Name: Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups canned Apple Pie Filling (increase to 1 3/4 cups if using US refrigerated pie crust); 3 tbsp sugar (your choice – white, brown, raw); 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 2 sheets frozen shortcrust pastry (25cm/10″ square) (do not thaw) OR 14 oz refrigerated pie crust; 1 egg; 2 tbsp sugar granules (or ordinary sugar) (optional – for sprinkling); Oil spray; 1 cup caster sugar; 1/3 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream (not whipped); 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that’s bursting with warm apple flavor and sweet, buttery caramel, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe. These crispy, golden “fries” have all the charm of a classic apple pie but in a fun, easy-to-share finger food form. The contrast between flaky pastry and luscious apple filling dipped in rich salted caramel offers a delightful dance of textures and flavors that’s downright irresistible. Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to treat for family gatherings, cozy nights, or even a little self-indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark baking tray sitting on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are two rows of rectangular, pale yellow dough strips neatly lined up. Each strip has visible sugar granules sprinkled on top, adding a grainy texture. The dough strips are evenly cut and stacked in layers, with a slightly thicker bottom layer and a thinner top layer, creating a two-layered look. In the background, a white tea towel with thin black stripes is partially visible, slightly out of focus, adding a soft touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated—this recipe shines because of how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in creating the delicate pastry crust, the warmly spiced apple filling, and the decadent salted caramel sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Apple Pie Filling (1 1/4 cups): The heart of the recipe, providing juicy, cinnamon-kissed apple goodness that’s perfect for scooping into fries.
Sugar (3 tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tartness of the apple filling; your choice of white, brown, or raw sugar works wonderfully.
Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Just enough to infuse warmth and spice, enhancing the apple flavor without overpowering.
Frozen Shortcrust Pastry Sheets (2 sheets) or Refrigerated Pie Crust (14 oz): For that perfectly flaky, golden exterior; using frozen pastry means less prep time and a crisp finish.
Egg (1): Beaten for brushing, giving your apple pie fries a beautiful golden sheen and helping the sugar stick on top.
Sugar Granules or Ordinary Sugar (2 tbsp, optional): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a pretty sugary sparkle.
Oil Spray: To keep your baking tray non-stick and your fries crisp without extra grease.
Caster Sugar (1 cup): Essential for creating the golden, caramelized base of the salted caramel dipping sauce.
Water (1/3 cup): Helps dissolve sugar evenly as it begins to caramelize.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, not whipped): Added to the caramel to create that silky, luscious sauce that’s both rich and smooth.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors in the caramel.
Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness and a glossy finish to your salted caramel sauce.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by combining the apple pie filling, sugar, and cinnamon in a food processor. Give it a quick whizz until smooth—this ensures every bite has a perfectly balanced, tender apple texture without large chunks that might burst out when cutting the fries.

Step 2: Assemble the Pastry Layers

Working quickly to keep your pastry firm, lay one sheet on a flat surface and spread the smoothed apple filling evenly over it, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the second sheet on top, then brush with beaten egg for that golden finish. If you want a sparkling crunch, sprinkle sugar granules on top before popping the whole thing into the freezer for at least an hour. This chills the filling so it won’t spill out when slicing.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

While your pastry chills, set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly spray your baking tray with oil. A non-stick surface is key to lifting your apple pie fries off easily once baked.

Step 4: Slice into Fries

Remove the pastry from the freezer and let it soften just enough to prevent cracking—about 5 to 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut into “fries” roughly 2cm wide by 8cm long. This size is perfect to bake evenly and makes for easy dipping.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the fries carefully to your tray and let them rest at room temperature while the oven comes up to heat. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the pastry is crisp. Keep an eye on them toward the end; flaky pastry can quickly go from golden to burnt!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce

In a small saucepan, bring caster sugar and water to a rolling simmer without stirring—swirling the pan gently helps dissolve the sugar evenly. Once the mixture is a light golden brown (about 3 to 4 minutes), remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream; it will bubble up, so be careful. Stir in salt and butter until smooth and glossy. This luxurious sauce is the perfect sweet-savory dip for your apple pie fries.

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

A white container lined with crinkled white paper holds many golden brown churros that are rectangular and coated lightly with sugar, arranged in a neat pile. Inside the container, near the bottom left, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth caramel sauce, with one churro dipped in it resting on the edge of the bowl. Above the container, on a white marbled surface, a spilled glass bottle of milk lies diagonally, with milk splashing out along a red and white striped straw next to a smaller glass bottle filled with milk and also holding a red and white striped straw. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, dust your apple pie fries lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A few fresh mint leaves on the side add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that contrasts nicely with the warm, sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert steals the spotlight but pairs incredibly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the caramel’s richness. For a party, serve alongside fresh fruit slices for a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these apple pie fries arranged in a rustic wooden board or a chilled platter with little ramekins of the salted caramel sauce for dipping. For kids, consider stacking the fries into a playful “fries cone” wrapped in parchment paper that makes it easy to grab and go. It’s unexpectedly fun and gorgeous on any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your baked apple pie fries can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. For best texture, keep them in a single layer to avoid sogginess. They’re fantastic reheated to restore that flaky crispness.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze your prepared but unbaked fries after slicing. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The salted caramel sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to two weeks, making this recipe a perfect make-ahead indulgence.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your fries into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave to keep that satisfying crunch intact. Warm your caramel sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for dipping perfection.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Absolutely! If using fresh apples, peel, core, and finely chop them, then cook with sugar and cinnamon until tender before blending smooth. Just keep in mind this adds extra prep time but the fresh flavor will be delicious.

Is it necessary to freeze the assembled pastry before baking?

Freezing helps the filling set so it doesn’t leak when you cut the fries, making it much easier to work with. You can skip this step, but expect more filling spillover and potentially less tidy fries.

Can I make the salted caramel dipping sauce in advance?

Yes, the salted caramel sauce can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to restore its silky texture.

What can I substitute for shortcrust pastry?

Refrigerated pie crust works well, especially those sold in the US. Just be mindful of adjusting the apple pie filling quantity slightly to maintain balance, as the crust sizes may differ.

Are these apple pie fries suitable for entertaining kids?

Definitely! These finger foods are fun to eat and less messy than a traditional pie slice, making them ideal for parties or casual family nights. Kids love dipping fries into that sweet salted caramel sauce!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple Pie Fries with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and a fresh twist on a classic dessert. It’s approachable, fun, and delivers all the cozy flavors of apple pie with none of the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try them out and share the joy with your friends and family. Happy baking and even happier dipping!