I’ve run into the same problem almost every time I’ve had a particular discussion – what is the quintessential American food? Due to the melting pot nature of our country, everything seems to be imported, or even worse, STOLEN, from somewhere else.
The first food that comes to mind is the iconic burger, but nope, that one goes to Otto Kuase, in Hamburg, Germany. There’s New York’s pizza, taken from Italy, San Francisco’s burritos, adapted from Mexico, Los Angeles’ sushi, taken from Japan. You get the picture. All of our staples are a result of our acceptance, inclusion, (and colonization – yikes) of all types of cultures.
But apple pie, nothing is more American than apple pie, right? Wrong! Even apple pie, which is considered so American it was used as motivational propaganda for BOTH World Wars was brought over by the Dutch and Swedes during the 18th century. Can we do anything for ourselves?
Yes, yes we can. American’s can claim the Oreo, the shining sandwich star that has been the top dog of all factory cookies since 1912, as truly American. Since a burger Oreo would be pretty gross, next in line for a purely patriotic collab is apple pie, and that’s exactly what we got – apple pie creme in graham wafer cookies.
The smell-o-vision on these Oreo is fantastic – immediately and unmistakably apple pie with sharp fruity apple and spicy sweet cinnamon jumping out of the package. Sometimes the golden wafers can overpower my initial sniff and taste impression of a new Oreo and I’m glad they went with graham here as I’m not getting any unnecessary vanilla sweetness, just pure apple power.
Crunching into these circular slices of American hope and dreams is nothing short of a relaxing countryside morning full of perfection. The flavor starts with fresh, tart, juicy apple and quickly turns to cinnamon before finishing with smooth, golden, and slightly earthy graham notes. There are hints of caramel and a wonderful balance of sweetness that’s kept in check by the bursts of acidity brought by the apple. The overall profile is very true to the sweet-yet-tart nature of apples and is deliciously convincing as a cookie.
The creme on this pie-eo is also softer and creamier than a lot of other varieties. It’s more like what I expect from a Trader Joe’s Joe-Joe. There’s a certain unctuous-ness that’s pleasant and draws immediate comparisons to gooey fresh apple pie filling. This Oreo isn’t tame, and it might not be for everyone, but I love it and think they nailed the execution.
While last year’s Blueberry Pie was one of my favorites flavor-wise, it’s pretty hard to capture true blueberry flavor in a factory setting. These Apple Pie guys not only deliver a great sweet snack, but seamless flavor emulation to boot.
(Nutrition Facts – 2 cookies – 140 calories, 60 calories from fat, 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 70 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.)
Purchased Price: $3.29
Size: 10.7 oz.
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 10 out of 10
Pros: Big, authentic tart apple flavor. Slight cinnamon spiciness. Perfectly balanced sweetness. Mellow earthy graham finish. Soft fresh creme.
Cons: They don’t come a la mode.
The caramel undertone was totally artificial to me. I loved the cinnamon and nutmeg they captured in the cream, but that aftertaste was hard to swallow and ruined it for me. I know others have noted it, but its crazy how these are either a hit or a miss with most consumers. Great review.
It’s so true!! I get ZERO artificial flavor from these at all but I have seen others who didn’t enjoy it. Taste is so subjective which is why it’s good to take others’ opinions as info and always try what sounds good. Case in point – I thought the PB&J Oreo had a weird perfumey floral flavor that didn’t bother most people. Shrug. Thanks for reading dawg.
I totally agree, Bob. The artificial taste was very prominent and gives it a, “Am I eating a candle from Bath & Body Works?” kind of experience. I’ll be able to salvage the cookies…just have to get rid of the cream.
i didn’t know caramel had a natural flavor
?
I think the candle smell ruined these cookies for me. Well, and the aftertaste. And they’re really pretty cloying; I like a little bite in my apples, and I really didn’t get any from the one I made it through.
This was from a fresh package I’d brought to an end-of-summer family gathering. The cookies got to be (a) dessert after sweet corn and grilled steak (full disclosure: I had chicken), so the context was all there. I was not the only one who didn’t care for these things. Apparently, Mom even tried to feed one to one of the dogs later. This dog is not a picky eater and has a major sweet tooth. If you are not careful, she *will* steal bread and pastries from the kitchen counter, if they are there and she can reach them. (Like the time she ate an entire pumpkin roll. A heavy, bakery-made pumpkin roll, no less…) I guess she *eventually* ate the cookie, but not after expressing enormous skepticism. (She is an expressive dog.)
Anyway, I’ll have to see how they do at work… XD
I agree. I thought these were pretty gross and way too fake apple-flavored.
Saw these at the store two days ago and didn’t buy them because I hated the caramel apple ones. Might have to get them now based on your review?.
That was not supposed to be a question mark at the end. Not enough coffee .
While I also enjoyed the caramel apple ones I would give these a shot unless you really hate Apple flavoring. The graham and cinnamon bring a really great balance that the caramel apple didn’t have, even though I would buy those again too ;P
They could done a half apple creme and half vanilla cream filling to make it a la mode.
Nah then that would take the fun out of using them as an ice cream topping, which I can assuringly, is delicious 😉
I thought they were way too apple-y. It was way too powerful and didn’t taste like apple pie, it tasted like an apple Jolly Rancher.
Not a big fan of apple pie in anything but an apple pie, but a 10/10 rating? Wow–I may need to pick these up!
I don’t read a food blog to get lectures about colonialism. Just review the godamn Oreos.
+1. Must be a graduate English student. Amazed he didn’t work in a cultural appropriation reference.
Eating these reminded me of a cookie version of an apple Toaster Strudel. I dug it.
Sean,, your recent successes leave me overwhelmed with pride. A token of appreciation will b forthcoming via
aunt Kellyl I hope to take u & your Chica out to a good lunch very soon!! :))
agape,
G’pa Vago
Thanks my man! Appreciate your eyes and heart!
I really like these. There’s definitely an artificial taste, but I still think they’re delicious!
Nice! Glad you gave ’em the 10 they deserve! As for a la mode, these things pair so damn well with ice cream — especially Chocolate Shoppe’s Caramel Apple Pie for obvious reasons
Ooooooh you goin in dawg! Sounds terrific.