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I whipped up these Apple-Filled Egg Rolls when I was longing for apple pie but needed something simpler to pass around at get-togethers. Imagine this: toasty apple chunks with cinnamon and smooth cream cheese all bundled in a crunchy wrapper dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. They're basically handheld apple pies that folks can just grab and munch!
What's So Special About Them
I'm crazy about how these treats give you everything you want. That fantastic snap when you chomp into the outer layer followed by those sweet warm apples inside just feels like home cooking at its best. You can pop them in the oven, toss them in an air fryer, or go traditional with deep frying—they turn out fantastic no matter what. I bring these to everything from lazy TV nights to proper dinner gatherings.
What You'll Need
- Granny Smith Apples: 2 cups cut into small chunks after peeling. Their tartness works wonders against the sweet stuff.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Look for these in the cool section at your store; they work for so many recipes.
- Cream Cheese: Straight from the fridge, roughly 2 teaspoons for each roll. It adds this amazing creaminess.
- Sugar and Cinnamon: Combined for that must-have coating.
- Caramel Sauce: Not required, but honestly, it makes dipping them so much better.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Prep Your Apple Mix
- Dice those Granny Smiths, toss them with sugar and cinnamon, plus a bit of lemon juice to stop browning. Let this sit while you get the rest ready.
- Wrap Everything Up
- Take each wrapper, drop cream cheese and apple mix in the center. Pull the sides in and roll everything up tightly. Use a dab of water on the edges to make sure it stays closed.
- Baking Method
- Get your oven heated to 375°F. Put them on a lined baking tray and cook for 15-20 minutes. Turn them over halfway for crispiness all around.
- Add The Finishing Sweetness
- When they're still hot, roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Add some caramel drizzle if you're going all out.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you've got an air fryer handy, these turn out amazing at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes. When you really want that extra crunch, heat some oil to 375°F and fry until they turn golden brown, just a few minutes per side. Both ways make the outside perfectly crispy.
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Storage Tips
Store any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days. They're okay cold, but they're way better when you warm them back up in the oven or air fryer to get that crunch back. And don't throw away that caramel sauce—it's perfect for dipping later!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
They're tastiest when fresh and warm. Prepping the filling a day earlier works fine, but avoid rolling too early to keep them crunchy.
- → Is frying an option?
Absolutely, deep frying is fine. Just make sure to seal them tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- → Why use tart apples like Granny Smith?
They add a zesty balance to the sweetness while staying firm when cooked. Other crisp apples work too.
- → Can I freeze them unbaked?
Sure, wrap them securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake frozen with some extra time added.
- → What’s the purpose of cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch thickens the juices from the apples, preventing the middle from turning too watery.