Dessert Taco Twist

Apple Pie Tacos: Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Shells with Warm Apple Filling – Your New Favorite Dessert Recipe

Prepare to delight your taste buds with Apple Pie Tacos, an ingenious and utterly delicious fusion that reimagines two beloved classics into one irresistible treat. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown tortilla shells, delicately fried and generously coated in a shimmering blend of cinnamon and sugar. These charming, handheld vessels are then brimming with a comforting, warm homemade apple pie filling, rich with tender, spiced apples. To elevate this delightful creation even further, each taco is crowned with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream and a luscious drizzle of dulce de leche. These aren’t just dessert tacos; they’re a culinary experience – as exciting to eat as they are bursting with flavor. Versatile and universally loved, Apple Pie Tacos are truly the perfect dessert for any occasion or season, bringing a touch of whimsical gourmet to your table.

img 2193 1

This delightful Apple Pie Taco recipe holds a special place in my culinary journey, having graced my website since 2014. In the early days of food blogging, it was a cherished tradition among us bloggers to host guest posts for our fellow creators. This collaborative spirit allowed us to introduce our readers to fresh voices and exciting new recipe sites, fostering a vibrant community where delicious ideas could flourish. These charming dessert tacos were originally shared as a guest post by my wonderful friend, Candi, from The Devilish Dish, and her creativity brought this recipe to life. It has been a beloved favorite ever since! Its versatility even inspired me to create a scrumptious peaches and cream version. After years of enjoyment and countless rave reviews, I felt it was high time to give this timeless recipe a fresh update and reintroduce it to a new generation of home bakers and dessert enthusiasts. For a touch of nostalgia, you’ll find Candi’s original heartfelt note accompanying the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

img 2193 2

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Dessert Tacos

These charming individual dessert tacos are an absolute crowd-pleaser, making them the ultimate choice for parties, family gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. Their biggest advantage lies in their prep-ahead convenience: both the cinnamon-sugar shells and the luscious apple pie filling can be prepared in advance, allowing for a stress-free assembly just before your guests arrive. This flexibility makes them an ideal centerpiece for festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo, a delightful and unexpected sweet finish to your weekly taco night, or a playful and memorable variation on traditional apple pie during holiday seasons. Beyond their ease of preparation, these dessert tacos boast a perfect handheld, bite-sized format, eliminating the need for plates and forks. They are not just a dessert; they are an experience – guaranteed to be a unique treat and an unforgettable hit with everyone who tries them.

Embracing Apple Season with This Irresistible Apple Taco Recipe

As the crisp air of autumn ushers in apple season, there’s no better time to celebrate this abundant harvest than with this extraordinary Apple Pie Taco recipe. This innovative dessert offers a fantastic opportunity to transform your favorite varieties of fresh apples into something truly spectacular and unexpected. It beautifully captures the quintessential comfort and warmth associated with classic apple desserts, such as a traditional apple pie or a cozy apple crisp, but cleverly presents it in a delightful, handheld taco shell format. This makes enjoying those familiar, beloved flavors even more fun and accessible. Whether you prefer the satisfaction of preparing the filling from scratch with vibrant fresh fruit or opt for the convenience of a high-quality canned apple pie filling, these apple tacos are destined to become a cherished new staple for your fall dessert repertoire. They embody the essence of comfort food in an exciting new package.

If the charm and convenience of these Apple Pie Tacos have captured your heart, you’ll undoubtedly adore these other exquisite portable pie creations. Explore the sweet and tangy burst of flavor in my Cherry Hand Pies, perfect for a quick, fruity indulgence. Or, savor the aromatic warmth of autumn with the delightful Heart-Shaped Spiced Peach Pocket Pies, which offer a similar individual dessert experience with a peachy twist. These recipes are perfect for anyone who appreciates a delicious, easy-to-eat treat.

img 2193 3

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Pie Tacos

To ensure you have every detail for crafting these sensational Apple Pie Tacos, a comprehensive list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. Below, we’ll delve into each component, offering insights and tips for the best results.

img 2193 4

For the perfectly crispy cinnamon-sugar mini taco shells:

  • Flour tortillas: These are the foundation of your dessert taco shells. Opt for burrito-sized tortillas, as they provide ample surface area for cutting out smaller circles. Their pliable nature is crucial for shaping. For those with dietary restrictions, high-quality gluten-free tortillas are an excellent alternative and perform beautifully when fried.
  • Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the tortillas to that irresistible golden brown crispness. A neutral-flavored oil like canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil is ideal as it won’t overpower the delicate cinnamon and apple flavors. Ensure you have enough to create a sufficient depth for frying.
  • Granulated sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the shell coating, creating a delightful sugary crunch with every bite. If you’re looking for an alternative with a slightly different flavor profile and lower glycemic index, coconut sugar can be used.
  • Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the shells with a warm, comforting aroma and flavor, perfectly complementing the apple filling. For an extra bold and aromatic kick, consider using Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon, known for its potent and complex flavor notes.
  • Cookie cutter or Biscuit Cutter: A simple yet indispensable tool for achieving uniform, perfectly round tortilla circles. A 3-4 inch diameter cutter is usually ideal for creating bite-sized mini tacos, but you can adjust based on your desired serving size.
img 2193 5

For the irresistible homemade apple pie filling:

  • Apples: The heart of your filling! My top recommendation for apple pie, and these tacos, is Granny Smith apples. Their delightful tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the other ingredients, and their firm texture holds up beautifully during cooking, preventing a mushy filling. However, feel free to experiment with other firm, flavorful varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or even a mix of your personal favorites for a more complex flavor profile. Always peel and finely dice them for optimal texture within the taco shell.
  • Lemon juice: A crucial ingredient that serves two purposes: it prevents the diced apples from browning (oxidizing) once cut, preserving their fresh appearance, and it brightens the overall flavor of the filling, adding a subtle tang that enhances the apples’ natural sweetness.
  • Melted butter: This forms the rich, luxurious base of your apple filling, contributing a depth of flavor and a silky texture. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, plant-based butter alternatives work wonderfully here.
  • Brown sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, brown sugar introduces a wonderful molasses flavor and a deeper, more caramelized sweetness to the apple filling. This richness is key to that classic apple pie taste. For a slightly different sweetness and a hint of caramel, coconut sugar is a suitable substitute.
  • Cinnamon: A generous amount of ground cinnamon is vital for imparting that classic warm, comforting spice synonymous with apple pie. It truly brings all the flavors together.
  • Cornstarch: This acts as the thickening agent for your apple pie filling, ensuring a perfectly glossy, spoonable sauce that clings beautifully to the apple pieces and doesn’t make your taco shells soggy. For a gluten-free alternative, both arrowroot starch or tapioca starch can be used in equal measure.
  • Water: Used in conjunction with cornstarch to create a slurry. This helps to dissolve the cornstarch completely before adding it to the hot apple mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, evenly thickened sauce.

Pro Tip for Efficiency: While crafting this homemade apple pie filling from scratch is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly quick, we understand that sometimes you need a convenient shortcut. If time is of the essence, you can easily bypass the homemade steps by utilizing a good quality store-bought canned apple pie filling. This simple swap will still result in delicious dessert tacos, allowing you to enjoy this treat even on busy days. Just warm it gently before assembling your tacos.

Elevate Your Tacos with Optional Garnishes:

The beauty of these Apple Pie Tacos extends to their customizable garnishes, allowing you to tailor them perfectly to your preferences or to seasonal availability. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

  • Whipped cream: A cloud of freshly made whipped cream instantly transforms these tacos into an even more indulgent dessert experience. Its light, airy texture and delicate sweetness perfectly complement the warm, spiced apples. For those seeking a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is a fantastic, creamy alternative. Beyond whipped cream, consider serving these tacos with a scoop of homemade cinnamon vanilla ice cream for an added layer of cool, spiced decadence.
  • Dulce de leche: This rich, caramelized milk sauce is an absolute dream paired with apples, adding a deep, luxurious sweetness that elevates the entire dessert. You can find excellent quality store-bought dulce de leche in most grocery stores, often in the international or baking aisle. For an even more impressive touch, try your hand at making homemade Dulce de Leche. If dulce de leche isn’t readily available or if you prefer a different flavor, a silky homemade caramel sauce or even a store-bought version makes a wonderful substitute.
  • Heavy cream: Used specifically to thin the dulce de leche, making it perfectly pourable and easy to drizzle artfully over your assembled tacos. Just a splash is usually enough to achieve the desired consistency. For a dairy-free equivalent when thinning, coconut cream works just as effectively.
  • Other ideas: A sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a tiny grating of fresh nutmeg can add extra texture and flavor dimension.
img 2193 6

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Own Apple Pie Dessert Tacos

Despite their gourmet appearance, these Apple Pie Dessert Tacos are surprisingly simple to make and come together with impressive speed. Follow these clear, detailed steps, and you’ll be savoring your delightful homemade dessert tacos in no time at all!

img 2193 7

Begin your Apple Pie Taco adventure by preparing the crisp, flavorful taco shells. First, lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Using a 3- to 4-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, carefully cut out as many circles as possible from each tortilla. Aim for neat, even cuts to ensure your shells fry uniformly and look their best. As you cut, consider how to maximize the number of circles from each tortilla to minimize waste. Once all your circles are ready, set them aside.

Next, prepare your frying station. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a sturdy skillet or a Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat. The key to perfectly crispy, non-greasy shells is maintaining the correct oil temperature. You’ll want the oil to reach approximately 350-365 degrees Fahrenheit (175-185 degrees Celsius). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small scrap of tortilla into it; if it immediately sizzles and floats to the top, your oil is ready for frying. Using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy is highly recommended.

img 2193 8

As your frying oil reaches the ideal temperature, take a shallow bowl and thoroughly mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will be used to coat your warm taco shells. Separately, prepare a large platter or baking sheet by lining it generously with paper towels; this will help absorb any excess oil from the freshly fried shells.

Now, carefully place one tortilla circle into the hot oil using a pair of kitchen tongs. Allow it to fry for just a few seconds on one side, until it achieves a light golden brown hue and remains slightly pliable. This pliability is crucial for shaping. Swiftly flip the tortilla over, then use your tongs to gently fold it in half, creating the classic taco shell shape. Hold it in this folded position, allowing it to continue frying until it becomes beautifully crisp and golden. This technique ensures that your shells retain their perfect form. Work quickly and carefully, monitoring the oil temperature to prevent burning.

img 2193 9

Once each taco shell is perfectly crisp and golden, carefully remove it from the hot oil and transfer it immediately to your paper towel-lined platter to drain any excess oil. While still warm – this is important for the sugar to adhere – generously sprinkle both the inside and outside of the shell with your prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny is coated for maximum flavor and crunch. Let the coated shells cool completely on the paper towels; they will continue to crisp up as they cool. Repeat this process patiently with the remaining tortilla circles, frying one or two at a time, depending on the size of your skillet, to maintain optimal oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.

img 2193 10

Next, let’s prepare the luscious homemade apple pie filling. Begin by peeling, coring, and finely dicing your chosen apples. As you dice them, immediately toss the apple pieces with fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. This crucial step prevents them from browning and adds a bright, zesty note to the filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until they are fully incorporated and fragrant. Add the lemon-juice-coated diced apples to the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples just begin to soften slightly, but still retain a bit of their bite. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth slurry forms, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the simmering apple mixture in the saucepan. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, spoonable consistency and the apples are perfectly tender. Remove the pan from the heat and set the warm apple pie filling aside to cool slightly. It’s best to let it reach a warm-to-room temperature before assembling the tacos, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

img 2193 11

While your apple filling cools and your shells crisp, prepare your delightful garnishes. For fresh whipped cream, pour a pint of heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add two tablespoons of powdered sugar and a splash of pure vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until thick, fluffy, and stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter! For the luscious dulce de leche drizzle, gently warm the dulce de leche in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for short intervals, stirring frequently. Once warm and softened, stir in about one tablespoon of heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option). This small addition will thin the dulce de leche to a perfect drizzling consistency, allowing it to cascade beautifully over your assembled tacos. Keep it warm until ready to serve.

img 2193 12

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for – assembling your masterpieces! Take each perfectly cooled, cinnamon-sugar-coated taco shell. Carefully spoon a generous amount of your warm (or room temperature) apple pie filling into the center of each shell. Don’t overfill, as you want to be able to eat them neatly. Next, add a dollop of your freshly whipped cream on top of the apple filling. The cool cream provides a wonderful contrast to the spiced apples. To complete the presentation and flavor profile, gracefully drizzle the thinned dulce de leche over the whipped cream and apple filling. Serve these irresistible Apple Pie Tacos immediately, while the shells are still at their crispiest, offering that satisfying crunch with every bite. For an ultimate indulgence, consider serving them alongside a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or even cinnamon vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy goodness to melt slightly into the warm apple filling.

Smart Storage for Your Apple Pie Tacos

Should you find yourself with the rare occasion of leftover Apple Pie Tacos, proper storage can extend their deliciousness. If assembled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a day, or transfer them to the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s important to note that the crispy shells will inevitably soften somewhat when stored with the moist filling, but they will still be incredibly tasty. For optimal texture and crunch, the best practice is to store the cinnamon-sugar taco shells and the homemade apple pie filling separately. Keep the shells in an airtight container at room temperature (or in the fridge if very humid) and the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can assemble fresh tacos just before serving, ensuring each bite offers that delightful contrast of crisp shell and warm, tender filling.

For ultimate meal prep convenience, the homemade apple pie filling is an excellent candidate for making ahead and freezing. Simply allow the cooked filling to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Spoon this reheated filling into freshly made or re-crisped shells. If you’ve stored assembled tacos and wish to restore some of their crispness, a quick reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or a few minutes in an air fryer, can work wonders to bring back that golden-brown crunch.

img 2193 13

Don’t Lose This Recipe! Pin it for Later!

If this incredible recipe for Apple Pie Tacos has captured your culinary imagination and you know you’ll want to recreate this magic again, make sure it’s safely saved! Don’t let this delightful dessert slip away – pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so you can easily find it whenever a craving for crispy, sweet apple goodness strikes!

Pro Tips and Creative Tricks for Flawless Apple Pie Tacos

  • Master the Fry: When frying your tortilla shells, aim for a beautiful light golden brown color. Over-frying can make them excessively hard and difficult to bite, while under-frying won’t give you that satisfying crispness. Pay close attention to the oil temperature (350-365°F is ideal) and fry in small batches to ensure even cooking.
  • Entertaining Made Easy: These Apple Pie Tacos are truly an entertainer’s dream. Both the crispy cinnamon-sugar shells and the rich apple pie filling can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store them separately as detailed in the storage section, and then simply assemble them just before serving. This allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
  • Baked Alternative for a Lighter Touch: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option or prefer to avoid frying, you can bake your tortilla shells. Brush the cut tortilla circles with a little melted butter, sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and bake them in a preheated oven (around 375°F/190°C) until golden and crisp. You can shape them over the rungs of an oven rack or aluminum foil to achieve the taco shape.
  • Elevate the Spice Profile: While cinnamon is the star, don’t hesitate to enhance your apple pie filling with additional warm spices. A small pinch of ground nutmeg or a touch of allspice can add wonderful depth and complexity. For a truly professional touch and a perfectly balanced blend, consider using my Homemade Apple Pie Spice blend, which is crafted to bring out the best in any apple dessert.
  • Serve Fresh for Peak Crispness: For the most delightful experience, these dessert tacos are best enjoyed on the day they are assembled. The fresh crispness of the shells against the warm, soft filling is unparalleled. However, as noted, you can certainly prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. Assembling right before serving is the secret to maintaining that perfect texture.
  • Vary Your Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just whipped cream and dulce de leche! Experiment with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of crème fraîche, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
cinnamon apple sauce

Explore More Apple Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love

My passion for apple season runs deep, and I’m always eager to discover and share new ways to celebrate this glorious fruit. You’ll find a treasure trove of inspiring apple recipes right here on my website, covering everything from breakfast to dessert and even savory dishes. As soon as the leaves begin to turn and the first apples ripen, my culinary ritual begins with preparing a fresh batch of my signature Homemade Apple Pie Spice. This aromatic blend isn’t just for pies; its warm, complex flavors are absolutely delicious sprinkled over baked apples, stirred into creamy Instant Pot cinnamon oatmeal for a comforting start to your day, whisked into pancake batter for an autumn breakfast, or even surprisingly delightful when lightly dusted over seasoned pork chops for a unique savory-sweet meal. It’s a pantry staple that truly enhances any dish featuring apples.

If the concept of portable, easy-to-eat apple desserts truly intrigues you, then you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic recipes. Dive into the crispy, golden goodness of my Air Fryer Apple Pie Eggrolls, a fusion dessert that’s quick to make and impossible to resist. For an elegant yet simple option, try the delicate flakiness of Puff Pastry Apple Tarts, perfect for individual servings at any gathering. If you love a bake-and-slice option, my hearty Apple Bars are incredibly satisfying and a great way to use apples, especially when utilizing canned apples for convenience. And for those who adore a crumbly, sweet topping, my Apple Pie Crumb Bars deliver all the classic flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-share bar form.

Beyond portable treats, there are so many more incredible apple recipes to explore. For a taste of homemade comfort, my Crockpot Apple Sauce (as seen in the image above) is wonderfully simple and yields the most flavorful, wholesome applesauce. Don’t shy away from savory options like the refreshing and crunchy Apple Chicken Salad, perfect for a light lunch. If you appreciate rustic elegance, an Apple Crostata offers a free-form, delicious dessert. For a visually stunning and equally tasty treat, try these Lattice Topped Baked Apples. And for a fun, unexpected twist, the Snicker Apple Salad is always a hit at potlucks. Of course, sometimes you just crave a classic, so be sure to check out this great apple pie recipe. For a quick and delightful snack, my Easy Caramel Apple Dip is absolutely irresistible. If your appetite for all things apple remains unsated, you can find my complete collection of apple recipes here, ensuring you’ll never run out of delicious ways to enjoy this versatile fruit.

img 2193 15

In conclusion, these Apple Pie Tacos masterfully blend the nostalgic, cozy flavors of a classic apple pie with the delightful, casual appeal of a handheld treat. They are not only remarkably simple to prepare but also wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs. Each crispy cinnamon-sugar shell, brimming with warm, spiced apple filling and topped with a luxurious drizzle of dulce de leche and a dollop of whipped cream, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter. Whether you’re celebrating the bountiful apple season by showcasing your favorite apple varieties, establishing them as a new essential fall dessert, or simply seeking a playful and impressive twist on traditional apple desserts to enjoy any time of year, these Apple Pie Tacos are always a perfect choice for sharing joy, flavor, and fun with your cherished friends and family. Get ready to impress and indulge!

img 2193 16

LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!

Dipping an Apple Pie Taco into a bowl of caramel sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe

Apple Pie Tacos

Skip the fork and dive into these handheld Apple Pie Tacos! Sweet apples, crunchy shells, and a drizzle of dulce de leche make every bite delicious.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Cooling time15 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple, Apple Pie Tacos, apples, dessert tacos, dulce de leche, tacos
Servings: 4 tacos
Calories: 513kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

  • 1 4″ round cookie or biscuit cutter
  • 4 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs
  • Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

For the taco shells:

  • 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the apple pie filling:

  • 3 large Granny Smith apples peeled and finely diced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • ½ stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup water

Optional Garnishes:

  • whipped cream
  • dulce de leche thinned with a little heavy cream for drizzling and dunking.
  • vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Taco Shells

  • Use the cookie or biscuit cutter to cut circles from the flour tortillas. (If you’re careful and cut them close to the edge and close together you can get 5 circles out of each tortilla.) Cut these out and set aside.
  • Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside. Line a large platter with paper towels.
  • Heat about 3″ of oil in a small pan over medium heat. When the oil reaches a temperature of 350-365 dgrees F, you are ready to fry!
    Place a tortilla circle into the hot oil using tongs. Allow to brown on one side for a few seconds, until light golden brown but still pliable. Turn the tortilla over and carefully fold in half using the tongs. Hold the circle in the folded position with the tongs and allow tortilla to crisp to a lightly golden brown.
  • Remove tortilla shell and drain on paper towel-lined platter. Generously sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture inside and out. Cool completely on paper towels.
    Complete task with remaining tortillas.

For the apple pie filling:

  • Toss diced apples in lemon juice.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Add apples. Cook about 5 minutes.
    Meanwhile whisk together cornstarch and water until well-combined. Add to apple mixture. Continue cooking until the liquid has cooked out of the mixture and the apples are a dark golden and soft. Set aside.

Optional garnish:

  • Prepared whipped cream, whipped topping or real whipped cream. I
    Make real whipped cream by combining one pint of heavy whipping cream with 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar and beat with a mixer until stiff.
  • A can of Dulce de leche topping can be found in the Mexican food section of your grocery store. Heat it on low in a saucepan on the stove. Add about 1 Tablespoon of heavy whipping cream to it to thin it wout to make it easier to drizzle over the tacos.

To assemble the tacos:

  • Place warm apple pie filling in each taco shell. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of dulce de leche sauce.
    Serve and enjoy.

Notes

This recipe makes about 40 small tacos. Serving Size is based on 2 tacos. It’s easy to cut this recipe down to make fewer if you aren’t feeding a crowd.
Storing Your Apple Pie Tacos
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. The shells will soften a bit, but they’re still tasty. For the best texture, keep the taco shells and homemade apple pie filling separate and assemble before serving.
You can also make the filling ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw, reheat, and spoon into fresh shells. To crisp things back up, pop assembled tacos in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown.
Original Recipe from The Devilish Dish

Nutrition

Serving: 2tacos | Calories: 513kcal | Carbohydrates: 116g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 79g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 3mg

A Special Note from My Friend Candi

Hi, I’m Candi from The Devilish Dish!

When Michaela asked me to guest post, I said yes right away. We go way back to a scrapbooking party in Nebraska, where she sold me a single blue pencil for $1.99 and somehow still decided to be my friend. I’m so glad she did.

Since then, we’ve shared a love of tailgating (she’s a Husker, I’m a Sooner), raising kids, and swapping recipes nonstop. So when I was planning a birthday dinner for my mom and aunt, and the menu included Apple Pie Tacos, of course, I ran it by Michaela. She was just as excited as I was.

Cinnamon sugar shells filled with apples, whipped cream, and caramel… what’s not to love? A dessert as fun and sweet as my friendship with Michaela. Here’s to you, my friend, and to Apple Pie Tacos!

apple pie tacos

This recipe was originally posted on July 2, 2014. It has been updated to enhance the user experience and was reshared on August 27, 2025.