Apple Pie Tacos

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Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays—or just for dinner? With the sweet, spiced goodness of classic apple pie wrapped in a crispy cinnamon sugar taco shell, Apple Pie Tacos are flipping the script on what a taco can be. These handheld treats are fun, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to serve at everything from holiday parties to last-minute family dinners. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes Apple Pie Tacos a dessert everyone’s raving about, how to make them from scratch, and expert tips to perfect every bite.
Looking for more creative apple ideas? Try our Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies—they’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.

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What Are Apple Pie Tacos?

The fusion of two favorites

At first glance, it might sound like a quirky trend—but once you take a bite, it makes perfect sense. Apple Pie Tacos combine the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie with the crunchy, golden shell of a fried taco, dusted in cinnamon sugar. Instead of a traditional pie crust, you use a small tortilla, fried or baked until crisp, to hold a warm, gooey apple filling. Add a touch of whipped cream or drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got a five-star dessert with barely any prep.

This genius mashup taps into two culinary icons: the classic American apple pie and the universally beloved taco. It’s a treat that satisfies both nostalgia and novelty in a single bite.

Why this dessert is going viral

Apple Pie Tacos aren’t just delicious—they’re built for the modern kitchen and the modern audience. Whether you’re scrolling TikTok, browsing Pinterest, or checking out food blogs, chances are you’ve seen a version of these beauties. Why? Because they check every box:

Simple ingredients – Most versions use pantry staples: apples, sugar, tortillas, butter, and cinnamon.
Fast prep – You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.
Versatile presentation – Top with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or go classic with whipped cream.
Perfect for parties – Finger food-sized and easy to serve without utensils.

Plus, they’re an ideal alternative for those who want the taste of apple pie without the fuss of rolling out crusts or waiting an hour for baking.
Don’t miss our Salted Caramel Apple Bars for another quick and addictive dessert idea.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Pie Tacos

Apple Pie Tacos are made using everyday pantry ingredients, which makes them an easy and accessible treat any time of year. Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to recreate this irresistible dessert.

For the taco shells

To create the sweet and crispy shell, you’ll need small flour tortillas and a few simple pantry staples.

Ingredient	Purpose
Small flour tortillas (6-inch)	Acts as the taco shell base
Butter (melted)	Helps cinnamon sugar stick & adds flavor
Granulated sugar	Sweet coating for taco shell
Ground cinnamon	Adds warm spice to the shell

Pro tip: You can fry the tortillas for a golden crisp or bake them for a lighter alternative.

For the apple pie filling

This homemade apple pie filling is thick, rich, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple flavor.

Ingredient	Purpose
Fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)	Provide sweet-tart flavor & structure
Granulated sugar & brown sugar	Adds sweetness and caramel flavor
Lemon juice	Balances sweetness and prevents browning
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg	Brings warmth and depth
Cornstarch	Thickens the filling
Butter	Adds richness and smooth texture

Looking for inspiration? Try our Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake if you’re into gourmet apple creations.

Optional toppings that elevate flavor

Once your tacos are filled, it’s time to dress them up! Choose one or more of the following:

Whipped cream
Caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream
Chopped nuts or pecans
Powdered sugar

How to Make Apple Pie Tacos Step-by-Step

You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip these up. Just follow the three simple phases below and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready in no time.

Preparing the cinnamon sugar taco shells

Cut and prep tortillas – Use a 3-4 inch round cookie cutter to cut circles out of tortillas.
Coat – Brush both sides with melted butter and dip in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
Shape – Drape tortillas over oven-safe racks or the edge of a baking pan to create a taco shape.
Bake or fry – Bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes or fry until golden and crisp.

Don’t miss our Apple Cake Pops if you love desserts in handheld portions!

Making the apple filling from scratch

Peel and dice apples – Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Cook – In a skillet, melt butter and sauté apples for 2–3 minutes.
Add sugars and spices – Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Thicken – Mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir into the apples. Cook until glossy and thickened.

Looking for cozy fall drinks to serve on the side? Try our Christmas Apple Cranberry Spritzer for a refreshing contrast!

Assembling and finishing touches

Spoon warm filling into taco shells
Top with whipped cream, caramel, or nuts
Serve immediately while warm and crisp!

That’s it—you’ve got a crunchy, sweet, and comforting dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Expert Tips to Perfect Your Apple Pie Tacos

Even though Apple Pie Tacos are simple to make, a few smart tricks can elevate them from good to unforgettable.

Apple varieties to use and avoid

When it comes to flavor and texture, Granny Smith apples are your best bet. They hold their shape well and offer a tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
Other great options: Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji.
Avoid Red Delicious—they break down too quickly and lack flavor.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping the cornstarch: This leads to runny filling that leaks out of the shells.
Using large tortillas: Stick with small rounds (about 4 inches) for the perfect taco size.
Filling while hot: Let the shells cool slightly to keep them crisp when adding warm filling.

Make-ahead and storage tips

Want to prep ahead for a party? Here’s how:

Task	Make-Ahead Option
Shells	Make and store in airtight container for 2 days
Filling	Prepare 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate
Assembly	Best done just before serving

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Apple Pie Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up in tons of ways.

Best toppings and sauces

Drizzle with salted caramel
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a la mode style
Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts for a crunch
Try a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream

What to serve them with

Pair your tacos with warm drinks or fall-inspired beverages. A few delicious pairings include:

Hot apple cider
Chai tea lattes
Vanilla cold brew
Mulled wine (for adults)

FAQs About Apple Pie Tacos

Can I use canned pie filling instead of homemade?

Absolutely. While homemade filling offers better texture and flavor, canned filling works in a pinch. Add a touch of lemon juice or cinnamon to boost its flavor.

How do I make the taco shells super crispy?

Fry the tortillas in oil for 10–15 seconds per side, then immediately dip them in cinnamon sugar while warm. For a lighter version, bake them until golden and crisp.

Can these be made in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry your prepared taco shells at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until golden. It’s faster and requires less oil.

What other fruits can I use?

Try pears, peaches, or even mixed berries for a twist on the original. Just adjust sugar and spices based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Conclusion – A Must-Try Dessert for Any Occasion

Apple Pie Tacos are the perfect way to satisfy your dessert cravings with a unique twist. Crispy, golden taco shells loaded with spiced apple filling, topped with creamy or crunchy goodness—what’s not to love? They’re fast, fun, and adaptable, making them a go-to recipe for holidays, parties, or just an average Tuesday night.

Don’t miss our other cozy fall bakes like Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies or go gourmet with Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake. You’ll love exploring more creative ways to use apples all season long.

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