Apple Pie Fries

I might not be the world’s largest fan of apple pie, but seeing these “fries” made me gasp.  They looked too fun for words!  I could just imagine the crispy texture of apple pie crust dipped into caramel sauce and then into my mouth.  I could save time and buy pie crust.  Boxes of premade pie crust happened to be on sale that week.  These fries were meant to be!

I’d made some apple pie filling to use up apples from a friend even before I ran across this recipe.  I did mash them up finer to use between the two pie crusts and it was perfect for these fries.  I couldn’t have timed that better!  Between having pie filling and the crusts being on sale, my luck was at a peak!

Let crust come to room temp and roll out

I left the box of crusts on the counter until it reached room temperature.  I laid the first crust out on the counter.

Spread apple pie filling to edges

I spread the pie filling over the crust making sure it was evenly spread to 1/8″ of the edges.  The recipe said to do that but I didn’t see the point.  Next time I’d spread it to the edges.  A lot of crust was wasted all around the circle because there was no filling on it!

Cover with second crust and brush with beaten egg

I placed the second crust on top and covered it with the beaten egg.

Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg mixture

I sprinkled the crust with the cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar mixture.

Cut into 1/2″ strips

I cut the pie circle into generous 1/2″ strips, then into smaller lengths to imitate French fries.  I placed them on parchment covered baking sheets and baked each sheet for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.  I eyeballed them, waiting until they were nicely browned and resembled deep-fried French fries.

Cut into fry sized lengths and bake on parchment covered baking sheets for 20 minutes or until browned

I stored them in an airtight container until serving with a squeeze bottle of caramel sauce on the dessert buffet.  I was surprised they stayed firm and crispy and didn’t fall apart.  I’d wondered how that would work and they did turn out beautifully!

Apple Pie Fries

My family was thrilled with these apple pie fries.  They loved having a little mound of pie fries with caramel drizzled over them.  The kids thought they were pretty neat!  I was happy there were plenty leftover for future late night nibbles.  Along with pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and other desserts, we believe in overkill.  But leftovers are always welcome!

Apple Pie Fries

1 package Refrigerated Pie Crust (2 crusts) or make your own if you prefer!
10 ounces apple pie filling
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
Sparkling sugar for topping (optional)  (I didn’t have any and we didn’t miss it)
Caramel sauce for dipping

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray or use parchment paper.

Allow crusts to warm to room temperature to make them easier to work with.

Pulse apple pie filling in food processor a few brief times to reduce it to smaller pieces.  Spread over top of one crust.

Place second crust on top and brush with beaten egg.  Mix together sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and sprinkle over pieces.

Cut circle into 1/2″ strips and then cut to fry sized lengths.

Sprinkle with sparkling sugar to resemble salt if desired.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and store in airtight container.  The store best refrigerated, or even frozen.

Adapted from Cincy Shopper