There’s something irresistible about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar simmering on the stove. That’s the essence of apple pie—but without the fuss of rolling dough or waiting for a pie to cool. Enter: apple pie dip. It gives you all the nostalgic flavors of homemade pie in a rich, scoopable dessert that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Paired with crisp cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips, it’s the ultimate fall treat for cozy nights, quick entertaining, or satisfying a craving without turning on the oven for hours.
The Cozy Story Behind Apple Pie Dip
Fall traditions and warm apple cravings
It started on one of those breezy fall afternoons—the kind where the leaves crunch under your boots and you can smell distant fireplaces in the air. I had just come back from the farmer’s market with a bag of apples I couldn’t resist. I wasn’t in the mood for a full-on pie project, but I craved that same warm, spiced comfort.
So I grabbed a skillet, chopped up a few apples, and let them bubble away with brown sugar and cinnamon. What began as an experiment turned into a new staple in my kitchen: apple pie dip. It captured everything I love about the classic dessert—sweet, tender apples with that familiar spice blend—without the effort or the wait. One spoonful and I was hooked.
Now, it’s become a go-to for spontaneous gatherings, fall movie nights, or just a quick dessert when the oven feels like too much commitment.
Why this dip is better than pie for casual gatherings
Apple pie dip isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a smart upgrade. Instead of waiting an hour for a pie to cool and set, this dip thickens in minutes. It’s easy to make ahead or serve warm, right from the pan. And the best part? You can scoop it up with crispy cinnamon tortilla chips. No forks, no plates—just pure, cozy indulgence that’s shareable and delicious every time.
Ingredient Breakdown for Apple Pie Dip
What makes the filling so decadent
The heart of this apple pie dip is, of course, the apples—but the supporting ingredients are what transform it into something truly crave-worthy. Start with five medium apples, peeled and diced into small ¼-inch cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and create that luscious, spoonable texture you want in a warm dip.
Then comes the sweetness and spice. A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a rich depth—brown sugar adds warmth and a hint of molasses, while granulated sugar balances the flavor and helps with thickening. Add in ground cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice to brighten everything up and keep the apples from turning too soft or overly sweet.
As the apples cook, they release juices. To give the dip body and that jammy consistency, you’ll remove a bit of the cooking liquid and whisk it with cornstarch. When added back to the pan, this thickens the mixture into something that’s rich, gooey, and ready to dip.
The result? A warm apple pie dip that feels indulgent but comes together in under 20 minutes. And the best part—you can serve it warm or chilled depending on the vibe.
Cinnamon sugar tortillas—why they steal the show
While the apple filling is the star, the cinnamon sugar chips are the scene-stealers. Flour tortillas get a quick coat of non-stick spray, a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar, and a bake in the oven until they’re golden, crisp, and perfectly sweet.
Cut each tortilla into wedges before baking to make sturdy, crunchy dippers. These chips are like a handheld pie crust—light, flaky, and full of flavor. They’re also great for scooping every last bit of that gooey apple filling, whether served warm out of the oven or cooled to room temperature.
Apple Pie Dip
Ingredients
- Apple Pie Dip
- 5 medium Apples peeled cored, and chopped into ¼ inch cubes
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas
- 8 6- inch Flour Tortillas
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- Non-stick Cooking SprayInstructions
Instructions
- Apple Pie Dip
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the apple cubes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour the apple mixture and water into the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the apples are very tender, about 10 minutes (the exact cooking time depends on the apples).
- Remove a ½ cup of the cooking liquid from the pan and whisk in the cornstarch. Pour the liquid with the cornstarch back into the apple mixture and stir well.
- Allow the apple pie dip to cook over medium-low heat until thickened.
- Once thickened, remove from the heat. This recipe can be served warm or chilled.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Prep your baking sheet with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Spray both sides of each tortilla with non-stick cooking spray, then sprinkle both sides with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges and lay them out in a single layer on baking sheets (bake in batches if necessary)
- Bake the chips at 350 F for 9-12 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool the chips on wire cooling racks and serve at room temperature.
Notes
Calories: 302kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 239mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 31g
How to Make Apple Pie Dip Step-by-Step
Cooking the apples to gooey perfection
Making apple pie dip is a breeze—and it all starts in one skillet. First, combine your chopped apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Give everything a good stir to coat the apple pieces evenly.
Pour the mixture into a large non-stick skillet or saucepan with one cup of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let the apples simmer until they’re soft and fragrant—about 10 minutes. You’re looking for that point where the apples are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
Once the apples have softened, remove ½ cup of the cooking liquid. In a small bowl, whisk the liquid with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until completely smooth. This slurry is the secret to that rich, spoonable consistency.
Pour the slurry back into the skillet and stir constantly over medium-low heat. In just a few minutes, the entire mixture will thicken into a glossy, pie-filling-style dip. When it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready to serve—either warm or chilled.
Baking homemade cinnamon sugar chips
While the apple mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F. Lay out your flour tortillas and spray both sides lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Then sprinkle generously with a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar.
Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges—like little dessert nachos—and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t crowd them; bake in batches if needed.
Bake for 9–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through if desired, until the chips are crisp and golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool, creating the perfect dipper for your gooey apple pie filling.
Serving, Storing & Seasonal Variations
How to serve it for max comfort
Apple pie dip is the kind of dessert that adapts to the moment. Want something cozy and warm? Serve it straight from the skillet while the apples are still bubbling and the cinnamon sugar chips are fresh from the oven. Hosting a gathering or prepping ahead? Chill the dip in a bowl and let it thicken even more—then offer it buffet-style with dippers for an easy, crowd-friendly treat.
This dip also plays well with others. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even layered into a yogurt parfait for a next-day breakfast twist. For something more indulgent, drizzle with salted caramel sauce or top with crushed graham crackers for crunch.
Whether warm or chilled, this apple pie dip holds its shape well and makes for effortless snacking, no forks or knives required. Just scoop, crunch, and repeat.
Holiday spins and allergy-friendly options
What’s great about apple pie dip is how customizable it is. For fall holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween, stir in a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or even a splash of apple cider to deepen the flavor. Want a festive look? Top with dried cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Need a gluten-free option? Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, or serve the dip with sliced apples or gluten-free graham crackers. Going low-sugar? Reduce the brown sugar slightly and use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
This dip even doubles as a filling—layer it into a trifle, spoon over pancakes, or swirl into oatmeal. It’s endlessly versatile and always welcome at the table, whether it’s a party of two or a holiday gathering of twenty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Dip
Can I make apple pie dip ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually gets better as it sits. You can prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave if you prefer to serve it warm. The cinnamon sugar chips can also be made a day ahead—just store them in a cool, dry place to keep them crisp.
What are the best apples to use for apple pie dip?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape during cooking and balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon. You can also use a mix of tart and sweet apples for extra flavor depth.
How do I keep the tortillas crisp after baking?
Once the cinnamon sugar chips are baked, cool them completely on a wire rack. This prevents steam from making them soft. Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel inside to absorb any excess moisture and keep them crisp.
Can I freeze apple pie dip?
Technically yes, but it’s best served fresh or from the fridge. Freezing can slightly alter the texture of the apples and cause the mixture to separate upon reheating. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly and stir well to bring it back together. Tortilla chips, however, do not freeze well and should be made fresh.
Conclusion
Apple pie dip is comfort food in its easiest, most sharable form. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you get all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie—without the crust, the waiting, or the cleanup. Whether you’re hosting friends or satisfying a late-night craving, this dip delivers warmth, spice, and the perfect excuse to reach for just one more bite. Paired with crisp cinnamon sugar chips, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again—and no one’s complaining.
