Egg Rolls
Swap apples for ripe but firm pears. Add a touch more lemon juice and reduce sugar slightly. Prepare the same way for a soft and spiced alternative.

2. Salted Caramel Apple Rolls
Add chopped soft caramels to the apple mixture while cooking. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving. Intensifies richness.

3. Chai-Spiced Apple Pie Egg Rolls
Add ½ tsp ground cardamom and a pinch of ground ginger to the filling for a deeper, warming spice profile.

4. Apple-Cranberry Version
Stir in ¼ cup dried cranberries with the apples for a tart contrast. Excellent with whipped cream.

5. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers and ensure flour used is certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This began as a quick answer to a fall gathering something festive, simple, and easy to share. As the apple filling simmered and the wrappers crisped in the pan, the kitchen filled with warm, spiced aromas. Each bite of these Apple Pie Egg Rolls brought that familiar autumn comfort in the most unexpected form.

At the party, they disappeared within minutes. A few guests circled back with quiet enthusiasm, asking for the filling recipe or how to fold them. It’s always a good sign when people trade glances over the last one left on the plate.

Now there’s usually a pack of egg roll wrappers in the fridge and apples in the fruit bowl, ready for the next excuse to make them. Apple Pie Egg Rolls come together quickly, deliver a little magic, and bring that just-right blend of crunch and warmth every time.