Easy Crescent Apple Pie Bites—Perfect for Quick Holiday Desserts

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dessert, these Easy Crescent Apple Pie Bites are just the ticket! I remember one Thanksgiving when my son, Jake, decided to help me in the kitchen. He accidentally spilled cinnamon everywhere, but we ended up with the most delicious apple pie bites, and now we make them every year. These fried apple hand pies with crescent rolls are a hit with everyone!

Why You’ll Love It

  • They’re super easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
  • You can whip them up in no time, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • The flaky crescent rolls paired with sweet apple filling are simply irresistible.

Pure Comfort

These crescent apple pie bites bring back warm memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer. Each bite is like a hug from the inside, making them a comforting treat for any occasion.

What You Need

  • 1 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury crescent rolls – You can also use crescent dough sheets for a different texture.
  • 2 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for a tart flavor.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup brown sugar – Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp lemon juice – This keeps the apples from browning.
  • as needed Oil for frying – Vegetable or canola oil works well.
  • as needed Powdered sugar for dusting – Optional, but it adds a nice touch!

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by preparing your apple filling. In a bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated and set aside to let the flavors meld together.
  2. Next, open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough on a clean surface. Separate the triangles and flatten each one slightly with your fingers. This will help hold the filling better.
  3. Now, place a spoonful of the apple mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Fold the dough over to create a pocket, pinching the edges to seal them tightly. This is where the magic happens, so make sure they’re sealed well to keep the filling inside.
  4. In a large skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of dough; it should sizzle right away. Once hot, carefully add a few pie bites at a time, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan.
  5. Fry the apple pie bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a lovely golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they look crispy and smell amazing!
  6. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that sweet finishing touch.

Make It Perfect

  • For a fun twist, try adding some chopped nuts to the apple filling for extra crunch.
  • If you want to bake these instead, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden.

Mix It Up

  • Swap out the apples for pears for a different flavor.
  • Add a bit of caramel sauce inside for a decadent treat.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve these bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a warm cup of cider for a cozy dessert experience.

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FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble them just before frying.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze these apple pie bites?

Absolutely! Freeze them before frying, and when you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer.

What can I substitute for crescent rolls?

You can use puff pastry or even pie crust if you prefer.

How do I know when they are done frying?

They should be golden brown and crispy. A good rule of thumb is about 2-3 minutes per side.

Conclusion

These crescent apple pie bites are a delightful addition to any holiday spread. With their flaky crust and sweet apple filling, they’re sure to be a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy these delicious treats together!

Golden crescent apple pie bites with powdered sugar on gray surface

Easy Crescent Apple Pie Bites Perfect for Quick Holiday Desserts

These crescent apple pie bites are quick and easy to make, combining flaky crescent rolls with a sweet apple filling. They are perfect for last-minute gatherings and holiday treats, offering a comforting and delicious dessert option.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury crescent rolls You can also use crescent dough sheets for a different texture.
  • 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice This keeps the apples from browning.
  • as needed oil for frying; vegetable or canola oil works well
  • as needed powdered sugar for dusting; optional

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl; stir until well coated and set aside.
  2. Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough on a clean surface; separate the triangles and flatten each slightly with your fingers.
  3. Place a spoonful of apple mixture at the wide end of each triangle; fold the dough over to create a pocket and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
  4. Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat; test readiness by dropping a small piece of dough that should sizzle immediately.
  5. Carefully add a few pie bites at a time to the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; dust with powdered sugar while warm if desired.

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