As I sat enjoying a crisp autumn afternoon, the warm scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafted through the kitchen, transporting me straight to my childhood. That’s when I thought, why not combine the beloved flavors of apple pie and the fun of tacos into one irresistible dessert? Enter Easy Apple Pie Tacos! This delightful twist on a classic dish not only comes together in under 20 minutes but offers endless possibilities for customization, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Packed with warm, gooey apple filling and a satisfying crunch, these tacos are bound to become a favorite in your household. Curious about how to make these whimsical bites that everyone will adore? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Easy Apple Pie Tacos a must-try?
Simplicity makes this recipe perfect for busy evenings; it comes together in under 20 minutes! Endless customization options allow you to reinvent the flavors to suit your family’s taste, whether you prefer classic apple or want to experiment with pumpkin. Crispy and gooey textures create a delightful contrast that will have everyone coming back for more. Ideal for gatherings, these playful tacos are sure to impress guests at your next get-together. And for more unique dessert ideas, check out my Berry Slab Pie for another crowd-pleaser!
Easy Apple Pie Tacos Ingredients
• Gather everything you need to create these delightful Easy Apple Pie Tacos!
For the Taco Shells
- Street Taco Flour Tortillas – These tortillas provide the crispy taco shell structure; cut larger tortillas into quarters for bite-sized treats.
- Salted Butter (⅓ cup) – This rich ingredient adds a depth of flavor; for a vegan option, swap in coconut oil.
- Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer Crumbs (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness and texture; you can use graham cracker crumbs as an alternative.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Infuses your tacos with warm spice; try apple pie spice for an exciting twist!
For the Filling
- Canned Apple Pie Filling (20 oz) – The star of the dish, offering that nostalgic, sweet flavor; consider fresh apples sautéed with brown sugar for a homemade touch.
- Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – This enriches the apple filling, but for a vegan version, opt for full-fat coconut milk.
For Toppings
- Whipped Cream (Optional) – A delicious way to bring sweetness and creaminess to every bite.
- Caramel Sauce (Optional) – Drizzle this for an extra layer of flavor; both store-bought or homemade work wonderfully!
Don’t wait, gather these ingredients to make your Easy Apple Pie Tacos a delicious reality!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Apple Pie Tacos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy taco shells that are the star of your Easy Apple Pie Tacos. While the oven heats up, you can gather and prepare your ingredients, ensuring a smooth cooking process ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Melt ⅓ cup of salted butter in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to generously coat both sides of your street taco flour tortillas with the melted butter. This step not only adds flavor but helps the vanilla wafer crumbs adhere, making your taco shells both crunchy and delicious.
Step 3: Coat the Tortillas
In a shallow dish, mix ¾ cup of finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined. Take each buttered tortilla and thoroughly coat it in this sweet mixture on both sides. You want the crumbs to stick nicely, giving your Easy Apple Pie Tacos that delightful crunch.
Step 4: Let Tortillas Rest
Once coated, place the tortillas on a wire rack and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the butter to absorb into the crumbs, helping them set up nicely and preventing sogginess during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Taco Shells
Next, drape the coated tortillas over the bars of your oven rack or into taco molds for support. Bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, checking for a slightly tappy sound when you gently knock on them.
Step 6: Cool the Taco Shells
After baking, remove the taco shells from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step will complete the crisping process, ensuring that your Easy Apple Pie Tacos have a satisfying crunch when filled.
Step 7: Heat the Apple Filling
While the taco shells cool, place 20 oz of canned apple pie filling in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to enrich the filling and stir continuously until it warms through and becomes bubbly—which should take around 5 minutes.
Step 8: Fill the Taco Shells
With the apple filling now warm and gooey, it’s time to fill your crispy taco shells. Spoon in generous amounts of the apple pie mixture, ensuring each shell is packed with the comforting flavors that make this dessert truly special.
Step 9: Add Toppings
Finally, elevate your Easy Apple Pie Tacos by topping them with whipped cream, if desired, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. These finishing touches provide a wonderful sweetness and creaminess that beautifully complement the warm apple filling, making for a delightful experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Apple Pie Tacos are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the taco shells up to 2 days in advance by following the baking instructions and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. The apple filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; simply reheat it on the stove just before filling the shells. To ensure the flavors stay vibrant, refrigerate the filling in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, fill the crispy shells with the warm apple mixture and add your toppings for that fresh, delightful touch—just as delicious as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Easy Apple Pie Tacos
Indulging in warm, crunchy Easy Apple Pie Tacos invites a delightful full meal experience that you won’t soon forget.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A warm cup of cinnamon coffee enhances those baking aromas and complements the flavors of apple and spice perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the warm, gooey apple filling, creating an irresistible pairing.
- Caramel Drizzle on Ice Cream: Elevate your dessert game by drizzling caramel sauce on vanilla ice cream, echoing the taco topping while adding extra indulgence.
- Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea brings cozy warmth and aromatic spices, deepening the comfort of your apple pie tacos.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a touch of mint as a garnish gives a refreshing bite that brightens the overall dessert experience.
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: For a touch of creaminess, nothing beats a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of your tacos.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: As the seasons shift, a pumpkin spice latte becomes the perfect warm beverage to accompany your fall-themed dessert.
- Baked Cinnamon Apples: Enhance your dessert table by serving baked cinnamon apples on the side for an extra dose of comforting flavors.
- Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup over each taco can introduce a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the apple filling.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Enjoy a glass of warm spiced apple cider for an autumnal beverage that harmonizes beautifully with your Easy Apple Pie Tacos.
Expert Tips for Easy Apple Pie Tacos
• Baked Shells Test: Ensure taco shells are baked until they make a “tappy” sound when gently knocked, indicating a perfect crunch.
• Cooling Filling: If the taco shells start to become soggy, let the apple filling cool slightly before adding it to maintain that delightful crispiness.
• Make Ahead: Preparing taco shells can be done up to 2 days in advance; just warm the filling just before assembling your Easy Apple Pie Tacos for best results.
• Flavor Twists: Experiment with fillings! Try using various fruits, like cherry or pumpkin, for a refreshing variation that will keep the family guessing.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover tacos at room temperature in an airtight container for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days to preserve freshness; reheat in the oven for texture restoration.
Easy Apple Pie Tacos Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these delightful tacos your own with a few simple tweaks and substitutions!
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Vegan Options: Substitute salted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the rich flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas instead of street taco flour tortillas, so everyone can enjoy this treat!
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Homemade Filling: Create your own apple filling by sautéing fresh apples with brown sugar and cinnamon for a homemade touch.
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Pumpkin Spin: Swap the apple filling for pumpkin mixed with cream cheese. This seasonal twist brings a new sweetness to the table.
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Berry Delight: Try using cherry or blueberry pie filling instead of apple for a fruity variation. You can top this with lemon-infused whipped cream for a refreshing zing.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg in the crumb mixture for an aromatic kick that warms the soul.
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Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples.
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Add Heat: For those who love a bit of spice, consider drizzling a touch of cayenne or chili powder mixed into the caramel sauce for a sweet-heat experience!
These variations can turn your Easy Apple Pie Tacos into an adventure of flavors! And if you’re looking to expand your dessert repertoire, try the delightful Crunch Cheesecake Tacos or indulge in a creamy Boston Cream Pie for a sweet twist!
Storage Tips for Easy Apple Pie Tacos
Room Temperature: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, keeping the shells crispy and enjoying their delightful flavor.
Fridge: To maintain freshness, refrigerate filled tacos for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crunch.
Freezer: Unfilled taco shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Warm apple filling should be reheated gently in a saucepan before filling the tacos to ensure that each bite of your Easy Apple Pie Tacos is warm and gooey.
Easy Apple Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas should I use for Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using street taco flour tortillas. They provide the perfect structure for crispy taco shells. If you prefer smaller bites, you can cut larger tortillas into quarters.
How should I store leftover Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
After enjoying your delightful tacos, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their crispy texture. For longer storage, refrigerate filled tacos for up to 3 days, but be sure to reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore that crunchy goodness.
Can I freeze the taco shells for Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze unfilled taco shells. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn, and they will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking them as directed.
What if my taco shells turn out soggy?
Very commonly, soggy shells can happen if the filling is too hot when added or if they are filled too early. To prevent this, let your apple filling cool slightly before filling the shells. If you notice that your shells are soggy after filling, try placing them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up!
Are Easy Apple Pie Tacos suitable for vegans?
Indeed they can be! To make your Easy Apple Pie Tacos vegan-friendly, simply replace the salted butter with coconut oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Additionally, ensure you check the ingredients in your vanilla wafers or graham crackers, as some brands may contain dairy products.
Can I customize the filling for Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
The more the merrier! You can easily switch up the filling based on your preferences. Fresh fruits like cherry or blueberry work wonderfully, or you can try a seasonal pumpkin filling mixed with cream cheese for a fun twist. Feel free to experiment and make these tacos your own!
Easy Apple Pie Tacos: Your New Favorite Cozy Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt ⅓ cup of salted butter in a small bowl and coat both sides of the tortillas with it.
- Mix ¾ cup of crushed vanilla wafer crumbs with 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. Coat the buttered tortillas in this mixture.
- Let the coated tortillas rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes.
- Drape the tortillas over your oven rack bars or taco molds and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the taco shells to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Heat the canned apple pie filling in a saucepan over medium heat with ¼ cup of heavy cream until warm.
- Fill the warm taco shells with the apple filling.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
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