Apple Pie Ice Cream

If you crave the comfort of apple pie and the playful chill of an ice cream dessert these Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches are for you. Warmly spiced apple filling gets tucked between crisp buttery tortillas and finished off with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This treat captures all the flavors of classic apple pie in a whimsical handheld bite that both kids and grownups adore

I first whipped these up for my niece’s birthday because she loves both pie and ice cream and they have become the must have party dessert in our family ever since

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas: Choose soft and flexible ones for perfectly crisp yet tender shells fresh bakery tortillas are ideal
• Unsalted butter: Gives the apple filling a rich flavor and helps the tortillas brown evenly
• Granny Smith apples: Deliver that tart punch and hold up well when cooked look for firm bright green apples with smooth skin
• Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness of the filling and keeps apples from browning use freshly squeezed for zingier flavor
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a lovely syrup use fine granulated sugar for best dissolving
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and oldfashioned apple pie aroma ground cinnamon is easiest
• Large egg: Seals the edges together and ensures crisping go for a fresh egg
• Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor for frying stick to oils labeled for high heat frying
• Cinnamon sugar: Classic finish for apple pie flavor just mix cinnamon and sugar as directed
• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy contrast and classic pairing with apple pie look for premium brands with a simple ingredient list

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tortilla Rounds:

Using a circular cookie cutter cut as many rounds as possible out of each tortilla You want twenty four rounds in total so aim for five or six per tortilla Start with fresh tortillas for the cleanest cut

Cook the Apple Filling:

Peel and chop Granny Smith apples into even cubes Toss with lemon juice sugar and cinnamon then melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat Add the apple mixture and cook stirring occasionally for six to eight minutes until the apples are just soft and the juices form a syrup Cool slightly

Assemble the Mini Pies:

Lay out the tortilla rounds and place a generous spoonful of apple mixture in the center of half of them Brush a little beaten egg all around the edges of the filled rounds then place a second round on top Gently press to seal the edges closed then use the tines of a fork to crimp each seam well so no filling escapes during frying

Fry the Pies:

In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven heat vegetable oil to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for draining Working in batches fry the pies for two to three minutes turning if needed until each is golden and crisp Remove promptly and let them drain on the lined plate

Coat and Cool:

While still warm coat each mini pie in cinnamon sugar Set aside to cool completely so the ice cream will not melt immediately after assembly

Build the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the flat side of one cooled mini pie Top with another pie and gently press Form all sandwiches just before serving for best texture

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My favorite part is watching the look on my family’s faces when they sink their teeth into the crunchy warm pie shell and discover the cold creamy surprise inside My nephew once declared these better than the county fair

Storage Tips

Store the fried apple pies without ice cream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to eight hours or refrigerate for a day For best results wait to assemble with ice cream right before serving Leftover assembled sandwiches should be wrapped individually and frozen then left to thaw for a few minutes before enjoying

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter finish If you are out of tortillas biscuit dough or pre made pie crust rounds also work Frying in coconut oil adds a subtle nutty flavor and dairy free ice cream makes these vegan friendly

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Serving Suggestions

Serve piled high on a platter at birthday parties or make a sundae bar with toppings like caramel drizzle crushed nuts or whipped cream For autumn gatherings I have set out a trio of ice cream flavors like cinnamon caramel and salted pecan for guests to choose from

Cultural Context

Apple pie has been beloved across the US for centuries but turning pie into a crispy fun ice cream sandwich feels like the most American summer state fair idea imaginable I started making these because everyone in my family has a different favorite pie and ice cream combination and this dessert celebrates all those traditions in one sweet package

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the tortilla shells crisp?

After frying, place shells on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Cool completely before adding ice cream to maintain crispness.

→ Can I make these treats ahead of time?

You can prepare and fry the apple-filled tortillas in advance, storing them in an airtight container. Assemble with ice cream just before serving for best texture.

→ What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tangy flavor and firm texture, but you may use other firm baking apples as well.

→ Can I use different flavors of ice cream?

Absolutely! While vanilla pairs beautifully with cinnamon apples, feel free to experiment with flavors like caramel or butter pecan.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking during frying?

Seal tortilla edges well with egg wash and press firmly with a fork. Avoid overfilling the shells to help prevent leaks.

→ Is it possible to bake instead of fry the tortillas?

Yes, brush with melted butter and bake at 400°F until golden, though the shells may be less crisp compared to frying.