If you love apple pie but want something quicker, snackable, and perfect for sharing, this Apple Pie Salsa is about to become your new favorite treat. Sweet, cinnamon-spiced diced apples come together in a sticky, caramel-like sauce, then get scooped up with crispy homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips. It tastes exactly like apple pie filling, but it's ready in under 30 minutes and doesn't require any pie crust rolling or baking a full pie.
This recipe is a hit at potlucks, fall gatherings, and game day spreads. It's naturally vegetarian, kid-friendly, and comes together with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You'll Love This Recipe
•Tastes like apple pie, minus the effort. All the cozy cinnamon-apple flavor without making a crust.
•Perfect for sharing. It's a fun, interactive dessert dip that's great for parties.
•Simple ingredients. Everything comes from the pantry and produce aisle.
•Make-ahead friendly.The salsa keeps well in the fridge for days.
Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Salsa
• 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Pinch of salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Chips
• 10 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or nonstick cooking spray)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Equipment Needed
• Medium saucepan
• Cutting board and knife
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the apples.
Peel, core, and finely dice the apples into small, salsa-sized pieces. Toss them with the lemon juice right away to prevent browning.
Step 2: Cook the apple mixture.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Thicken the salsa.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Stir it into the apple mixture and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Make the cinnamon sugar chips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut each tortilla into 8 triangular wedges. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
Step 5: Coat and bake the chips.
Brush both sides of each tortilla wedge with melted butter, then generously coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Cool and serve.
Let the chips cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet (they'll continue to crisp up). Transfer the cooled apple pie salsa to a serving bowl and arrange the cinnamon sugar chips around it for dipping.
Recipe Tips
•Apple choice matters. Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness. Honeycrisp or Gala also work well for a sweeter version.
•Dice small and even. Smaller pieces cook faster and scoop up more easily with the chips.
•Make it ahead.The apple salsa can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge — the flavor actually deepens overnight.
•Chips lose crispness fast.Bake them the same day you plan to serve, ideally within a couple of hours.
Storage
Store the apple pie salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cinnamon sugar chips are best stored separately at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though they're always best fresh out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes. Granny Smith is recommended for its tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work well too if you prefer a sweeter salsa.
Can I make this without cornstarch?
Yes, simply simmer the apple mixture a few minutes longer to reduce and thicken naturally, though it won't be quite as glossy.
What else can I dip in this besides chips?
Graham crackers, pretzel sticks, or vanilla wafers all pair nicely with the apple pie salsa.
Can I make the chips in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry the cinnamon sugar tortilla wedges at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes, checking often since air fryers vary.
*Recipe by Daisy at [Dizzy Daisy Eats](https://www.dizzydaisyeats.com) — simple, tested recipes made with everyday ingredients.*
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