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:
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Apple Pie Rolls with Fillo
Ingredients
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. 🙂