10-Minute Irresistible Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips

Apple pie dip transforms the classic fall dessert into something uniquely scoopable and shareable. This sweet concoction captures all the warmth and comfort of traditional apple pie but in a convenient dippable form. The apples simmer with brown sugar and warm spices until they reach that perfect soft yet chunky texture that clings beautifully to homemade cinnamon sugar chips that replicate the crispy, buttery crust we all love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creates the perfect balance between sweet apples and warming cinnamon that instantly evokes cozy autumn evenings
• Requires significantly less preparation time than traditional apple pie while delivering the same satisfying flavors
• Serves as both an impressive party appetizer and a casual family dessert option for any occasion

I discovered this recipe while looking for creative ways to use up apples after an enthusiastic picking session at our local orchard. My first attempt converted even my pickiest eater who typically avoids fruit desserts. The combination of warm, gooey apples against the crisp cinnamon chips creates an irresistible textural contrast that keeps everyone coming back for another scoop.

Essential Ingredients

• Apples (5 medium, peeled and diced small): Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape when cooked while offering that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness
• Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Provides a rich molasses undertone that enhances the caramelization process and creates the signature apple pie flavor profile
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Infuses the entire dish with warm, aromatic spice that defines traditional apple pie
• Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the overall flavor while preventing the apples from browning too quickly
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Creates the perfect thickness that allows the dip to cling beautifully to your chips without becoming too runny

Preparation Instructions

Getting Started Combine diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl until evenly coated. This initial tossing allows the apples to begin releasing their natural juices and absorbing the sweet spice mixture even before heating.

Cooking Process Transfer the apple mixture along with one cup of water into a large skillet over medium high heat. Allow everything to reach a gentle boil before reducing heat and covering. The steam created within the covered pan helps soften the apples uniformly while maintaining their structure.

Thickening Technique After approximately ten minutes when the apples have reached perfect tenderness, remove half a cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Return this mixture to the pan while stirring continuously to prevent any lumping. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens beautifully around the apple pieces, creating that classic pie filling consistency.

Chip Creation Preheat your oven to 350°F while preparing the tortillas with a light coating of cooking spray or melted butter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides before cutting each tortilla into eight equal triangular pieces. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets and bake until crisp and golden around the edges, approximately 9 to 12 minutes.

Cooling and Serving Allow chips to cool completely on wire racks until they reach their maximum crispness. The dip can be served either warm for a comforting dessert experience or chilled for a refreshing summer treat. Both temperatures offer their own unique appeal depending on the occasion.

You Must Know

• Cooking times vary significantly depending on apple variety with firmer apples like Granny Smith requiring longer simmering than softer varieties like McIntosh
• The dip continues to thicken as it cools, so consider removing from heat when slightly thinner than your desired final consistency
• Cinnamon chips should be stored separately from the dip to maintain their crispness until serving time

I particularly love using Honeycrisp apples in this recipe for their perfect balance of sweetness and structure. My grandmother always insisted on hand cutting apples rather than using a food processor to ensure those perfect little chunks that make each bite interesting. When my children were younger, this became our Sunday evening tradition during apple season, with everyone gathering around the coffee table for dipping and sharing stories about the weekend.

Serving Inspirations

This versatile apple pie dip pairs beautifully with more than just the homemade cinnamon sugar chips. Try serving alongside vanilla wafers for a nostalgic touch or graham crackers for an easy option that requires no additional preparation. Fresh apple slices create a lighter alternative while providing a lovely textural contrast between raw and cooked fruit. For unexpected savory sweet combinations, offer pretzels that provide the perfect salty counterpoint to the sweet apple mixture.

Creative Adaptations

Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts during the final minutes of cooking for added texture and nutritional benefits. Incorporating dried cranberries brings beautiful color contrast and tangy flavor that complements the sweet apples perfectly. For adults, a splash of bourbon or spiced rum stirred in after cooking adds sophisticated depth without overwhelming the classic apple pie profile. Vegan guests can enjoy this treat when prepared with plant based butter and your favorite sugar alternative with nearly identical results.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store any remaining dip in airtight containers in your refrigerator where it will maintain optimal flavor and texture for three to four days. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching or sticking. Adding a small splash of apple juice during reheating helps revive the original consistency if it has thickened too much during storage. The cinnamon sugar chips stay crisp for two days when stored in paper bags at room temperature, though they rarely last that long in most households.

Professional Techniques

• Always cut apples into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly throughout the simmering process without some pieces turning mushy while others remain too firm
• Take time to properly create your cornstarch slurry with cold liquid and whisk until completely smooth before adding to hot liquid to prevent unwanted lumps in your final dip
• Allow the chips to cool completely on wire racks rather than on the baking sheet to prevent condensation that could make them soggy

My journey with this apple pie dip began as a simple way to satisfy a craving without making an entire pie, but it quickly became one of my most requested recipes. There’s something wonderfully communal about a dippable dessert that brings people together around the table. The nostalgic flavors combined with the interactive eating experience make this perfect for everything from casual family movie nights to elegant holiday gatherings. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that sometimes the most beloved recipes are those that reimagine classics in surprising new ways.