When the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, I find myself craving something comforting and playful—a dessert that embodies the spirit of fall but surprises with a twist. Enter Apple Pie Tacos: a delightful fusion of beloved apple pie flavors wrapped in a crispy taco shell. These little treasures combine warm, cinnamon-kissed apples with a buttery crunch that both kids and adults can’t resist.
I stumbled upon this whimsical recipe while experimenting in the kitchen, eager to escape the monotony of takeout meals. In just about 20 minutes, you can create a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. And the best part? You can customize them with your favorite fillings and toppings, making every batch a unique treat. So grab your tortillas and let’s dive into this quick and delightful indulgence that promises a smile with every bite!
Why Are Apple Pie Tacos the Perfect Dessert?
Quick and Versatile: These Apple Pie Tacos come together in just 20 minutes, making them a go-to for busy nights.
Fun Presentation: The playful taco shape adds a burst of creativity to traditional dessert, engaging both kids and adults alike.
Flavors That Wow: Cinnamon-kissed apples and buttery shells combine for an irresistible flavor explosion that captures the essence of fall.
Endless Customization: Feel free to swap out the filling with pumpkin, cherry, or even chocolate for a sweet twist—perfect for any occasion!
Ideal for Sharing: Serve them as a fun dessert bar, allowing guests to build their own tacos with whipped cream and caramel for a crowd-pleasing experience.
Apple Pie Tacos Ingredients
• You won’t believe how easy these are to make!
For the Taco Shells
- 6 small flour tortillas (4.5-inch) – These form the delightful basis for your Apple Pie Tacos; if you’re out of mini tortillas, just cut larger ones into quarters!
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps crisp the tortillas; you can swap it for coconut oil to make a vegan version.
- ¾ cup finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs – Enhances the flavor and texture of the shells; graham cracker crumbs work as a great substitute.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice) – Infuses warmth and that classic apple pie essence into the tortillas.
For the Filling
- 20 oz canned apple pie filling – This shortcut makes preparing your Apple Pie Tacos a breeze; for a fresher touch, try sautéing fresh apples with brown sugar and lemon juice instead!
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Creates a luxurious texture in the filling; full-fat coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative.
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream – Adds a light, sweet finish; feel free to use homemade or store-bought!
- Caramel sauce – Offers an extra indulgent drizzle to take your dessert to the next level.
Create this whimsical dessert in no time, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo—your taste buds will thank you!
How to Make Apple Pie Tacos
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things started with the perfect taco shell crispness. The warm temperature makes a world of difference!
-
Brush each tortilla on both sides with your melted butter, ensuring they’re luxuriously coated for that irresistible crunch.
-
Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs and cinnamon in a shallow bowl; then coat both sides of the tortillas in this delicious blend. This step adds a lovely flavor!
-
Rest the coated tortillas on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This allows them to settle and prepare for their crispy transformation.
-
Drape the tortillas over the bars of an oven rack or into taco molds and bake them for 8-10 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crisp.
-
Let cool for 5 minutes after baking to firm up the shells even more—this ensures they can hold all that delicious filling!
-
Combine the apple pie filling and heavy cream in a saucepan; then heat the mixture until it bubbles, about 5 minutes. Want a little twist? Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor!
-
Spoon warm filling generously into the crispy shells, letting it overflow for a delightful presentation.
-
Top your Apple Pie Tacos with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra indulgence. Enjoy the layers of texture and flavor!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for a cozy touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Apple Pie Tacos are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the taco shells up to 2 days in advance—just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. The apple filling can also be made ahead; simply combine the apple pie filling and heavy cream and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the filling on the stovetop before spooning it into the crispy shells. This way, you’ll enjoy that warm, gooey comfort without the rush on busy nights!
Storage Tips for Apple Pie Tacos
-
Room Temperature: If you have leftover Apple Pie Tacos, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
-
Fridge: Store any filled Apple Pie Tacos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To keep the shells crunchy, consider storing the filling separately.
-
Freezer: Prepare the taco shells, cool them completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Re-crisp in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before serving.
-
Reheating: If you have leftover filling, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until warm.
Apple Pie Tacos Variations
Ready to put your own spin on these fun Apple Pie Tacos? Let your imagination run wild with these delightful alternatives!
-
Pumpkin Delight: Swap apple filling for canned pumpkin mixed with cream cheese for a seasonal twist. It’s like a Thanksgiving dessert in taco form!
-
Berry Bliss: Use cherry or blueberry pie filling instead of apples. The sweet, tangy flavors will blend beautifully with the crispy shells.
-
Choco-Lover’s Dream: Add chocolate chips to the apple filling, or drizzle melted chocolate over the taco shells for an indulgent treat. Who can resist chocolate?
-
Savory Surprise: For those craving something different, fill corn tortillas with pulled pork or seasoned black beans for a savory taco experience. Pair with spicy salsa for a flavor kick!
-
Dairy-Free Indulgence: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, making a luscious and creamy filling that everyone can enjoy.
-
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into your apple filling for an added crunchy texture. It takes the flavor up a notch!
-
Cinnamon Sugar Twist: After baking, sprinkle the tacos lightly with cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch that enhances that fall flavor.
-
Fruity Fusion: Mix in diced fresh peaches or pears with the apples for a delightful fruit medley that’ll surprise your taste buds.
Dive into these variations and create your own family favorites that will bring smiles and joy with every bite!
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Tacos
-
Cool Before Filling: Allow the apple filling to cool slightly before adding it to the shells to prevent them from becoming soggy.
-
Fresh Tortillas: If using older tortillas that are prone to tearing, brush them with extra butter or warm them briefly in a damp towel; this makes them more pliable for shaping.
-
Double-Coat Crunch: For an even crispier texture, try double-coating the taco shells in the crumb mixture before baking.
-
Make Ahead: For easier preparation, bake the taco shells up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
-
Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to explore different fillings beyond apple pie; consider using pumpkin or cherry for a fun twist while keeping the essence of Apple Pie Tacos.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Tacos?
Imagine a cozy fall gathering where the delightful scent of cinnamon and sweet apples fills the air while your friends and family dive into these playful treats. Let’s elevate that experience with some scrumptious pairings!
-
Hot Apple Cider: A classic fall drink that beautifully complements the warm, spiced flavors of the tacos, making each bite even more comforting.
-
Spiced Coffee: Serve alongside a rich cup of coffee infused with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a delightful pick-me-up.
-
Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with tart apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet tacos.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm apple filling, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over your Apple Pie Tacos for an unexpected yet indulgent sweet surprise.
-
Whipped Cream Bar: Set out flavored whipped creams—vanilla, maple, or even pumpkin spice—for a fun DIY topping station that guests will love.
Pairing your Apple Pie Tacos with these yummy accompaniments will surely create an unforgettable dessert experience—one that everyone will savor!
Apple Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right tortillas for my Apple Pie Tacos?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using small flour tortillas (around 4.5 inches in diameter). They provide the perfect size and texture to form delightful taco shells. If you only have larger tortillas on hand, no problem! Just cut them into quarters before preparing them to maintain that fun shape.
What is the best way to store leftover Apple Pie Tacos?
Very good question! If you have any leftovers, the best method is to store the filled tacos in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, for optimal crunch, it’s wise to keep the filling separate from the taco shells. This way, you can retain that delightful crispiness!
Can I freeze Apple Pie Tacos?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare your taco shells and cool them completely. Then, place them in a zip-top bag, sealing it tightly. You can freeze them for as long as 3 months. To re-crisp, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. When you’re craving dessert, this makes for an easy treat!
What should I do if my taco shells are too soft after baking?
If your shells don’t reach their desired crispness, it may be due to excess moisture or insufficient baking time. You can try baking them a bit longer, monitoring closely until they turn golden brown. Additionally, ensure you’ve coated them properly in butter and crumbs, as this contributes significantly to their crunchiness!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for Apple Pie Tacos?
Absolutely! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option, and opt for full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream to keep it dairy-free. Additionally, ensure that any crust crumbs you use are free from allergens if you’re serving guests with specific food sensitivities.
What should I do if I can’t find canned apple pie filling?
Very easy! If you can’t find canned apple pie filling, simply make your own by sautéing fresh apples with brown sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. You’ll want to cook them until they’re tender and juicy, about 5-7 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives you that fresh, homemade touch!
Apple Pie Tacos: A Fun Twist on Classic Dessert Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush each tortilla on both sides with melted butter.
- Mix vanilla wafer crumbs and cinnamon together; coat both sides of the tortillas.
- Rest the coated tortillas on a wire rack for about 5 minutes.
- Drape tortillas over oven rack or taco molds and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Combine apple pie filling and heavy cream in a saucepan; heat until bubbling.
- Spoon warm filling into the crispy shells.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.