These Baked Apple Pie Fries are a delightful twist on a classic apple pie, perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging in solo. The pastry is crisped to perfection, with a sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple filling inside. Served alongside a velvety salted caramel dipping sauce, this dish balances the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together or simply craving something cozy, these apple pie fries are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and full of that comforting apple pie flavor we all love, making them a perfect treat for the season.
Full Recipe:
- 1 1/4 cups canned Apple Pie Filling
- 3 tbsp sugar (white, brown, or raw)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 sheets frozen shortcrust pastry (25cm/10″ square) or 14 oz refrigerated pie crust
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar granules (optional, for sprinkling)
- Oil spray
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Directions:
- In a food processor, blend the apple pie filling, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Place one sheet of frozen pastry on a flat surface. Spread the apple mixture over it, leaving a thin border. Place the second pastry sheet on top.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar granules if desired. Freeze for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and spray a large baking tray with oil.
- Remove the pastry from the freezer, let it soften for 5-10 minutes, then cut into “fries.”
- Arrange the fries on the baking tray and let them come to room temperature. Bake for 15-25 minutes until golden.
- For the sauce, heat sugar and water in a small pan. Let it turn golden, then carefully add cream, salt, and butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Serve the fries with the salted caramel sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 75 per fry | Servings: 36 fries
Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce: The Perfect Fall Dessert
When it comes to fall desserts, nothing quite captures the essence of the season like apple pie. The warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the flaky, buttery pastry are comfort foods at their best. But what if you could take the classic apple pie and turn it into a fun, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for parties, sharing, or just a solo indulgence? Enter Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce—a delicious twist on the traditional pie that combines all the familiar flavors of apple pie into crispy “fries” paired with a luxurious salted caramel sauce.
This recipe offers a new way to enjoy the iconic dessert, without the need for forks or plates. It’s fun, easy to make, and perfect for both kids and adults. Let’s take a deeper dive into why this recipe should be a staple in your autumn baking routine.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Pie Fries
- Perfect for Parties and Gatherings: These apple pie fries are an ideal finger food dessert for casual entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering, a family get-together, or a festive holiday party, these fries make the perfect bite-sized treat that guests can easily pick up and enjoy.
- Fun Twist on a Classic: Apple pie is a beloved classic, but serving it in the form of fries makes it even more fun and approachable. Each fry is packed with the same comforting flavors you expect from a slice of apple pie, but in a crispy, snackable form.
- Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet fries. Children will love dipping the crispy strips into the salted caramel sauce, while adults will appreciate the nostalgic flavors of apple pie in a new format.
- Easy to Customize: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness level by using tart or sweet apples, change the spices to suit your preferences, or even add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to bring out more fall flavors. The salted caramel dipping sauce can be swapped for vanilla or whipped cream for those who prefer a lighter option.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These fries can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, allowing you to bake them fresh whenever you’re ready to serve. Simply pop them into the oven, and they’ll crisp up beautifully. The salted caramel sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Key Features of the Recipe
- Apple Pie in Every Bite: The combination of apple pie filling, sugar, and cinnamon makes every fry taste like a bite of apple pie. The pastry holds the filling perfectly, ensuring that each fry is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Golden, Crispy Texture: Baking the apple pie fries gives them a golden-brown, crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender apple filling. The egg wash and optional sugar granules on top add extra crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce: The salted caramel sauce takes this dish to the next level. The combination of sweet apple pie flavors with the rich, slightly salty caramel creates a perfect balance that elevates the dish. The caramel sauce is easy to make and adds a luxurious, indulgent element to the dessert.
- Healthier than Deep-Fried Desserts: Unlike many fried desserts, these apple pie fries are baked, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. You still get the crispy edges and tender filling, but without the extra oil and calories that come with deep frying.
Why Salted Caramel Works So Well with Apple Pie
The pairing of apples and caramel is a time-tested combination that never fails. The tartness of apples is beautifully balanced by the rich sweetness of caramel. But when you add a hint of salt to the caramel, it transforms the flavor profile into something even more special.
- Balance of Sweet and Salty: Salted caramel enhances the sweetness of the apple pie filling while adding depth to the overall flavor. The slight saltiness cuts through the richness of the caramel, preventing it from becoming overly sweet.
- Texture Contrast: The smooth, creamy texture of the caramel dipping sauce contrasts with the crispy apple pie fries, providing an irresistible combination in each bite.
- Gourmet Appeal: While the ingredients for salted caramel are simple (sugar, cream, butter, and salt), the result is an elegant and sophisticated sauce that elevates any dessert. The addition of salted caramel to these apple pie fries gives them a gourmet twist, making this dish suitable for special occasions as well as casual gatherings.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
One of the best things about Baked Apple Pie Fries is how versatile they are. You can serve them in a variety of ways to suit the occasion or your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Brunch or Dessert: These fries are a great option for brunch, especially when served alongside coffee, tea, or cider. They also make a perfect dessert for after-dinner treats, especially when served warm.
- Alternative Dipping Sauces: While salted caramel is the traditional pairing, you can get creative with different dipping sauces. Try serving these fries with chocolate sauce, vanilla custard, or even a tangy cream cheese dip. Each dip brings out different aspects of the apple and pastry flavors.
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the apple pie fries with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side. The combination of warm fries and cold ice cream is a classic dessert pairing that never disappoints.
- Make It Vegan: With a few substitutions, this recipe can be made vegan. Swap the egg wash for a plant-based milk (like almond or soy) to brush over the pastry, and use a vegan butter substitute in the caramel sauce. You can also find vegan shortcrust pastry in many grocery stores.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Baked Apple Pie Fries turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Freeze the Pastry: After sandwiching the filling between the two layers of pastry, freezing the dough before cutting is essential. This step helps prevent the filling from squirting out when you cut the pastry into strips and ensures each fry has a generous amount of filling.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the fries while they’re baking. Depending on your oven and the brand of pastry you’re using, the cooking time may vary slightly. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
- Serve Fresh: These fries are best served fresh out of the oven. While you can store leftovers, they tend to lose their crispness over time. To refresh them, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up again.
Conclusion
Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce are a delightful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie in a fun, finger-food format. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive fall celebrations. The crispy, sweet fries paired with rich, salted caramel dipping sauce offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
These fries are versatile, easy to make, and offer a fresh take on a beloved classic. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to whip up for a party or a fun, creative way to enjoy apple pie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, try it out, and experience the magic of apple pie fries—your taste buds will thank you!