For the first time in 40 years, Panda Express puts dessert on the menu

Restaurant fuses apple pie and egg roll concepts

Panda Express diners are accustomed to the fast-casual restaurant adding new shrimp, chicken and steak recipes occasionally to its array of wok-fired dishes.

But never a dessert — unless you count the fortune cookies — until now.

For its 40th anniversary, the chain is introducing its first-ever sweet treat, the Apple Pie Roll.

“We are incredibly grateful for our pioneers that paved the way for Panda to create and popularize American Chinese food, and for our guests and communities for their embrace of our cuisine,” said Andrea Cherng, chief brand officer, in the announcement. The Cherng family founded Panda Express in Glendale in 1983. It’s now the largest Asian dining concept in the United States.

The fusion sweet combines “apples, fall spices and cinnamon sugar like a classic American apple pie” and puts the filling in a “crispy and flaky wonton wrapper, like a quintessential Chinese egg roll,” according to the restaurant’s marketing team.

It’s available in all Panda Express restaurants, and members of the Panda Rewards loyalty club may try it for free between now and Oct. 31.

Details: www.pandaexpress.com