These apple pie tacos are the perfect fusion of Mexican and American flavors that will blow your mind! I discovered this amazing dessert when looking for a creative way to serve apple pie to guests. These handheld treats feature crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla shells filled with warm spiced apples and topped with cream. They’re so much more fun than regular pie and absolutely irresistible.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8 tacos
Why You’ll Love It
I absolutely love making these apple pie tacos because they’re such a crowd-pleaser:
- Fun and Interactive: Everyone loves eating tacos, even dessert ones!
- Perfect for Parties: These handheld treats are great for entertaining
- Crispy and Creamy: The contrast between the crunchy shell and creamy filling is amazing
- Fall Flavors: Packed with warm cinnamon and apple goodness
- Easy to Customize: You can adjust sweetness and add your favorite toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cinnamon Sugar Taco Shells
- 6 large flour tortillas (street taco size works best)
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1½ tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ cup water, divided
For Toppings
- Whipped cream or frozen whipped topping
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Shells
Using a 3.5-inch circle cutter, cut circles from your tortillas – you should get about 5 from each tortilla. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a pan over medium heat. Test with a small piece of tortilla to make sure it bubbles nicely.
Step 3: Fry the Taco Shells
Using tongs, place one circle in the oil for about 5 seconds. Flip it over and fold it in half, holding it folded for about 5 seconds until browned. Flip and fry the other side until crispy. Immediately remove and shake off excess oil, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and dice apples, then toss with lemon juice. In a skillet over medium heat, stir together butter, chopped apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add ¼ cup water and cook for about 4 minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Filling
Mix cornstarch with remaining water and add to the pan. Continue cooking until most liquid is gone and apples are soft, about 6 more minutes.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Fill each taco shell with about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve immediately while shells are still crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These apple pie tacos are perfect for various occasions:
- Fall Gatherings: Serve at Halloween parties or autumn celebrations
- Family Dessert: Kids love the fun taco shape and sweet flavors
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side
- Party Platter: Arrange on a large tray with various toppings for guests to customize
Tips for Customization
Make these tacos your own with these creative variations:
- Baked Version: For a healthier option, brush tortillas with melted butter and bake in muffin tins at 400°F for 10 minutes
- Different Apples: Try Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples for varied sweetness levels
- Cream Cheese Topping: Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla for a tangy topping
- Store-Bought Shortcuts: Use canned apple pie filling and pre-made taco shells if you’re short on time
- Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and gluten-free granola crumbs instead of flour tortillas
Nutritional Info (per taco, approx.)
- Calories: 415-445
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 45g
FAQs
Can I make the taco shells ahead of time?
Yes! The fried cinnamon sugar shells can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This makes them perfect for meal prep.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy shells?
Make sure your shells are completely crispy before filling, and don’t fill them until you’re ready to serve. The apple filling should also be cooled slightly to prevent steam from softening the shells.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Canned apple pie filling works great as a time-saving shortcut. Just heat it up and add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
How do I get the perfect taco shell shape?
The key is working quickly while the tortilla is hot and pliable. Use tongs to fold it in half and hold the shape while it firms up in the oil.
Can I make these healthier?
Yes! You can bake the shells instead of frying them, use less sugar in the filling, and top with Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.
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(https://www.stemilt.com/stem-blog/apple-pie-tacos-for-mothers-day/)
(https://www.momontimeout.com/apple-pie-tacos/)
(https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/apple-pie-tacos/)
(https://recipes.kqeducationgroup.com/apple-pie-tacos-recipe/)
(https://www.bosh.tv/recipes/apple-pie-tacos)
