Every now and then, I stumble upon a dish that makes me smile just thinking about it. Enter Easy Apple Pie Tacos: a playful twist on a beloved classic that combines baked apples and cinnamon into crispy taco shells. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dessert that’s not only customizable for any gathering but also a family-friendly treat that gets the kids involved. Whether you choose to fill them with traditional apple pie filling or get adventurous with pumpkin or berry variations, these tacos are a refreshing way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall. I can already envision the smiles—and the seconds! What will your favorite filling be?
Why Will You Love These Tacos?
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can serve up a fun dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Customizable Options abound, whether you want traditional apple filling or explore flavors with pumpkin or berries. Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love assembling their own taco creations, making this a great activity for family gatherings. Deliciously Crunchy: The crispy taco shells are a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey filling. Plus, if you’re looking for more easy desserts, consider trying out my Apple Cinnamon French or Vegan Shepherd’s Pie for a cozy treat! Whipped Toppings: Finish it off with whipped cream or a caramel drizzle for an irresistible touch. These tacos are sure to impress and leave everyone asking for more!
Easy Apple Pie Tacos Ingredients
For the Taco Shells
• Street Taco Flour Tortillas – A soft base for your tacos; cut larger tortillas into quarters for bite-sized fun.
• Salted Butter (⅓ cup) – Provides richness and a crispy texture; substitute with coconut oil for a vegan option.
• Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer Crumbs (¾ cup) – Coats tortillas for added flavor; you can also swap with graham cracker crumbs.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Infuses that classic apple pie taste; apple pie spice can replace it if desired.
For the Filling
• Canned Apple Pie Filling (20 oz) – Convenient and sweet for a fast dessert; sauté fresh apples with brown sugar and lemon juice for a homemade twist.
• Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – Adds richness to the filling; replace with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
For Toppings
• Whipped Cream – An optional yet delightful topping for extra sweetness.
• Caramel Sauce – Drizzle on top for added indulgence; can be store-bought or homemade.
These easy Apple Pie Tacos let you unleash your creativity with fillings and toppings, making them a must-try dessert for any gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Apple Pie Tacos
Step 1: Prep Oven & Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the taco shells. Brush your street taco flour tortillas generously on both sides with melted salted butter, creating a rich flavor and enhancing crispiness. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch in your Easy Apple Pie Tacos.
Step 2: Coat Tortillas
In a shallow dish, mix the finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs and ground cinnamon until well combined. Take each buttered tortilla and coat it thoroughly in the crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer sticks. This coating not only adds flavor but also contributes to the crispy texture of your taco shells.
Step 3: Bake Shells
Place the coated tortillas over the bars of your oven rack or in a taco mold for stability. Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them until they are golden brown and make a satisfying “tappy” sound when knocked lightly. Once done, carefully remove them and let the shells cool for about 5 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the canned apple pie filling and heavy cream. Stir gently as it heats up for about 5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and warm. The creamy warmth will enhance the flavor of your filling, making the Easy Apple Pie Tacos even more irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Once the filling is heated through, it’s time to assemble your Easy Apple Pie Tacos. Carefully spoon the warm apple filling into each crispy taco shell, being generous but avoiding overfilling to prevent breaking. For a delightful finishing touch, add a swirl of whipped cream on top and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving them warm.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Apple Pie Tacos
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover Easy Apple Pie Tacos at room temperature for up to 1 day; keep them covered to maintain freshness.
- Fridge: Refrigerate filled tacos for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture before serving.
- Freezer: Unfilled taco shells can be frozen for up to 2 months; place in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat filled tacos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before enjoying.
What to Serve with Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
Indulge in a delightful dessert experience that will bring smiles to family and friends alike, complemented by these fabulous pairings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice, the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the crispy taco shells and warm filling.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Elevate your tacos with a swirl of cinnamon-infused whipped cream, adding a spiced richness that ties it all together.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: An extra drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and creates an indulgent finish.
Warm Spiced Cider: Serve alongside a mug of warm spiced apple cider for a cozy, autumn-inspired beverage that aligns beautifully with the flavors of the tacos.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten the dessert table with a mixed fruit salad, offering a refreshing burst of sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness.
Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the filling for an irresistible crunch that adds another layer of texture.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair these tacos with a seasonal pumpkin spice latte for a flavorful twist, complementing the fall notes in both treats.
With these delightful additions, your Easy Apple Pie Tacos will shine even brighter, creating a memorable dining experience.
Easy Apple Pie Tacos Variations & Substitutions
Let your creativity shine as you explore delightful twists on these fun tacos, turning them into a treat just for you!
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely vegan dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Swap the apple pie filling for pumpkin puree mixed with cream cheese for a cozy fall flavor.
- Berry Bliss: Try using cherries or blueberries instead of apples, and top with whipped cream infused with a splash of vanilla for a summer vibe.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of your filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled tacos instead of caramel sauce.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Replace whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option that’s just as delicious.
- Sticky Sweetness: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the taco shells before baking can add a delightful sugary crunch.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh mint or basil as a garnish for a surprising burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.
With these variations, your Easy Apple Pie Tacos can be tailored to every preference and occasion. For another tasty treat, don’t forget to check out my delightful Honey Butter Cajun recipe or explore the cozy warmth of my Apple Cinnamon French dish!
Expert Tips for Easy Apple Pie Tacos
Filling Cooling: Allow the apple filling to cool slightly before filling the taco shells to prevent sogginess, ensuring they stay crispy.
Shell Crispness: Gently knock on the baked taco shells; they should make a “tappy” sound indicating the perfect crisp texture for your Easy Apple Pie Tacos.
Custom Coatings: Experiment with different crumb coatings like graham cracker crumbs or even crushed nuts for added texture and flavor in your shells.
Meal Prep: Create taco shells up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy before filling them.
Garnishing Ideas: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding fresh fruit, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Apple Pie Tacos are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the taco shells up to 2 days in advance, ensuring they stay crisp by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. The apple filling can be made up to 3 days ahead as well; simply refrigerate it in a sealed container to maintain its flavor. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the filling on the stovetop until warmed through, and warm the taco shells briefly in the oven to restore their crunch. This prep will save you time during busy weeknights while delivering delicious, fresh results just like when you made them!
Easy Apple Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas should I use for the taco shells?
For the best results, I recommend using street taco flour tortillas. These are softer and provide a great base for your Easy Apple Pie Tacos. If you prefer a whole wheat alternative, that can work too!
How should I store leftover Apple Pie Tacos?
You can store leftover Easy Apple Pie Tacos at room temperature for up to 1 day, but for better freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their crispiness!
Can I freeze the taco shells?
Absolutely! Unfilled taco shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag to save space. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from the freezer!
What if my taco shells aren’t crispy enough?
If your taco shells aren’t as crispy as you’d like, here’s a tip: make sure they’re baked until they’re golden brown and make a satisfying “tappy” sound when gently knocked. If they’ve cooled off before serving, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that delightful crunch.
Are there any dietary concerns I should know about?
For dairy-free or vegan options, simply substitute the salted butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. As always, check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs!
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Definitely! If you prefer a homemade touch, you can sauté fresh apples with a bit of brown sugar and lemon juice for your filling. Cook them over medium heat until they’re soft and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes, to create a wonderfully fresh taste in your Easy Apple Pie Tacos.
Easy Apple Pie Tacos: A Fun, Customizable Dessert Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush the tortillas with melted salted butter.
- Mix the crushed vanilla wafer crumbs and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, then coat the tortillas.
- Bake the coated tortillas for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and firm.
- In a saucepan, combine the apple pie filling and heavy cream, and heat gently for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each shell with the warm apple filling and adding toppings.
