LEGOLAND Apple Fries Copycat Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Sticks

These copycat APPLE FRIES taste just like the ones at Legoland. I spoke with the cook and learned their little secret—try them at home!

Granny’s Apple Fries at Legoland

A few years ago my family spent a long weekend in San Diego and we decided to visit Legoland while we were in the area. Our son was the perfect age to enjoy everything the park offers, so it felt like the right time to go. One of the highlights for the kids was the pirate area—full of water play and shrieks of laughter. It’s a busy part of the park for a reason: kids can splash around, cool off, and burn energy between rides. Pack a towel or have them wear their swimsuits under their clothes if you plan to let them get soaked—they will get wet, and they’ll love it.

The snack stand we visited near the pirate area quickly became a family favorite. Granny’s Apple Fries sits between the Pirate area and the Castle area, and for a few dollars you can get a warm serving of apple fries with a sweet vanilla whipped cream for dipping. After the first bite, I knew I had to recreate them at home. They’re simple, comforting, and exactly the kind of treat kids and adults both adore.

Copycat Apple Fries

Granny’s apple fries are thin apple strips that are lightly coated, deep-fried until just golden, and then tossed in a generous mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The outside has a delicate crispness while the interior stays tender and warmly spiced. Serve them hot with whipped cream for dipping and you’ll have a nostalgic theme-park-style dessert in minutes. This recipe is ideal for family gatherings, weekend treats, or as a playful snack for a Lego-themed party.

Making them at home is straightforward. Core and peel crisp Granny Smith apples, cut them into fry-shaped sticks, toss with a light dusting of cornstarch to help the coating adhere, then fry in small batches in about an inch of hot oil until they’re lightly golden—typically 2–3 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels or a brown paper bag, then immediately toss the hot apple fries in a bowl with cinnamon and sugar so the coating sticks. Serve right away with a bowl of whipped cream for dipping.

If you enjoy recreating theme-park treats at home, this apple fries recipe is a must-try. It captures the flavors and textures that make the park version so memorable, and it’s flexible enough to scale up for parties. You can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mix in advance and fry the apples when guests arrive so they’re warm and crisp off the pan.

Apple Fries: Legoland Copycat Recipe

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

These deep-fried apple fries recreate the warm, cinnamon-sugared snack sold at Legoland. They’re quick to prepare and make a fun dessert or after-school treat.

4.5 Stars (132 Reviews)

Ingredients

4 Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 cup cinnamon
frying oil (about 1 inch in a pot)
whipped cream for dipping

Instructions

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Core and peel the apples. Slice them into sticks similar in size to french fries so they cook evenly. Toss the apple sticks in cornstarch until lightly coated.
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl and set aside.
Fry the apples in small batches for 2–3 minutes until they are just turning golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a brown paper bag for a minute or two.
While still warm, sprinkle or toss the apple fries in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so it adheres. Continue frying remaining apples in batches.
Serve immediately with whipped cream for dipping.

Did you make this recipe?

Share and tag @MyFamilyTable on Instagram or leave a comment — I’d love to see your version.

Looking for more APPLE RECIPES? I have a collection of favorites or you can check some recipes from friends below:

Apple Crumble Cake
Apple Fries
German Apple Cake with Streusel Topping
Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Apple Nachos
Apple Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread
Apple Pancakes
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Bars
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Old-Fashioned Applesauce Oatmeal Cake

Disclaimer: Legoland provided my family with two complimentary tickets; I purchased the other two. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Originally posted 5/19/2014, updated 9/2019