Name: Easy Apple Pie Tacos: A Fun Twist on a Classic Dessert
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 tortillas Street Taco Flour Tortillas (Cut larger tortillas into quarters for mini tacos.); ⅓ cup Salted Butter (Substitute with coconut oil for a vegan option.); ¾ cup Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer Crumbs (Graham cracker crumbs work as an alternative.); 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Feel free to use apple pie spice instead.); 20 oz Canned Apple Pie Filling (Consider sautéing fresh apples for a homemade touch.); ¼ cup Heavy Cream (Replace with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.); Whipped Cream (Optional topping to enhance sweetness.); Caramel Sauce (Choose store-bought or homemade.)

The leaves are turning, and the sweet scent of cinnamon is about to fill your kitchen. Let me introduce you to the delightful world of Easy Apple Pie Tacos—an innovative and playful twist on the classic fall dessert. Imagine crispy taco shells cradling warm apple filling, all ready in just 20 minutes! These tasty tacos are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re completely customizable to suit your favorite flavors, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in with family. Plus, the option for vegan and dairy-free alternatives ensures everyone can indulge in this seasonal treat. Ready to create a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make?

Why Are You Going to Love These Tacos?

Quick and Easy: Whip these up in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Delight: Enjoy endless variations! Swap out the apple filling for pumpkin or cherry to keep things exciting.
Family-Favorite Appeal: These tacos are a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for family dinners or casual parties.
Vegan-Friendly Options: With simple ingredient swaps, like coconut oil and plant-based cream, everyone can join in on the fun.
Crispy Texture: The golden taco shells provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey filling. Try them alongside our Spicy Shrimp Tacos for a fun taco night!
Seasonal Treat: Embrace the flavors of fall while serving up this innovative dessert that’s sure to impress.

Easy Apple Pie Tacos Ingredients

For the Taco Shells
Street Taco Flour Tortillas – These provide a sturdy base; cut larger tortillas into quarters for mini tacos.
Salted Butter (⅓ cup) – Boosts flavor and aids in achieving a crispy texture; substitute with coconut oil for a vegan option.
Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer Crumbs (¾ cup) – Adds a sweet crunch to the shells; graham cracker crumbs work well as an alternative.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor reminiscent of fall; feel free to use apple pie spice instead.
For the Filling
Canned Apple Pie Filling (20 oz) – A convenient choice bursting with sweet apple flavor; consider sautéing fresh apples for a homemade touch.
Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – Introduces a creamy richness to the filling; replace with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
For Toppings
Whipped Cream – An optional topping that enhances the sweetness of the tacos.
Caramel Sauce – Adds a delightful drizzle; choose store-bought or homemade for that extra indulgence.

These Easy Apple Pie Tacos are not just a delicious treat, but they also allow you to customize fillings and toppings to suit your taste, ensuring a delightful experience for all!

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 ensures a crispy texture for your Easy Apple Pie Tacos. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking. Meanwhile, gather your baking tray and taco molds if you have them ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Melt ⅓ cup of salted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Once melted, brush both sides of the street taco flour tortillas with the warm butter, coating them generously. This step is crucial for adding flavor and achieving a perfect crunch when baked.

Step 3: Coat the Tortillas
In a shallow dish, mix together ¾ cup of finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Dip each butter-coated tortilla into this mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. The sweet aroma will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Let Tortillas Rest
Place the coated tortillas on a wire rack and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the crumbs to adhere better and allows excess butter to drip off. While they rest, prepare for the next exciting step!

Step 5: Bake the Taco Shells
Drape the tortillas over the oven rack bars or place them in taco molds. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching closely until they are golden and crispy. You will know they’re ready when they sound “tappy” when lightly knocked.

Step 6: Cool the Taco Shells
Once baked, remove the taco shells from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling period helps them retain their crunch while you prepare the filling for your Easy Apple Pie Tacos.

Step 7: Heat the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the 20 ounces of canned apple pie filling and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is bubbly and well-combined. This warming step enhances the flavors of the filling.

Step 8: Fill the Taco Shells
Using a spoon, fill the crispy taco shells with the warm apple filling, making sure to get a generous amount into each shell. The warm, gooey apple mix will contrast beautifully with the crispy shells, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Step 9: Add Toppings
Finally, top each filled taco with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired. This final touch adds sweetness and richness to your Easy Apple Pie Tacos, elevating them into a mouthwatering dessert ready to impress your family and friends.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Apple Pie Tacos are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeknights or gatherings! You can prepare the taco shells up to 2 days in advance; simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. For the apple filling, heat it up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it—this will keep the gooey texture intact. When you’re ready to serve, just warm the filling on the stove for about 5 minutes and fill your crunchy taco shells. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

How to Store and Freeze Easy Apple Pie Tacos

Room Temperature: Store any unused Easy Apple Pie Tacos at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their crispy texture.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container to preserve freshness; reheat in the oven for optimal crunchiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled taco shells in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fill them with the warm apple mixture before enjoying.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat filled tacos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through while restoring that delightful crunch.

Easy Apple Pie Tacos Variations

Feel free to mix things up and personalize these tacos to your heart’s content—you’ll love how simple it is to make every bite unique!

Vegan-Friendly: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely vegan version.
Fruit Fillings: Try substituting the apple filling with pumpkin, cherry, or blueberry for a new spin. Each fruit brings its own charm, making the tacos exciting with every bite!
Gourmet Toppings: Replace whipped cream with lemon-zest-infused whipped cream or even a dollop of homemade mascarpone for a sophisticated touch. This twist elevates the dessert experience!
Spice It Up: For an extra kick, mix in a dash of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon, awakening your taste buds with fragrant warmth.
Crunch Factor: Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for an irresistible crunch. This delightful texture contrast makes every bite even more enjoyable.
Sauce Varieties: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or a fruity glaze to add a layer of flavor that takes these tacos to the next level. Pair them with our Berry Slab Pie for a delightful dessert duo!
Mini Tacos: Cut larger tortillas into quarters for bite-sized mini tacos, perfect for parties or family gatherings. These fun little bites are sure to be a hit!
Coffee Touch: Add a splash of espresso to the filling mixture for a coffee-infused dessert experience that’s deliciously unexpected. Imagine enjoying these with our Gochujang Shrimp Tacos for a sweet and savory meal!

What to Serve with Easy Apple Pie Tacos

As the aroma of cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, let’s explore some delightful pairings that will elevate your dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast enhances the warm apple filling and adds a classic touch to your tacos.
Caramel Drizzle: A rich, sweet sauce complements the apple and cinnamon, making every bite decadent and indulgent.
Crispy Bacon: For an unexpected twist, the salty crunch of bacon harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the tacos.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping adds an airy sweetness that uplifts the flavors in each taco.
Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider serves as a perfect beverage, echoing the flavors of the tacos while providing a cozy vibe.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that adds texture and depth to your dessert spread.
Chocolate Sauce: For a fun twist, drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the tacos creates a delicious Sweet and Savory fusion.
Berry Compote: Fresh, tart berries balance the sweetness of the apples, adding vibrant color and flavors to the plate.

With these pairings, you’ll create an unforgettable dessert experience that celebrates the enchanting flavors of fall!

Expert Tips for Easy Apple Pie Tacos

Crispiness Reminder: Allow the apple filling to sit briefly before filling the taco shells. This keeps them crispy and avoids sogginess.
Perfect Shells: Check for a “tappy” sound when lightly knocked to ensure the taco shells are baked to the right crispy texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the taco shells up to two days in advance. For the filling, heat it before assembling to retain that delicious gooeyness.
Taste Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings! Swap apple for cherry or pumpkin to explore exciting new flavors in your Easy Apple Pie Tacos.
Leftover Storage: Store any uneaten tacos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or in the fridge for three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crunchiness.

Easy Apple Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs

How ripe should the apples be for the filling?
Absolutely! If you’re sautéing fresh apples instead of using canned apple pie filling, aim for apples that are slightly firm but ripe. Look for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they should be crisp and slightly sweet. If they start to develop dark spots, they may be best for another use as overly ripe apples can create a mushy filling.

What’s the best way to store leftover Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
Very good question! Store any uneaten Easy Apple Pie Tacos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just remember, the shells can soften, so whenever possible, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, which helps restore their delightful crunch!

Can I freeze the taco shells?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely freeze unfilled taco shells. Just place them in a sealed freezer bag and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, fill them with your warm apple mixture post thawing, and if you need to, give them a quick bake to crisp them back up.

What should I do if my taco shells are soggy?
Common troubleshooting here! If your taco shells come out soggy, it might be due to filling them when the apple mixture is too hot or if they were stored too long without proper storage. To avoid this, let the apple filling cool slightly before filling the shells, and be sure to store leftovers with a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

Are there any allergen considerations for Easy Apple Pie Tacos?
Definitely! For a dairy-free version, substitute the salted butter with coconut oil and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. If you’re concerned about gluten, look for gluten-free tortilla options that can also work perfectly. Always be cautious based on your guests’ allergies to ensure everyone can indulge safely!

Can I add other fillings to these tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your Easy Apple Pie Tacos. You can substitute the apple filling with pumpkin puree mixed with cream cheese, or even cherry or blueberry fillings. The options are limitless, and you can also mix and match toppings for extra fun!