When the crispness of fall hits the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through my kitchen. One day, while pondering how to elevate my usual dessert game, I discovered a whimsical twist that combines two of my favorites: apple pie and tacos. Enter Apple Pie Tacos – a delightful fusion that captures the warm, gooey goodness of classic apple pie tucked into crispy taco shells.
In just under 20 minutes, you can whip up this playful dessert that not only looks stunning but also invites endless customization. Whether you prefer to drizzle on rich caramel or pile on fluffy whipped cream, these tacos are perfect for any gathering, from cozy family dinners to unexpected get-togethers. So, let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that promises to delight both young and old alike, transforming your dessert table into something truly special this fall!
Why will you adore Apple Pie Tacos?
Deliciously Unique: This recipe is a fun twist on traditional apple pie that transforms cozy flavors into a portable treat perfect for sharing.
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests without the fuss of baking a full pie.
Customizable Options: Enjoy endless variations by swapping fillings or toppings to suit your taste—think pumpkin, cherry, or even whipped cream with a hint of lemon zest.
Family-Friendly Fun: These tacos are easy for kids to help assemble, making it a delightful family activity that brings everyone into the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual evenings, Apple Pie Tacos add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.
Apple Pie Tacos Ingredients
For the Taco Shells
- Street Taco Flour Tortillas – These serve as the crispy base for your Apple Pie Tacos; cut larger tortillas into quarters if necessary for bite-sized fun.
- Salted Butter (⅓ cup, melted) – This adds a rich flavor while helping your shells achieve that perfect crunch; coconut oil can be a great vegan alternative.
- Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer Crumbs (¾ cup) – These give a sweet, crunchy coating to your shells; feel free to swap with graham cracker crumbs for a different taste.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp or apple pie spice) – This aromatic spice adds warmth and a classic apple pie flavor to your shells.
For the Filling
- Canned Apple Pie Filling (20 oz) – A time-saver that ensures your dessert delivers traditional flavors; for a fresh twist, sauté sliced apples with brown sugar and lemon juice instead.
- Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – It creates a smooth and rich filling texture; substitute with full-fat coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
For the Toppings
- Whipped Cream & Caramel Sauce (optional) – These indulgent toppings enhance the appeal and sweetness of your Apple Pie Tacos; choose store-bought for convenience or whip up your own for a homemade touch.
With these delightful ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from creating scrumptious Apple Pie Tacos that are sure to delight your family and friends!
How to Make Apple Pie Tacos
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the taco shells bake evenly and become crispy.
- Brush tortillas generously on both sides with melted butter, allowing for a lovely golden finish. This richness is key to the perfect taco shell!
- Mix finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish; coat both sides of the tortillas in this sweet mixture, enhancing flavor and crunch.
- Rest the coated tortillas on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This helps them set and prepare for baking, ensuring deliciously crispy shells.
- Drape tortillas over oven rack bars or a taco mold, and bake for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.
- Cool the shells for 5 minutes to allow them to crisp up further before filling them with the delightful apple mixture.
- Combine canned apple pie filling and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until bubbly, about 5 minutes. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg!
- Fill the crispy shells with warm apple filling, letting it overflow slightly for that irresistible presentation.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce before serving to elevate your dessert experience.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Tacos
Room Temperature: Store leftover Apple Pie Tacos at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Fridge: If you need to store them longer, place in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven briefly to restore crunch.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled taco shells for up to 2 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure they are crispy.
Reheating: Warm the apple filling separately, and assemble with the shells freshly baked for optimal texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Tacos
- Proper Cooling: Allow the apple filling to cool slightly before adding it to the taco shells to prevent sogginess, ensuring crispy bites.
- Double-Coat for Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, double-coat the taco shells in the vanilla wafer crumbs and cinnamon mixture.
- Tortilla Freshness: If using older tortillas, warm them slightly or brush with extra butter to help prevent tearing while baking.
- Crisp Check: Tap the shells lightly; they should sound “tappy” to confirm they’ve reached the right level of crispness before filling.
- Custom Variations: Feel free to swap apple filling for other fruits or even savory options to keep the Apple Pie Tacos exciting and versatile!
Apple Pie Tacos Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful tacos!
- Pumpkin Twist: Substitute apple filling with canned pumpkin mixed with cream cheese and maple syrup for a festive touch.
- Berry Burst: Swap in cherry or blueberry pie filling and top with lemon zest-infused whipped cream for a refreshing flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans to your apple filling or roll the taco shells in crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible crunch.
- Savory Delight: Try filling the tacos with pulled pork, black beans, or even sautéed veggies for a surprising savory version.
- Vegan Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free delight.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper with your apple filling for a surprising kick that contrasts sweet and spicy beautifully.
- Double the Spice: Combine cinnamon with a bit of nutmeg or allspice to elevate the flavor profile in your filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate instead of caramel for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Pie Tacos are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the taco shells up to 2 days in advance by baking and storing them in an airtight container; this ensures they stay crispy and delicious. For the filling, simply heat the apple pie filling and heavy cream mixture on the day of serving—doing this right before assembling helps maintain that warm, gooey texture. If you’re accommodating busy weeknights, consider preparing the taco shells and filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerating the filling in a sealed container. Just reheat gently before filling the shells for a fun and easy dessert that’s just as delightful as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Apple Pie Tacos?
Looking to create a delightful meal experience around these whimsical treats? Let’s explore some perfect pairings to elevate your dessert game!
- Hot Apple Cider: This warm, spiced beverage echoes the cozy flavors of the fall, perfectly complementing the sweet apple filling of the tacos.
- Spiced Coffee: A rich, aromatic coffee infused with hints of cinnamon enhances the dessert experience with a warming contrast to the sweet tacos.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cold, it creates a delightful contrast to the warm apple filling, transforming your tacos into an indulgent á la mode treat.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy and sweet, these chips echo the flavors of the taco shells while adding an extra crunch to your dessert table.
- Pecan Pie Bites: For those who love variety, these bite-sized desserts offer a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple tacos.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Extra caramel isn’t just for topping; serving a small bowl on the side can enhance the enjoyment with every sweet bite.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness and provide a bright, colorful accompaniment to the tacos.
- Whipped Cream Variety: Consider offering flavored whipped cream—like cinnamon or maple—for an exciting twist that adds another layer of flavor.
With these delightful pairings, your Apple Pie Tacos will shine during any fall gathering!
Apple Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas should I use for Apple Pie Tacos?
I recommend using street taco flour tortillas for that perfect crispy texture. If you prefer a smaller size, you can cut larger tortillas into quarters; this makes them ideal for bite-sized munching.
How should I store leftover Apple Pie Tacos?
Store any leftover Apple Pie Tacos at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day to keep them crispy. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the fridge where they’ll last for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their delightful crunch before enjoying.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Tacos?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfilled taco shells for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to use them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure a crispy finish.
What can I do if my taco shells aren’t crunchy?
If your taco shells turn out a bit soggy, it might be due to the filling being too hot when added. To remedy this, allow the apple filling to cool slightly before filling the shells. Additionally, ensure the shells are baked until they sound “tappy” when lightly knocked, indicating they’ve crisped up properly.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re catering to different dietary needs, coconut oil can easily replace butter for a vegan version. For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Just be cautious of any allergic reactions related to the ingredients, especially if you choose to use store-bought fillings or toppings.
Can I customize the filling for Apple Pie Tacos?
Very much so! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can swap out the apple pie filling for pumpkin mixed with cream cheese, or even cherry and blueberry fillings topped with whipped cream infused with lemon zest. This versatility keeps your dessert exciting and allows you to cater to varying tastes!
Apple Pie Tacos: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert Adventure
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush tortillas generously on both sides with melted butter.
- Mix finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish; coat both sides of the tortillas.
- Rest the coated tortillas on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Drape tortillas over oven rack bars or a taco mold, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool the shells for 5 minutes.
- Combine canned apple pie filling and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Fill the crispy shells with warm apple filling.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce before serving.