If you have a sweet tooth and love playful, bite-sized treats, then this Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These delightful little tacos combine the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the fun and crisp twist of a fried tortilla shell dusted in cinnamon sugar. Every bite bursts with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples wrapped in a crispy, sugary shell that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving these at a party, a cozy family gathering, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings an exciting spin to traditional dessert time. Let’s dive into the magic of making and enjoying these charming mini apple pie tacos!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple but thoughtfully chosen ensures every component plays a vital role, from adding rich sweetness to creating that perfect cozy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe to life:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy and tangy topping that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and a smooth texture to the yogurt topping.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the apples and infusing them with that rich, buttery warmth.
- Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and a juicy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple mixture evenly without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- Brown Sugar (lightly packed): Adds a hint of molasses flavor that deepens the apple filling’s warmth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple filling and prevents browning while balancing sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings the comforting spice note that’s signature to apple desserts.
- Pinch of Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Finger Lakes Distilling Maple Liqueur: Infuses the apples with a subtle, boozy maple flavor—feel free to admire this local gem!
- Large Flour Tortillas: Crisped into taco shells, they form the perfect portable vessel for the apple filling.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the tortillas to golden perfection.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Coats the fried shells with an addictive sweet-spicy crunch.
How to Make Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Shells
Start by using a 3 to 4-inch cookie cutter to cut small circles from your flour tortillas—this ensures perfect bite-sized tacos. Then, make a small slit in the middle of each circle so they don’t balloon unexpectedly during frying. This little prep step sets you up for perfectly shaped shells that crisply hug the apple filling.
Step 2: Fry and Shape the Shells
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place one tortilla circle into the hot oil, letting it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Flip it and using tongs, gently fold it in half to create a taco shape. Keep supporting the shell with tongs to maintain the folded shape as you cook each side to a beautiful golden brown, roughly 2 minutes per side. Right after frying, toss each shell in cinnamon sugar for that perfect crunchy coating, then nestle them between the inverted cups of a muffin tin to keep their shape while cooling.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Filling
In another skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble invitingly. Add the chopped apples along with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, kosher salt, and the Finger Lakes Distilling Maple Liqueur. Stir frequently as the apples cook down and the sugars dissolve, about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a luscious, jammy consistency. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistibly warm spicy apple aroma you’ll love.
Step 4: Assemble Your Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe
Spoon the slightly cooled apple filling generously into each cinnamon-sugar coated shell. The warm filling contrasts deliciously with the crispy, sweet shell, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Don’t skimp on this step—it’s the heart and soul of the dish!
How to Serve Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
For a luscious finishing touch, dollop each mini taco with a spoonful of the powdered sugar-sweetened Greek yogurt. It’s like adding a cool scoop of ice cream but lighter and tangier, which beautifully complements the warm apples and cinnamon sugar shell. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also amp up the cozy vibes.
Side Dishes
These mini apple pie tacos are a delightful treat on their own but can pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tart vinaigrette to contrast the sweetness, or even with a warm cup of chai or spiced tea to enhance all the fall-like flavors on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Present them in colorful mini taco holders or nestled in small baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming, rustic look. For gatherings, arranging them around a wheel of brie or a cheese board adds a playful dessert option. Alternatively, creating a “taco bar” with additional toppings like chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or whipped cream invites guests to customize their own, making dessert interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—though they might not stick around long—store the filled tacos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Because the shells are fried, they’re best enjoyed fresh; over time, they lose their crispness.
Freezing
For longer storage, keep the cooked apple filling separate in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy, and prepare fresh shells to maintain that sought-after crunch.
Reheating
To revive leftover apple filling, warm it over low heat stirring occasionally to retain its texture. For the shells, reheat briefly in a hot oven (350°F for 3–5 minutes) to bring back crispness—but avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy. Assemble tacos just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work great for balancing sweetness, you can experiment with varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, softer filling. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as sweeter apples may soften quicker.
Is it necessary to use the Finger Lakes Distilling Maple Liqueur?
Not at all. The liqueur adds a lovely depth and subtle maple flavor, but you can substitute with pure maple syrup or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as delicious.
What’s the best way to keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
Frying the tortillas until crisp and immediately tossing them in cinnamon sugar before cooling on a muffin tin helps maintain their shape and crunch. Assemble the tacos just before serving for maximum crispness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas to fry up the shells. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the overall flavor and fun presentation remain intact.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap out butter for a vegan alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, use a plant-based yogurt for topping, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe—it transforms a classic dessert into a whimsical, shareable experience that’s full of warmth, texture, and joy. Whether you’re indulging after dinner or bringing a crowd-pleaser to your next gathering, these mini apple pie tacos are sure to become a beloved staple. Give them a try and watch everyone’s eyes light up with each delicious, crunchy bite!
Print
Mini Apple Pie Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 mini apple pie tacos
Description
These Mini Apple Pie Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, featuring cinnamon-sugar coated crispy tortilla shells filled with a warm, spiced apple compote. Perfect as a fun dessert or a special treat, they combine the crunch of fried tortillas with the sweet, tangy flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple liqueur-infused apples, topped with a dollop of creamy cinnamon-sweetened Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Shells
- 3 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 inch depth)
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar)
For the Apple Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/3 cup Finger Lakes Distilling Maple Liqueur
For the Cinnamon Greek Yogurt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Tortilla Shells: Using a 3 to 4-inch cookie cutter, stamp out smaller circles from the flour tortillas. Cut a slit in the middle of each tortilla circle to prevent them from ballooning while frying.
- Fry the Shells: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering. One at a time, add a tortilla circle to the hot oil and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Flip the tortilla and use tongs to fold it in half, shaping it into a taco shell. Cook on one side until golden, about 2 minutes, holding its shape with tongs. Flip and cook the other side until golden, about 2 more minutes.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately toss each hot shell in cinnamon sugar. Then place the coated shells on the inverted cups of a muffin tin to hold their taco shape while cooling. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, kosher salt, and maple liqueur. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes jammy, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Greek Yogurt: In a bowl, mix plain Greek yogurt with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Mini Apple Pie Tacos: Spoon the warm apple mixture into each cinnamon sugar-coated taco shell. Optionally, add a dollop of cinnamon Greek yogurt on top of each taco for a creamy finish before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture in the filling.
- Be sure to cut a slit in tortillas before frying to keep them from puffing up.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar amount to taste for coating the shells.
- Maple liqueur adds a unique flavor but can be substituted with maple syrup or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serve immediately to keep the shells crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
