I love apple pie, warm from the oven, maybe paired with cool ice cream. Sometimes I just find a slice of apple pie too rich, or just too much, and I just want that luscious flavor without all the heavy crust. Enter: Apple Pie Dip + Cinnamon Sugar Crisps. It’s warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced magic—basically the inside of an apple pie, made for dipping as a salsa! (Crazy, right?) And those crispy cinnamon sugar tortilla chips make the best sweet snack sidekick.
This has become one of my go-to desserts for 4th of July (and honestly, every summer potluck since). It’s crowd-pleasing, kid-approved, and so easy to make ahead. It’s as American as apple pie… but way more fun to eat.
Steps to make Apple Pie Dip + Cinnamon Sugar Chips
Step 1: Gather the ingredients to make the apple pie “salsa” and cinnamon-sugar crisps.
Step 2: Peel and finely dice all five apples.
Step 3: Add diced apples, sugars and spices to a mixing bowl. Gently toss until combined.
Step 4: Add apple mixture and water to a medium frying pan.
Step 5: Boil then cover to simmer on low, stirring often to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan and burn.
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Step 6: While the apples are cooking down, gather ingredients to make the cinnamon sugar chips.
Step 7: Spray chips with nonstick cooking spray, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar onto the chips.
Step 8: Cut the prepared tortillas into wedges and arrange on the tray in one layer, without stacking or touching each other. Bake at 350F for 9 to 12 mins. Allow chips to completely cool before serving.
Step 9: Transfer apple pie dip to a bowl and set on a plate. Arrange chips around the bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips for Success
Pick Your Apples Wisely:
The texture of your dip depends on it. Firm apples like Granny Smith take longer to cook and hold their shape better, while softer apples (like Fuji or Gala) cook quickly and can turn to applesauce if you’re not paying attention. Stir often and keep an eye on them!
Taste as You Go:
If your apples are on the tart side, don’t be shy—add a bit more sugar to balance things out. Sweetness is personal, and you’re the boss.
Store Like a Pro:
Leftover dip? Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days. Keep the cinnamon chips crisp by storing them at room temp in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
Freeze for Later:
This dip freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and gently reheat when the craving hits.
Batch-Friendly Tip:
Doubling this recipe? Use a large skillet or saucepan to avoid overflow when the apples cook down. And maybe make extra chips—because they will vanish fast. Here’s a recipe to make these in the air fryer instead of the oven if you want to avoid heating up your house.
Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
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Ingredients
For the 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 ground cardamom optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Chips
- 8 6- inch flour tortillas
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
For the Dip:
- In a bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and lemon juice.
- Pour the apple mixture and water into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer about 10 minutes, until apples are tender (check and stir often to make sure the apple mixture isn’t sticking to the bottom).
- Scoop out ½ cup of the cooking liquid, whisk it with cornstarch, then stir it back into the pan.
- Cook a few more minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy, apple pie-style dip. Serve warm or chilled.
For the Chips:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Spray both sides of each flour tortilla with nonstick spray, then coat generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Slice into wedges and lay flat on baking sheets (no stacking!).
- Bake 9–12 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool before serving.
The bottom line
This Apple Pie Dip (aka Cinnamon Apple Salsa) with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips is my go-to for 4th of July gatherings. It’s as American as apple pie but with a fun, shareable twist. The warm, spiced apple salsa paired with crispy, sweet chips makes it a standout among 4th of July dessert ideas.
Looking to round out your Independence Day menu? Check out these 17 BEST 4th of July BBQ Ideas for savory inspiration, or explore 22 Vegan 4th of July recipes to cater to all your guests. And for a sweet finish, these 30 BEST Summer Cakes offer delightful options to complement your dessert table.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or bringing patriotic drinks to share, this Apple Pie Dip is a festive, flavorful addition that’s sure to impress.