Panda Express Apple Pie Roll Recipe: A Delicious DIY Guide

The Panda Express Apple Pie Roll has quickly become a fan favorite, offering a sweet and satisfying conclusion to any meal. But what if you could recreate this delectable treat in your own kitchen? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions to help you make your own Panda Express-inspired Apple Pie Rolls at home. Get ready to experience the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of this popular dessert whenever the craving strikes!

## What Makes Panda Express Apple Pie Rolls So Special?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand why these Apple Pie Rolls are so irresistible. The key lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors:

* **Crispy Exterior:** A flaky, golden-brown pastry shell provides a delightful crunch.
* **Warm Apple Filling:** A sweet and slightly tart filling of tender apples infused with cinnamon and other spices.
* **Portable Treat:** Their roll format makes them easy to eat on the go.

## Recreating the Magic: Ingredients and Equipment

To embark on your Apple Pie Roll adventure, gather the following ingredients and equipment:

### Ingredients:

* **For the Filling:**
* 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces.
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup water
* **For the Pastry:**
* 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
* **Optional Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

### Equipment:

* Large Mixing Bowl
* Small Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Vegetable Peeler
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Saucepan
* Rolling Pin
* Baking Sheet
* Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
* Pastry Brush

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Apple Pie Rolls

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started!

### Step 1: Preparing the Apple Filling

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
2. **Add Apples:** Add the diced apples to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly, ensuring they are well covered with the sugar and spice mixture.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour in the melted butter, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly liquid.
4. **Cook the Filling:** Transfer the apple mixture to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the apples are cooked through but still retain some texture.
5. **Cool the Filling:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the apple filling to cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

### Step 2: Assembling the Apple Pie Rolls

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. **Prepare Pie Crusts:** On a lightly floured surface, unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts. Use a rolling pin to slightly flatten and stretch the crust into a larger rectangle, about 12×10 inches. This will give you more surface area to work with.
3. **Cut the Crust:** Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rectangle into 6 equal strips, each approximately 2 inches wide.
4. **Fill the Strips:** Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto one end of each strip. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border at the edges.
5. **Roll the Rolls:** Starting from the filled end, carefully roll up each strip of dough to create a roll. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside and prevent it from leaking out during baking.
6. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 2-5 with the second pie crust.
7. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the assembled apple pie rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll to allow for even baking.

### Step 3: Baking the Apple Pie Rolls

1. **Prepare Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This will give the rolls a golden-brown color and a shiny finish.
2. **Brush with Egg Wash:** Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops and sides of each apple pie roll with the egg wash. Ensure even coverage for a uniform color.
3. **Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon:** In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the egg-washed rolls. This will add extra sweetness and a delightful cinnamon flavor.
4. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
5. **Cool:** Once baked, remove the apple pie rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.

### Step 4: (Optional) Preparing the Glaze

While the apple pie rolls are cooling, you can prepare a simple glaze to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. **Drizzle Glaze:** Once the apple pie rolls have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each roll. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise application.
3. **Set the Glaze:** Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

## Tips and Variations for Perfect Apple Pie Rolls

* **Apple Variety:** Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, more mellow flavor. A mix of both can create a well-rounded taste.
* **Spice Adjustments:** Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Nuts and Raisins:** Add chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle the apple pie rolls with caramel sauce instead of glaze for a richer, more decadent treat.
* **Homemade Pie Crust:** For a truly homemade experience, make your own pie crust from scratch. This will require more time and effort, but the result will be a superior flavor and texture.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook them in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
* **Vegan Option:** To make these vegan, use a vegan pie crust, plant-based butter, and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk).

## Serving Suggestions

* **Warm:** Serve the apple pie rolls warm for the best flavor and texture. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds.
* **With Ice Cream:** Top the warm apple pie rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter, airier treat.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy the apple pie rolls as a sweet treat alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the apple pie rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the apple pie rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per roll)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Recreating the Panda Express Apple Pie Roll at home is a rewarding experience. With this detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions, you can easily enjoy these warm, cinnamon-spiced treats whenever you desire. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create your own unique version of this popular dessert. Happy baking!