Apple Pie Spring Rolls with Filo

These little apple pie rolls with filo pastry taste extraordinary and are so addictive that you might want to make a triple batch! They're great for parties, holidays, or as an afternoon snack.

If you're running out of ideas for sweetening Sundays after lunch, these filo apple pie spring rolls are the perfect choice.

What is Filo?

Filo (fillo or phyllo) is made of thin, unleavened dough layers. It is a versatile ingredient perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

Fillo is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, creating delicate pastries like traditional baklava and peanut butter jelly fillo doughnuts or umami treats such as spanakopita and layered meat pie.

Its light texture makes it an excellent choice for appetizers, desserts, and even main dishes.

Why we love this recipe

• Crispy Texture: The light, flaky layers of filo dough contrast perfectly with the soft, spiced apple filling.
• Portion Control: Pre-portioned for easy serving, it's also the perfect fall dessert for gatherings or snacks.
• Versatility: Ideal for desserts, breakfasts, or festive treats.
• Appearance: These little pockets look appetizing, making them great for entertaining or gifting.
• Healthier Option: Fillo dough is lower in fat than traditional pie crusts and is an excellent substitute for puff pastry. Have you tried making pot pies with fillo?

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

Filo Dough: I highly recommend fillo dough sheets that are a bit thicker than the ones you'd typically get for baklava (*see recipe tips below).

Apples: Look for apples with a firm texture that won't turn mush when cooked. Here are my top three favorites:

• Granny Smith Apple: Their tart flavor keeps the filling from being too sweet, making them perfect for baking.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet and mild in flavor, they play well with other ingredients.
• Golden Delicious: The perfect balance between tart and sweet.

Spices: Cinnamon and cardamom are staples in the Scandinavian baking pantry, and they should be in yours, too. The Svenskar (apparently, they do not like being called Swedes) are obsessed with cardamom, and I don't blame them. Yum!

🥣How to make apple pie rolls with filo

Cook the apples: Melt the butter in a medium-size cast-iron or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the apples, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring, until the apples are tender and the sugar is melted and gooey.

Add spices: Stir in cinnamon, cardamom, and breadcrumbs. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prep the filo dough: Gently remove six fillo sheets from the package and cover them under a kitchen towel. They dry out quickly, so it is essential to keep them covered.

Layer three filo sheets on a clean working surface. Cut the layered sheets into half lengthwise, then each half into thirds. You want to get six equal squares (trim the sheets if necessary).

Add the filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the middle of a fillo square (best if you turn the square to look diamond-shaped).

To make rolls: Fold over 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.

Fry the rolls: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat (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.

Note: 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 they get extra crispy and perfectly complement the soft apple filling.

Finish: Dust them with powdered sugar, and they make an easy finger-food dessert that kids and adults enjoy. You can also dip them in your favorite homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.

👩‍🍳 Tips for best success

• *Use thicker sheets of filo: It will ensure they don't burn or bust open during frying. If you must use thinner sheets (suitable for baklava), you might need to add a couple of sheets to the layers. If the sheets are smaller or shorter, cut them into four squares (you might need to make more squares to use up the filling). If you can't find thicker filo sheets at your local store (I find them at Whole Foods), you can get them on Amazon.
• No need to brush the layers of fillo with oil or butter: we will fry them. If you wish to bake them instead, you'll need to butter each layer and then the rolls' tops. Bake at a high temperature until the rolls are golden brown and crispy, usually around 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Keep filo dough covered: Filo dough dries out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp cloth while you work.
• Cut evenly: Cut the filo sheets into even rectangles for uniform rolls before adding the filling.
• Don't Overfill: Use no more than the suggested amount of apple filling to prevent it from seeping out and to ensure even cooking.
• Seal the Edges: Roll tightly and tuck in the edges to keep the filling inside.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and to avoid burns.

Using Leftover Filo Dough

If you have leftover defrosted filo dough, you can use it within a few days or store it later. Here are some sweet and savory options:

• Plum and Ricotta Filo Tart
• Baklava Ice Cream
• Cherry Fillo Parcels
• Fish in Filo Pockets
• Samosa Fillo Firecrackers
• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Fillo Stromboli

Storing Leftover Filo Dough:

Wrap the filo dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container for up to a week. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.

🍏Got leftover apples? If you're not eating them right away, here are a few of the ways you can enjoy this favorite autumn fruit:

• You can put them in any buttery dough, puff pastry, or cake batter.
• Mix with oatmeal, pasta, or cheese.
• Toss them in a cabbage salad.
• They are also great in combination with alcohol, such as this apple beer punch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🍎More Apple Desserts to Try

📖 Recipe