Okay, I have to confess – I’m completely obsessed with these apple pie taquitos. They’re the perfect little marriage of my two favorite things: the cozy, cinnamon-spiced comfort of apple pie and that irresistible crispy crunch of a perfectly baked taquito. I stumbled onto this magical combo one rainy afternoon when I was craving dessert but didn’t want to deal with pie crust (we’ve all been there, right?).
What makes these so special? Imagine sweet, tender apples with just the right amount of spice, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery tortilla that shatters when you bite into it. It’s like apple pie decided to put on its party shoes! My kids go absolutely wild for these – they think eating “dessert tacos” is the coolest thing ever. And honestly? I kind of agree with them.
The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now. We’re talking simple stuff – apples, tortillas, butter, and a few pantry spices. No fancy equipment needed, just a baking sheet and about 25 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat all fall (and let’s be real, probably year-round).
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Taquitos
Let me count the ways these little gems will steal your heart (and probably become your new favorite dessert). First off, that crispy texture – oh my goodness! The tortillas bake up so golden and crunchy, giving you that satisfying shatter with every bite. It’s like the best parts of apple pie and a churro had a delicious baby.
But here’s the real magic: they’re ridiculously easy to make. No rolling out fussy pie dough or waiting hours for dessert. You can go from “I want something sweet” to “Wow, this is amazing” in under 30 minutes. Even my sleep-deprived, just-got-home-from-work self can manage this recipe without crying.
And can we talk about how these are total crowd-pleasers? Kids go nuts for the fun taco shape (my nephew calls them “apple dinosaurs” for some reason), while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavors. Bring these to potlucks and watch them disappear faster than you can say “second helping.”
Ingredients for Apple Pie Taquitos
One of the best things about this recipe? You probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen right now! Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen:
- 2 cups diced apples – about 2 medium (I always use Granny Smith, but see my notes below)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – really pack it in there!
- 1 tsp cinnamon – the good stuff, none of that sad dusty powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy
- 8 small flour tortillas – the taco-sized ones (about 6-inch diameter)
- 2 tbsp melted butter – unsalted is best here
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – keeps those apples looking fresh
See? Nothing crazy! Just simple ingredients that come together to make something spectacular.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith are my go-to because they hold their shape and have that perfect tartness. But Honeycrisp or Braeburn work great too – just avoid super soft varieties like Red Delicious unless you want apple mush.
Sugar alternatives: You can swap the brown sugar with coconut sugar (use a little extra) or maple syrup (reduce other liquids slightly). For a sugar-free version, monk fruit sweetener works surprisingly well.
Tortilla options: While flour tortillas give that perfect crisp, corn tortillas work too (just warm them first so they don’t crack). For gluten-free folks, there are some great GF tortilla options out there now!
How to Make Apple Pie Taquitos
Okay, let’s get rolling – literally! Making these taquitos is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating dessert tacos your whole life. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Prep those apples: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, toss your diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let this sit for a few minutes – the sugar will draw out the apple juices and make the most amazing syrup.
- Roll ’em tight: Lay out your tortillas and spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling slightly off-center. Now the key part – roll them up tight like little burritos, tucking in the sides as you go. Place them seam-side down on your baking sheet – this keeps them from unrolling.
- Butter makes it better: Brush each taquito generously with melted butter. Don’t skimp here – this is what gives them that gorgeous golden crunch!
- Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tortillas turn that beautiful golden brown and you can hear them crackling slightly.
The hardest part? Waiting those agonizing few minutes before biting in – trust me, they’re piping hot! But that first crispy, cinnamon-scented bite is absolute heaven.
Pro Tips for Perfect Taquitos
Keep them sealed: If your tortillas won’t stay rolled, dab a tiny bit of water along the edge before sealing – it acts like edible glue!
Space them out: Don’t crowd the baking sheet – give each taquito some breathing room so they crisp up evenly all around.
Even filling is key: Spread the apple mixture evenly along the tortilla, leaving about an inch at the edges. Too much in one spot and you’ll get bursting taquitos (still delicious, just messier!).
Extra crisp hack: For ultra-crunchy taquitos, flip them halfway through baking. It’s worth the extra effort!
Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Taquitos
Oh, the fun part – dressing up these crispy delights! My absolute must-have is a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm taquitos. The hot-and-cold contrast is magical. For extra decadence, drizzle with caramel sauce or warm dulce de leche – it pools in all the crispy crevices beautifully.
Presentation tip: Stack them upright in a cute mug for a playful “apple pie bouquet” effect. Or arrange them like sun rays on a platter with a bowl of whipped cream in the center for dipping. Either way, prepare for compliments!
Storing and Reheating Apple Pie Taquitos
Here’s the good news – these taquitos actually reheat like a dream! If (somehow) you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When that craving hits again, just pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crunch. No sad, soggy taquitos here! For longer storage, freeze them before baking – then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about nutrition – these apple pie taquitos are definitely a treat, but not a guilty pleasure! The nutritional info varies depending on your exact ingredients (like the tortilla brand or apple size). Generally, each taquito has about 120 calories, with that perfect balance of sweet apples and crispy tortilla goodness.
Apple Pie Taquitos FAQs
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these magical apple pie taquitos:
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a totally different (but equally delicious) vibe. Just make sure to warm them slightly first – I pop mine between damp paper towels in the microwave for 20 seconds. This makes them flexible so they won’t crack when rolling. The corn version gets extra crispy and has this wonderful earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples.
How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling?
I’ve battled the great taquito-unroll-of-2021, so trust me on this: seam side down is your best friend! Place them firmly on the baking sheet with the tucked edge underneath. If they’re being extra stubborn, a tiny dab of water along the edge acts like edible glue. Also – don’t overfill! Leaving about an inch at the edges gives you enough tortilla to seal everything up nicely.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You bet! These are perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble them (without butter) and keep covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time since they’re going in cold. For longer storage, freeze them raw on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen – easy peasy!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my not-so-secret obsession in recipe form! These apple pie taquitos never fail to make my kitchen smell like a cinnamon-scented dream. Give them a try this weekend (or hey, why wait for the weekend?) and let me know what you think. I bet they’ll become your new favorite way to “taco ’bout” dessert! For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page.
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Irresistible 30-Minute Apple Pie Taquitos That Crunch Perfectly
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 taquitos
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun twist on traditional apple pie, these taquitos combine crispy tortillas with sweet apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Spoon filling onto tortillas and roll tightly.
- Place taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
