Name: Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American-Chinese Fusion
Ingredients: 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 3/8-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 8 egg roll wrappers; Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep); 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon

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If you have a sweet tooth and a love for crispy, golden treats, you are in for a real delight with this Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe. Imagine the warm, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped snugly in a crispy egg roll wrapper, fried to perfection, and coated with cinnamon sugar for that irresistible crunch and sweetness. This recipe takes the classic comfort of apple pie and transforms it into a fun, handheld snack that’s perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself. It’s simple, fun to make, and absolutely delicious, bringing a bit of that Panda Express magic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slightly worn metal baking tray with a white marbled texture beneath it. On the tray, there are two folded pale beige square sheets of pastry stacked on the right side. To the left, there is a bright green apple next to a small yellow lemon. Above these fruits, there is a small clear glass bowl with light brown cinnamon powder, next to another small clear bowl with white powder. Below the cinnamon bowl, there is a bigger clear glass bowl filled with white sugar crystals. The colors are soft and natural, with the rustic metal tray contrasting the fresh fruits and powdered ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients together for this Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe is super straightforward. Each one plays a key role—whether bringing sweetness, tartness, spice, or that perfect crispy texture. Once you have these on hand, you’re set for a fun cooking adventure.

3 medium Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances wonderfully with the sweet and spicy filling.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a bright note that keeps the apples from browning and enhances freshness.
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon: The warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent it from being too runny.
8 egg roll wrappers: Crispy, golden shells for that delightful crunch.
Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve that perfect golden finish.
1/4 cup sugar & 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating): Mixed together to give that signature cinnamon-sugar exterior coating.

How to Make Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and dicing your Granny Smith apples into attractive, bite-sized pieces—about 3/8-inch is perfect. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix everything until the apples are evenly coated with those warm, fragrant spices and the sugar begins to dissolve. This step sets the foundation for that juicy, flavorful filling.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Transfer your mixture to a saucepan and cook it over medium heat. This is where the magic happens—the apples soften just enough and the filling thickens to a sticky, luscious texture that won’t leak out of your egg rolls. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or burning, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s thick and bubbly, take it off the heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes so it’s safe to handle during assembly.

Step 3: Wrap the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on your surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape). Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in both sides snugly. Rolling tightly from the bottom up, seal the top corner with a dab of water. Proper wrapping is key so your delicious filling stays inside while frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed pot or fryer. Carefully place 2 to 3 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently to ensure even browning on all sides. Once they’re a gorgeous golden brown and wonderfully crispy, remove the egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. The aroma here is just heavenly!

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, and while your egg rolls are still warm, roll each one in the mixture. This extra step adds a sweet, crunchy coating that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve these immediately for the best experience—warm, crispy, and bursting with spiced apple flavor.

How to Serve Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe

A white plate is filled with seven golden brown fried rolls stacked on top of each other, showing a crispy and bubbly texture on the outside. One roll is broken open at the front of the plate, revealing a filling of diced light yellow and pale green apple pieces inside. The plate sits on off-white cloth napkins with a red striped pattern on a white marbled surface. A green apple is placed in the top right background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle some powdered sugar over your egg rolls or add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A light drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can also elevate the dessert feel and add a luscious touch.

Side Dishes

While these egg rolls shine on their own, pairing them with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or cinnamon-spiced cider can create the ultimate cozy snack or dessert moment. These beverages complement the warmth of the apple pie filling beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like whipped cream or caramel sauce. You can also slice them diagonally for bite-sized pieces, making a fun finger-food platter perfect for parties or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that while they’ll still taste great, the egg roll wrappers may soften a bit with time.

Freezing

You can freeze un-fried, wrapped egg rolls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. This makes for a handy, quick dessert option whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the wrappers soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great because of their tartness and firm texture, but you can swap in Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, softer filling. Just adjust the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

Is it necessary to fry the egg rolls? Can I bake them?

Frying gives you that signature crispy, golden finish, but if you prefer baking, you can brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure the filling is cooled completely before wrapping, and roll the egg rolls snugly but gently. Seal the edges well with water to keep everything inside during frying.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! The filling is naturally vegan, and most egg roll wrappers are vegan, but double-check the packaging to be sure. Use vegetable oil for frying to keep it plant-based.

What’s the best way to serve the cinnamon sugar coating?

Rolling the egg rolls in the cinnamon sugar immediately after frying while they are hot ensures the coating sticks beautifully. If the sugar seems clumpy, give it a quick stir before coating.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls Recipe enough for anyone who loves a cozy, sweet treat with a little fun twist. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or to impress guests, it’s an easy, joyful recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy apple pie!