If you love the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie but want a fresh, fun twist, this Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine bites of tender, cinnamony apple filling wrapped in delicate rice paper, baked to a perfectly crisp golden finish. It’s a beautiful fusion where traditional dessert meets playful presentation, making it ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy snack. Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll move to the top of your must-make list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a divinely fragrant and textured filling wrapped in crisp rice paper. Each element plays a special role—from the spicy warmth of cinnamon to the subtle tang of lemon juice—ensuring every bite sings with autumnal goodness.
- Rice paper wrappers: The delicate, translucent outer layer that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Apples: Peeled, cored, and finely diced to create a tender and juicy filling.
- Coconut oil or butter: Adds richness and helps cook down the apples to syrupy perfection.
- Brown sugar or maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that gives this dish its quintessential apple pie flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the spice mix.
- Lemon juice: Balances sweetness with a bright, fresh zing.
- Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the filling so it holds together beautifully inside the rolls.
- Cooking spray or additional oil: For brushing the rolls to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your rice paper rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect, golden crust every time.
Step 2: Cook the apple filling
Melt your coconut oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and lemon juice. Cook this mix gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture turns sweetly syrupy. If you want a firmer filling that won’t leak, stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute. Then, let the filling cool slightly—this helps it set and makes rolling easier.
Step 3: Soften the rice paper wrappers
Fill a shallow dish with warm water and dip a rice paper wrapper in for 10 to 15 seconds until it becomes pliable but still holds its shape. Lay it carefully on a clean surface ready for filling. This is the fun part where you get to feel your way to a perfect wrap.
Step 4: Fill and roll the wrappers
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the bottom third of the softened wrapper. Fold in the sides neatly and then roll it up tight from the bottom like you’re making a spring roll. The goal is a snug package that keeps all the luscious apple goodness intact while baking.
Step 5: Place rolls on baking sheet and prepare for baking
Set each roll seam-side down onto your lined baking sheet. Repeat the process with all wrappers and apple filling. Then lightly brush or spray each roll with a little oil. This step is key—it creates the crisp crust that’s irresistible to bite into.
Step 6: Bake until golden and crisp
Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through cooking. Watch as the rice paper transforms, becoming beautifully golden and crispy on both sides. This aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like fall magic.
Step 7: Let cool and enjoy!
Allow the rolls to cool slightly to develop their full flavor and texture. Serve them warm as they are, or elevate the experience with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dip into rich caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt. Every bite is a cozy hug wrapped in a delicate crispy shell.
How to Serve Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant sweetness and looks beautiful against the golden rolls. For extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel or add a small bowl of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream on the side. Fresh mint leaves also create a lovely contrast in color and a refreshing lift.
Side Dishes
These apple pie rice paper rolls pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert vibe. If you’re serving them as a snack or appetizer, consider a side of spiced chai tea or coffee to complement the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your rolls on a rustic wooden board scattered with cinnamon sticks and little apple slices for a charming presentation. You can also serve them in individual small plates with a drizzle of honey or a swirl of chocolate sauce to jazz up the look and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked apple pie rice paper rolls keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, avoid stacking them; instead, place a piece of parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a zip-top bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge and then bake as directed. This method means you always have a cozy treat ready on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, place rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes their crispness while gently warming the fragrant filling inside.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully for balance, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add a different twist; just adjust the sugar accordingly.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, rice paper wrappers are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert a great option for those avoiding gluten.
What if I don’t have cornstarch—can I skip it?
You can skip the cornstarch, although using it helps prevent the filling from being too runny, especially when baking. If you omit it, be cautious with wetness levels and draining apples well.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Definitely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. The air fryer makes them even crispier and quicker!
Can I make these rolls ahead and bake later?
Yes, prepare and roll them in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge. Add the oil and bake freshly when ready to serve for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls Recipe enough for anyone looking to blend childhood nostalgia with a modern twist. This recipe is inviting, easy, and full of cozy flavors you can share with friends or treat yourself to on a quiet afternoon. Give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, wrapped in crispy rice paper and baked to golden perfection. Filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and sweetened naturally, these rolls offer a crispy, warm, and comforting dessert that’s perfect for a healthier treat or an impressive party snack.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 6 rice paper wrappers
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, helps thicken the filling)
For Baking
- Cooking spray or additional oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the coconut oil or butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and coated in a syrupy mixture. If using cornstarch, stir it in now and cook for an additional minute to thicken the filling. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for about 10 to 15 seconds until it’s pliable but still firm enough to roll without tearing. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
- Fill and Roll: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Fold the sides inward to encase the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, similar to rolling a spring roll, ensuring no gaps remain.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each assembled roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling to make six rolls in total.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the surface of each roll with oil. This step helps the rice paper crisp up beautifully during baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through baking to ensure that both sides become golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as they are, or enhance with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter and brown sugar.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste by varying the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- If you want a thicker apple filling, cornstarch is recommended, but you can omit it if preferred.
- Rice paper wrappers can be delicate; ensure not to soak for too long to avoid tearing.
- These rolls can be served warm or at room temperature and make a great portable dessert or snack.
