Apple Pie Tacos Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with dessert all over again, then Apple Pie Tacos are about to become your new obsession. These delightful treats transform the classic warm, cinnamon-kissed apple pie into a fun, handheld taco form that’s crispy, creamy, and bursting with nostalgic flavor. With their buttery, crumb-coated shells and warm apple filling, Apple Pie Tacos combine the best of comfort food with a playful twist that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Pie Tacos lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the crunchy vanilla wafer crust to the creamy, warm apple filling. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to create this satisfying dessert.

• 6 small flour tortillas (4.5-inch street taco size): These form the perfect shell that crisps up beautifully when baked.
• ⅓ cup salted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps the crumbs stick, while creating a golden crust.
• ¾ cup finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs): The secret to that irresistible crunchy coating with a sweet vanilla touch.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice): Infuses the shells with warm, cozy spice that whispers fall in every bite.
• 20 oz canned apple pie filling (or fresh sautéed apples): This luscious filling brings tender, cinnamony apple goodness to the center.
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free): Mixed into the filling for a smooth, rich texture that melts in your mouth.
• Whipped cream and caramel sauce (optional, for topping): Perfect for adding a luscious, indulgent finishing touch.

How to Make Apple Pie Tacos

Step 1: Prep Your Taco Shells

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven is warming up, brush each flour tortilla generously on both sides with the melted butter—that buttery layer is what makes these shells stand out. Next, combine your crushed vanilla wafers and cinnamon in a shallow dish. This crumb mixture is going to add incredible flavor and crunch. Press each tortilla firmly into the crumb blend, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let them rest on a wire rack for about five minutes so those crumbs can set nicely—this is key for crispiness.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Now for the fun part: shaping the tortillas into taco shells. You can drape them over the bars of your oven rack or, if you prefer, use a taco mold or even an upside-down muffin tin to hold their shape. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they get a gorgeous golden color and crisp up perfectly. Once out of the oven, let them cool for five minutes so they firm up even more, giving you that delightful crunch with every bite.

Step 3: Warm the Filling

While the shells are baking, it’s time to warm up that luscious apple pie filling. Pour it into a saucepan over medium heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Keep stirring often until the mixture bubbles warmly and thickens slightly—around five minutes. For an extra cozy depth of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg if you have it on hand. This step makes the filling velvety smooth, enhancing every spoonful inside your taco shells.

Step 4: Assemble Your Apple Pie Tacos

Once your shells are cooled and your apple filling is perfectly warm, spoon generous amounts of filling into each crispy shell—don’t be shy about letting a bit spill out; that’s part of the charm! For a final flourish, top with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle some caramel sauce over everything. This extra sweetness and creaminess turns each taco into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

How to Serve Apple Pie Tacos

Garnishes

To elevate your Apple Pie Tacos, consider adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a handful of toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, flavorful touch that makes your dessert feel fancy yet approachable. These garnishes enhance presentation and layers of flavor without taking away from the taco’s star ingredients.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of chilled apple cider for a match made in heaven. If you want something lighter, a simple fruit salad with a hint of lemon zest balances the richness beautifully. Whether you go indulgent or fresh, sides should complement the warm, sweet profile of Apple Pie Tacos without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve Apple Pie Tacos on a large wooden board stacked in a taco holder or nestled in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic vibe. You could also offer a toppings bar with whipped cream, caramel, nuts, and cinnamon sugar so guests can customize their own creations. This interactive setup makes dessert part of the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Pie Tacos are best enjoyed fresh for that perfect crispness, but if you have leftovers, store the baked shells separately at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep the warm apple filling refrigerated in a sealed jar or bowl. This way, you can reheat the filling and assemble fresh tacos when ready to serve.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead for a busy day, freeze your baked taco shells in zip-top bags. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their crisp texture. The filling is best made fresh, but plain cooked apples can be frozen as well for convenience.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your apple filling gently on the stove over low heat, stirring to prevent sticking and to maintain creaminess. Warm the shells separately in the oven as mentioned so they don’t become soggy. Then assemble just before serving to keep that delightful contrast of textures that makes Apple Pie Tacos so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tortillas for Apple Pie Tacos?

While small flour tortillas are ideal for crisping into shells, corn tortillas can be tricky as they might tear or become too brittle. If you want to experiment, try flour tortillas first for the best texture and shape.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil, and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream in the filling. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still get a creamy, satisfying taco.

Can I make Apple Pie Tacos ahead of time for a party?

Definitely. Bake your taco shells up to two days in advance and keep them stored airtight. Warm the filling right before guests arrive and assemble on the spot. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.

What can I substitute for the canned apple pie filling?

If you prefer fresh, sauté diced apples with a little butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice until soft and fragrant. This homemade filling works wonderfully and adds a personal touch.

How do I keep the shells crispy when assembling?

Make sure the filling isn’t piping hot when you add it to the shells; letting it cool for a couple of minutes prevents sogginess and keeps the shells crisp for longer. Also, serve immediately after assembling for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pie Tacos are a delightful way to shake up dessert time with something playful, comforting, and unexpectedly delicious. They combine the warm flavors of apple pie with a crispy, buttery shell that’s just begging to be enjoyed. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these tacos bring joy with every bite. Trust me, once you try Apple Pie Tacos, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed apple pie any other way!

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