These little apple pie rolls with fillo pastry taste extraordinary and are so addictive that you might want to make a triple batch! They're great for parties and holidays or as an afternoon snack.
If you're running out of ideas to sweeten your Sundays after lunch, apple pie rolls with fillo are the perfect choice for you.
They are not difficult to make, and they don't require everyone who enjoys great culinary abilities plus their extraordinary taste.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is a traditional dessert in many countries, so it is hard to determine where it pulls its roots. If I would guess, I'd say Eve didn't just stop at that first apple. You tell a woman she can't have it, and she'll tell you: watch me! 😜
Apples in the buttery dough, puff pastry, cake batter, or with oatmeal, pasta, and cheese, in a salad, and even in combination with alcohol are just some of the ways you can enjoy this favorite autumn fruit.🍎
In my homeland Bosnia and the surrounding regions, apple pie is made using fillo dough.
The apple filling is either layered between the sheets or rolled up into large rolls and spiraled like this zucchini ricotta pie, which is then sliced into portions after it's baked.
They are also drenched in a sugary syrup (like baklava), which makes for some sticky mess and requires a fork. I wanted the same taste without the mess, and these little apple rolls are just the perfect solution.
Fillo pastry is lower in carbs than traditional pie crust and a great substitute for puff pastry. Have you tried making pot pies with fillo? Talk about a yummy and pretty dish that is also classic comfort food!
Specialty Ingredient:
Svenskar (apparently they do not like being called Swedes) are obsessed with cardamom, and I can see why.
In addition to cinnamon, it turned this recipe from a perfect one to the 'I should've made a double batch' one. Cardamom is a staple in the Scandinavian baking pantry, and it should be in yours too.
🔪 Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium-size cast-iron or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the apples, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring, until apples are tender and the sugar is melted and gooey,
- Stir in cinnamon, cardamom, and breadcrumbs. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Gently remove 6 fillo sheets from the package and keep them covered under a kitchen towel. They dry out pretty quickly, so it is important to keep them covered.
- Place three sheets on the clean working surface. Cut the layered sheets into half lengthwise, then each half into thirds. You want to get a total of 6 equal squares (trim the sheets if necessary).
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the middle of a fillo square (best if you turn the square, so it looks diamond-shaped). Fold up the bottom half and tightly fold in the sides. Gently roll, then seal the fold with a couple of drops of water. Repeat with the remaining apple mixture. (See GIF above)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil (it should reach 1" up the pan). Add the rolls and fry until golden, about one minute per side (do in batches). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate too, and cool slightly.
- Dust apple rolls with powdered sugar and serves with caramel sauce.
These fillo pie rolls are folded egg roll-style but you can fold them any way you prefer. You can bake them in the oven, but if you're looking for that good ole comfort-food feel, you'll want to fry them.
Luckily, they do not absorb the grease as fried foods tend to do, but get extra crispy and perfectly complement the soft apple filling.
Dust them with powdered sugar, and they make an easy finger-food dessert that kids and adults alike certainly enjoy. Or, if you fancy, dip them in your favorite homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
Recipe Tips
- We suggest this fillo, for the thickness of the sheets, but if you're using thinner sheets (suitable for baklava) you might need to add an extra sheet or two to the layers. If the sheets are of a smaller size, cut them into 4 squares and add another stack.
- There is no need to brush the layers of fillo with oil or butter as they are fried. If you wish to bake them instead, you'll need to butter each layer and then the tops of the rolls as well. Bake in 350 degrees Fahrenheit preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes or until golden brown in color.
More Swedish recipes to try:
Liked this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Apple Pie Rolls with Fillo
Ingredients
- 6 sheets of Fillo Factory organic fillo pastry, thawed
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 large)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- A pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon plain breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium-size cast iron or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the apples, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring, until apples are tender and the sugar is melted and gooey,
- Stir in, cinnamon, cardamom, and breadcrumbs. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Gently remove 6 fillo sheets from the package and keep them covered under a kitchen towel. They dry out pretty quickly, so it is important to keep them covered.
- Place three sheets on the clean working surface. Cut the layered sheets into half lengthwise, then each half into thirds. You want to get a total of 6 equal squares (trim the sheets if necessary).
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the middle of a fillo square (best if you turn the square so it looks diamond-shaped). Fold up bottom half and tightly fold in sides. Gently roll, then seal fold with a couple drops of water. Repeat with remaining apple mixture. (See GIF in the post)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil (it should reach 1" up the side of the pan). Add the rolls and fry until golden, about one minute per side (do in batches). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.
- Dust apple rolls with powdered sugar and serve with caramel sauce.
Notes
- If you're not using Fillo Factory fillo, you might need to adjust the number of sheets required for this recipe as the sizes and thickness of the sheets differ from brand to brand. I.e., if fillo is extra thin, add an extra sheet to the layers. If the sheets are smaller, cut them into four squares and add another stack.
- There is no need to brush the layers of fillo with oil or butter as they are fried. If you wish to bake them instead, you'll need to butter each layer and then the tops of the rolls. Bake in 350 degrees Fahrenheit preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes or until golden brown in color.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Your little apple desserts sound delicious. I've pinned it and can't wait to give them a try.
Jas says
Many thanks, Karen! That made my day ❤
Sandra Garth says
So happy that I have fillo dough in the freezer, these look amazing! Thanks for sharing with us again at Celebrate Your Story.
Jas says
Thank you, Sandra! I hope you'll try it because I know you'll love it! x
Beverly says
These look delicious, Jas and I always learn something new when I visit you. I've got some items to put on my grocery list! Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. I'll be featuring your apple pie fillo rolls at tomorrow's party. Hope to see you there!
Jas says
Thank you so much, Beverly! It's always an honor and I'm so happy you like it. XX
Mary-The Boondocks Blog says
Jas we just went to Astoria the other day to get phyllo. Can you believe they don't sell it everywhere and where they do it is overpriced. I bought a whole lot of boxes and this recipe is going on the to do list for sure.
Jas says
As a real Greek woman, you should make your own, lol. JK! Our local Whole Foods carries the organic Fillo Factory brand. They are based in NJ so it should be available there more than here. Besides, I can't recommend their fillo enough. My honest opinion! I wouldn't even consider making these with Athens brand fillo. I have nothing against them, but their fillo is super thin and it doesn't work with all my recipes. 🙂
photofilloLauren says
Oh so YUM! I made them over the weekend with all our apples from the local farm stands. Fried in canola oil as that was all I had on hand. They were not greasy or oily. Just couldn't stuff them in fast enough. Thanks for the recipe!!
Jas says
So happy you liked them! I love the contrast of the soft filling and crunchy fillo. Thanks for giving them a try! xx
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
GIVE ME ALL THE FILLO ROLLS! These look just amazing, and I never would have thought to include cardamom in my apple pie spice mix—I'll definitely be trying that! And that dipping sauce...YUM!
Jas says
Haha! Thank you, dear Michelle! 😀 I don't think I'll ever not use cardamom in my apple spice mix. It's soooo good! xx
Jacqueline says
This looks DIVINE!!
Jas says
Hi, Jacqueline! I'm so happy you like them 😀 xx
Alice V-DIYerfy says
I’ve used Fillo for a strawberry pastry. Come out nice and flaky. This recipe sounds delicious.
Jas says
Fillo is my favorite pastry to work with. Look around the blog for fillo, you'll find more unique recipes :). Thanks for visiting!
Lee MacArthur says
Looks like individual apple strudels. I'd put these in with lunch for dessert.
Jas says
And you could, because they're not greasy. 😀 Thank you for stopping in!
Jhuls says
These look so heavenly, Jas!! I would like to have some right now. Oh my, my tummy sees what my eyes see - my tummy starts growling! Hahaha! Thanks for sharing and happy Fiesta Friday! x
Jas says
LOL, Jhuls! Our tummies are nothing but trouble! Thank you so much for stopping in! xx
Patti @ Pandora's Box says
Wow...I think I just drooled a little - these look delish and I wish I had one right now
Jas says
Haha, thanks for the giggle, Patti! Trust me, one wouldn't be enough. 😉
helenfern says
Oh Jas - these look and sound absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - hope your week is fabulous!
Jas says
Many thanks, Helen! We inhaled them within minutes, lol.
Julie says
Oh my word, these look amazing. pinning.
Jas says
Thank you much, Julie! 🙂
Becky Ellis says
Shared your recipe on Facebook. Do you recommend a particular brand of caramel sauce?
Jas says
Thank you so much! I have Smucker's brand on hand and it's pretty tasty.
Becky Ellis says
I wish I had some of these to enjoy with my tea this morning. They look amazing!!!
Jas says
😀 I wish you had them too! Hugs
Life Diet Health says
Oh Jas these look and sound absolutely amazing - what fantastic photos too! I could just eat these right now! I know the boys would love these! Thanks for bringing to Fiesta Friday.
Jas says
Glad you like them, Laurena! They are easy and fun to make and even more fun to eat 😉 xx
thecottagemarket says
OMG Jas... these LOOK amazing!!!!! It's 5:14 am here in New Jersey and I WANT one now lol!!!! You know you are very bad for a diet lol!!! These are sooooooo getting made this weekend! Hugs!!!
Jas says
Sorry (#notsosorry)! I'm so happy you like them, they are truly super delicious! The cardamom is so great with apples! xx
Amy says
What a fun little dessert. Thank you for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things.
Jas says
Many thanks! x
passion fruit, paws and peonies says
These look incredible! I love the contrast of the soft filling with the crunchy filo. The filling flavours sound perfect for Autumn. I'll pin for later xx Maria
Jas says
Many thanks, Maria! It's an explosion of textures and flavors. 😀
Ron says
Jaz, nice looking “snabb äppelstrudel med filodeg”. Oh, you’re so correct regarding our use of cardamom here in Sweden and all of Scandinavia. If they bake, every Svenska Kök (kitchen) pantry will have kardemumma (cardamom) and kanel (cinnamon) as well as many other needed ingredients. With that said, the recipe we use doesn’t use cardamom and includes raisins, but I like the idea of using cardamom and will give you recipe a try.
Jas says
Hi Ron, thanks for that piece of information. 🙂 Our (Bosnian) traditional apple fillo pie is also made with raisins plus walnuts. So delicious! But my family is not crazy about raisins and rules are for suckers (so they say, ha). Hope your week is going great so far! x