Eloise Moon Apple pie is one of the most iconic desserts in the world. Its warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a golden crust are the essence of comfort food. But what if you could enjoy all of that cozy flavor in a quicker, easier, and more creative way? That’s where Apple Pie Enchiladas come in.
This dessert is a fun twist on the classic apple pie, combining the heartwarming apple filling with soft flour tortillas that are rolled like enchiladas. The result is a warm, gooey, caramel-drizzled dessert that’s easier to prepare than traditional pie yet just as satisfying. Whether you serve them at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or on a quiet weekend, these enchiladas are bound to impress.
What Are Apple Pie Enchiladas?
Apple Pie Enchiladas are essentially a fusion dessert. Instead of pie crust, you use soft flour tortillas. These tortillas are filled with apple pie filling, rolled up like enchiladas, and baked in a buttery caramel-style sauce.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility:
- Quicker than pie – No need for rolling dough or worrying about soggy crusts.
- Family-friendly – Kids love the fun, handheld style.
- Customizable – You can add nuts, raisins, or caramel drizzle to make it your own.
- Perfect year-round – Works as well for cozy fall evenings as it does for summer BBQ desserts.
Think of them as the love child of classic apple pie and comforting Mexican-inspired tortillas—a creative dessert that feels familiar yet new.
Ingredients for Apple Pie Enchiladas
This recipe makes about 6 enchiladas, serving 6 people. The ingredients are divided into three main parts: the filling, the tortillas, and the sauce.
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to thicken)
For the Enchiladas:
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for brushing tops)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Cinnamon sugar dusting
Recommended Kitchen Tools
To make the process smooth and stress-free, gather these tools:
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Medium baking dish (9×13-inch works well)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Small saucepan for sauce
- Pastry brush (for buttering tortillas)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water.
- Stir and cook for about 6–8 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add to the skillet.
- Cook an additional 2–3 minutes until the filling thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon about ½ cup of filling into the center of each tortilla.
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
- Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Brush exposed tortilla tops with butter or sauce for golden color.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for a showstopping finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pie Enchiladas
- Choose the right apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance sweetness; Honeycrisp adds juiciness.
- Don’t overfill tortillas: Too much filling makes them tear or turn soggy.
- Brush tops with butter: This helps achieve a golden, bakery-style finish.
- Rest before serving: Letting them cool slightly allows the sauce to thicken.
- Use fresh tortillas: Old or stiff tortillas crack when rolling.
Creative Variations
1. Apple Pie Chimichangas
Instead of baking, roll the tortillas, brush with butter, coat in cinnamon sugar, and fry or air fry until crispy.
2. Caramel Apple Enchiladas
Add caramel sauce inside the filling before rolling for extra gooeyness.
3. Nutty Apple Pie Burritos
Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside for crunch.
4. Apple Cranberry Twist
Mix dried cranberries into the apple filling for holiday flair.
5. Apple Pie Crepes
Use thin crepes instead of tortillas for a delicate, French-inspired dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Enchiladas are delicious alone, but toppings can make them extraordinary:
- Classic: Vanilla ice cream melting over the warm enchiladas.
- Gourmet: Salted caramel drizzle with toasted pecans.
- Simple: Powdered sugar dusting and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Festive: Whipped cream with holiday sprinkles.
Storage and Reheating
To Store
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat
- Oven: 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving.
To Freeze
Wrap unbaked enchiladas tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance.
- Store sauce separately and pour just before baking.
- Fully bake ahead, then reheat for events—flavors deepen overnight.
Nutrition Information (Per Enchilada, without toppings)
- Calories: ~290
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Sugars: 25 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes. Use about 2½–3 cups. It saves time but won’t have the same fresh apple bite.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Not recommended—flour tortillas stay soft and roll better.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan butter and check tortillas for dairy-free labeling. Coconut whipped cream works great as a topping.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, especially for chimichanga-style. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes after brushing with butter.
What apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji—firm and flavorful varieties are ideal.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Enchiladas bring together everything we love about dessert: warm fruit, comforting spices, gooey caramel, and golden tortillas. They’re easier than pie, fun to make, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you prepare them for a family dinner, a holiday table, or just because you’re craving comfort food, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So grab some apples, roll up those tortillas, and enjoy the magic of this irresistible dessert.
