Apple Pie Tacos

If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall, these Apple Pie Tacos are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a warm, crispy shell filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples. This recipe takes the comfort of traditional apple pie and gives it a fun, handheld twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They are not only easy to whip up but also bring joy to every bite, making them a favorite in my kitchen!

What I love most about these Apple Pie Tacos is how they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an after-school treat or as a festive dessert at your next gathering, everyone will adore them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have these tasty tacos ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun twist on a classic dessert.
• Make-Ahead Ready: Prepare the shells in advance and fill them when you’re ready to serve!
• Deliciously Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Satisfying Comfort Food: The warm apple filling and crispy shell create a cozy experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Pie Tacos use simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll love how each one contributes to the cozy flavors of this dish!

For the Shells

• 6 small flour tortillas (4.5-inch street taco size)
• ⅓ cup salted butter, melted
• ¾ cup finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice)

For the Filling

• 20 oz canned apple pie filling (or fresh sautéed apples)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)

For Toppings (Optional)

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Variations

One of the best things about these Apple Pie Tacos is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make them your own.

• Swap the filling: Use fresh sautéed apples with your favorite spices instead of canned filling for a homemade touch.
• Try different toppings: Experiment with chocolate sauce or nuts for some added crunch.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a deliciously creamy option.
• Change up the spice: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make Apple Pie Tacos

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your taco shells will bake evenly and come out perfectly crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Brush both sides of each tortilla generously with melted butter. This step adds flavor and helps the crumbs stick later on.

Step 3: Coat with Crumbs

In a shallow dish, mix together the crushed vanilla wafers and cinnamon. Press each tortilla into this mixture, coating both sides well. The crumb coating gives our tacos that delightful crunch!

Step 4: Set Aside

Let the coated tortillas rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This helps the crumbs set so they don’t fall off during baking.

Step 5: Shape Your Shells

Drape each tortilla over the bars of your oven rack or place them in a taco mold (an upside-down muffin tin works great!). This shaping allows them to crisp up beautifully while baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your tortillas for 8-10 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them; you want that lovely crunchy texture without burning!

Step 7: Combine Filling Ingredients

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your apple pie filling and heavy cream. Stir often until it’s warm, bubbly, and slightly thickened—about 5 minutes. If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg for that extra cozy warmth!

Step 8: Fill Your Tacos

Once your shells have cooled slightly, spoon in the warm apple filling generously. Let it overflow for maximum yumminess!

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches

Top off your delicious creations with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce over everything for that sweet finishing touch.

Now gather around friends or family and enjoy these delightful Apple Pie Tacos together!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Tacos

Making Apple Pie Tacos is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples for a homemade twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, sautéing fresh apples with a little sugar and cinnamon adds a personal touch and enhances the flavor profile beyond store-bought filling.
• Don’t skip the cooling step: Letting the tacos cool for 5 minutes after baking helps them crisp up even more. This makes them sturdier when filled with warm apple goodness!
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to add nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of clove to your apple filling for an extra depth of flavor that will impress your taste buds.
• Customize your toppings: Beyond whipped cream and caramel sauce, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent twist that takes these tacos to the next level.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the taco shells in advance and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just fill them with the apple mixture and top as desired for easy entertaining!

How to Serve Apple Pie Tacos

These Apple Pie Tacos are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presentation can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A sprinkle of crunchy nuts adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet filling beautifully.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top gives an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Fresh mint leaves: A couple of fresh mint leaves on the side adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the warm flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm Apple Pie Tacos, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Caramelized bananas: Sauté banana slices in butter and brown sugar until golden; they add a deliciously sweet side that complements the apple flavor.
• Mixed berry salad: Fresh berries tossed with a touch of honey make for a refreshing side dish that balances out the rich flavors of the tacos.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve these tacos alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy fall-inspired meal that warms both body and soul.

With these serving suggestions, your Apple Pie Tacos will be not just a treat but also an unforgettable experience. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Pie Tacos are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep. You can make the shells and filling ahead of time, so when you’re ready to indulge, you can assemble them in a snap!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover tacos to cool completely.
• Store crispy taco shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Keep the apple filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the taco shells individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.
• The apple filling can also be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat taco shells, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy again.
• For the apple filling, warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your Apple Pie Tacos!

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned for Apple Pie Tacos?

Absolutely! Fresh sautéed apples work wonderfully. Just sauté them with some cinnamon and sugar until tender to create your filling.

How do I make Apple Pie Tacos dairy-free?

You can easily make these tacos dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using dairy-free whipped cream as a topping.

Can I prepare Apple Pie Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! The shells and apple filling can be made ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble right before serving for the best texture.

What toppings go well with Apple Pie Tacos?

Whipped cream and caramel sauce are delicious choices! You could also consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Apple Pie Tacos! They’re not just a fun twist on a classic favorite; they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy making this recipe, and let your kitchen fill with warmth and sweet scents. Happy baking, friends!