This Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips transforms the classic American apple pie into a delightful, dippable treat that captures all the familiar flavors without the fuss of making a traditional pie. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling pairs perfectly with crispy, sweet tortilla chips for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing treat for parties, family gatherings, or when you’re craving apple pie but want something quicker and more shareable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It delivers all the flavors of apple pie in a fun, dippable format that’s perfect for sharing
• Much quicker and easier to prepare than a traditional apple pie, with no crust-making required
• Customizable sweetness and spice levels to suit your personal preferences
• Great make-ahead option for parties and gatherings
• Kid-friendly dessert that doubles as a fun activity when served as a DIY dipping station

Ingredients

• Apples: Choose firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for the best texture and flavor balance. The apples should hold their shape when cooked while still becoming tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and depth to the apple filling. Light or dark brown sugar works well, with dark providing a more pronounced molasses flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in both the dip and for the tortilla chips to create that perfect sweet coating. You can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your apples.
• Ground Cinnamon: The signature warm spice that makes this dip taste like apple pie. Use high-quality, fresh cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning. Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
• Cornstarch: The thickening agent that transforms the apple mixture from soupy to perfectly dippable. Helps achieve that classic apple pie filling consistency.
• Flour Tortillas: The base for the homemade cinnamon sugar chips. Choose the 6-inch size for perfect chip proportions. Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the tortillas and promotes even browning. You can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor.

Variations

Caramel Apple Dip

Transform this dessert into a caramel lover’s dream by drizzling the finished apple dip with warm caramel sauce. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by simmering brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. For extra decadence, sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.

Spiced Apple Pie Dip

Elevate the warm spice profile by adding ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves to the apple mixture. This creates a more complex, aromatic dip reminiscent of mulled cider or holiday apple desserts. A pinch of cardamom would also work beautifully for a unique twist.

Creamy Apple Pie Dip

For a creamier version, fold 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or 1 cup of whipped cream into the cooled apple dip. This creates a lighter, more mousse-like consistency that’s especially delicious when served chilled. It’s perfect for summer gatherings when you want something less heavy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture

Combine the peeled and diced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl, tossing well to ensure all apple pieces are evenly coated with the sweet spice mixture. This initial mixing allows the flavors to begin melding together and draws out some of the natural juices from the apples.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Mixture

Transfer the apple mixture to a saucepan or skillet and add water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the apples become tender but still hold their shape. This gentle cooking method ensures the apples soften evenly without becoming mushy.

Step 3: Thicken the Dip

Remove a portion of the cooking liquid and create a cornstarch slurry by whisking thoroughly to avoid any lumps. Pour this mixture back into the pan with the apples and stir continuously as the mixture thickens. The cornstarch activates with heat, transforming the consistency from watery to that perfect, spoonable apple pie filling texture. Continue cooking until you reach your desired thickness.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

While the dip cools slightly, prepare the chips by spraying or brushing tortillas with cooking spray or butter, then generously coating both sides with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cut each tortilla into wedges, arrange in a single layer on baking sheets, and bake until the edges curl and the chips become golden brown and crispy. The transformation from soft tortilla to crisp, sweet chip happens surprisingly quickly, so watch them carefully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the chips to cool completely on wire racks to ensure maximum crispness. Serve with the apple dip either warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference. The contrast between the crispy, sweet chips and the soft, spiced apple dip creates a perfectly balanced dessert experience.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut the apples into uniform, small pieces (about ¼-inch) to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to scoop with the chips
• For extra-crispy chips, make sure your oven is fully preheated and arrange the tortilla wedges without overlapping
• If your dip becomes too thick after cooling, simply stir in a tablespoon of water or apple juice to reach your desired consistency
• Let the chips cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they maintain their crispness when served
• For a richer flavor in the chips, use melted butter instead of cooking spray before applying the cinnamon sugar
• Save time by preparing the apple dip a day ahead and making the chips fresh just before serving

How to Serve

This Apple Pie Dip can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference and the occasion. For a cozy fall dessert, serve it warm in a decorative bowl surrounded by the cinnamon sugar chips arranged in a fan pattern. Create a dessert board by adding small bowls of complementary items like caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even mini scoops of vanilla ice cream for guests to customize their dipping experience.

For parties, consider setting up a DIY apple pie dip station where guests can add their own toppings. This dessert works beautifully for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or as an after-school treat. For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars with a few chips tucked into each serving.

Make Ahead

The apple dip component can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or apple juice if needed to reach the original consistency.

For the best texture, the cinnamon sugar tortilla chips should be made the same day you plan to serve them. However, you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture in advance and even cut the tortillas into wedges and store them in a zip-top bag until you’re ready to bake. Once baked and cooled, the chips will stay crisp for about 24 hours if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Yes! A mixture of apple varieties often provides the best flavor and texture. Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work particularly well. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious as they tend to break down too much during cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the flour tortillas with your favorite gluten-free tortillas or even gluten-free pita bread. Corn tortillas can also work, though they’ll provide a different texture and flavor profile. The apple dip itself is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your cornstarch label to confirm it’s processed in a gluten-free facility.

How do I store leftover dip and chips?

Store the apple dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cinnamon sugar tortilla chips should be stored in a separate airtight container at room temperature and are best consumed within 1-2 days before they lose their crispness. To refresh stale chips, place them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.

Can I freeze this apple pie dip?

Yes, the apple dip freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat if desired. The chips should not be frozen as they’ll become soggy when thawed.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips brings together the best parts of apple pie in a fun, shareable format that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, spiced apples and sweet, crispy chips creates a dessert experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party treat, a simple dessert for family movie night, or just a new way to enjoy seasonal apples, this recipe delivers big apple pie flavor without the fuss. Give it a try the next time you’re craving apple pie but want something a little different – your taste buds will thank you!

Print