Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe

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If you adore the comforting flavors of apple pie but want a fun twist that’s crispy and perfect for sharing, you absolutely must try this Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apple filling nestled inside flaky, golden pastry strips that are baked to perfection and paired with a luscious, buttery salted caramel sauce. This delightful treat brings all the cozy nostalgia of apple pie in a new, shareable form that’s simply irresistible for dessert lovers and snackers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of sweet, spice, and flaky goodness. Each one brings its own magic — from the spiced apple filling to the crisp pastry and the rich caramel sauce, every layer contributes to an unforgettable experience.

• Apple Pie Filling: Using canned filling makes it quick and flavorful, with just the right apple sweetness and cinnamon spice to infuse the fries.
• Sugar: Choose your favorite—white, brown, or raw—to add sweetness and a little bit of caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds that classic warmth that elevates the apple flavor.
• Frozen Shortcrust Pastry or Refrigerated Pie Crust: The flaky base for the fries, which browns beautifully in the oven.
• Egg: For brushing on top to help achieve a gorgeous golden color and a slight sheen.
• Sugar granules (optional): Sprinkled on top for a delicate crunch and extra sweetness.
• Oil spray: To ensure the fries don’t stick and bake evenly on the tray.
• Caster sugar, water, heavy cream, salt, and unsalted butter: The key components for the salted caramel dipping sauce that adds indulgent richness to every bite.

How to Make Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by combining the canned apple pie filling, sugar, and cinnamon in a food processor. Whizz everything until it’s beautifully smooth. This step ensures the filling evenly spreads across the pastry, giving every fry that consistent apple-cinnamon sweetness.

Step 2: Assemble the Pastry Layers

Working quickly, so the pastry stays cold, lay one sheet flat on your board. Spread the smooth apple filling across it, leaving a small border for sealing. Then, carefully place the second sheet on top. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar granules if you like that little added crunch. Pop it into the freezer for at least an hour — this chills everything perfectly for crisp baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Tray

Get your oven ready at 180°C (350°F). Spray a large baking tray with oil or use two smaller trays. This step keeps your apple pie fries from sticking and helps them cook evenly to a golden crisp.

Step 4: Partially Defrost the Pastry Before Cutting

Remove the pastry from the freezer and let it soften just enough so it won’t crack when sliced — about 5 to 10 minutes is perfect. Keep the pie filling frozen solid so it holds its shape during cutting.

Step 5: Cut Into Fries

Using a large knife, slice the pastry into strips reminiscent of fries — 12 vertical cuts about 2 cm wide, then 3 horizontal cuts roughly 8 cm long, making 36 fun, bite-size pieces. Take care while cutting to keep the edges clean and neat.

Step 6: Arrange and Rest Before Baking

Gently transfer your apple pie fries onto the prepared tray(s) and let them come to room temperature as the oven finishes heating. This helps them bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the fries for 15 to 25 minutes until they puff up and develop a deep golden brown color on top. The sweet cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen at this point is downright irresistible and announces that dessert is almost ready!

Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Once baked, allow your fries to rest for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly and are easier to handle. Moving them to a cooling rack here helps keep the bottoms crisp and not soggy.

Step 9: Make and Serve with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce

Prepare the rich salted caramel sauce by cooking sugar and water until golden, then stir in cream, salt, and butter for that perfect balance of sweet and salty. Serve the warm apple pie fries alongside this sauce for dunking heaven.

How to Serve Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of cinnamon on top makes these fries look even more tempting, while a few chopped nuts like pecans can add a lovely crunch that contrasts the soft filling.

Side Dishes

These fries are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy twist, add a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cider alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe in small mason jars, shareable plates, or even as finger food at gatherings. Lining the serving tray with parchment paper gives a rustic charm that suits the dessert perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the fries crisp, separate layers with parchment paper and avoid refrigeration if possible.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled pastry (after step 2) wrapped tightly for up to a month. Bake from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, which comes in handy for busy days when you crave this treat.

Reheating

Reheat leftover baked fries in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to revive their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade filling adds a lovely fresh flavor, but keep in mind you want it smooth enough to spread easily, so consider pureeing it before assembling.

What if I don’t have shortcrust pastry or refrigerated pie crust?

You can use puff pastry as a substitute, though the texture will be flakier and lighter rather than crisp and crumbly, but it will still be delicious!

Is there a way to make the salted caramel sauce less sweet?

Yes! You can reduce the sugar slightly or add a bit more salt to balance out the sweetness without losing that classic caramel flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

For gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust or pastry and ensure your apple pie filling and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. It may alter the texture slightly but still be wonderful.

How do I keep the fries from getting soggy?

Chilling the assembled pastry before baking and serving the fries soon after baking keeps them crisp. Also, avoid stacking them while hot and store them with parchment paper if refrigerating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe with friends and family. It’s a creative take on a classic favorite that’s simple to make yet feels extra special. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to dessert for cozy nights and festive occasions alike. So go ahead and bake up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!

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