Delicious Apple Pie Enchiladas – Easy Dessert Recipe

Apple Pie Enchiladas—prepare to have your dessert world turned deliciously upside down! Imagine combining the nostalgic warmth of a classic apple pie with the delightful, comforting roll-up experience of a traditional savory enchilada. Sound unconventional? I promise you, this unique creation is a culinary revelation that will tantalize your taste buds in the most unexpected and wonderful ways.

While traditional enchiladas hail from rich Mexican cuisine and apple pie stands as a quintessential American comfort, this brilliant fusion dish embodies the exciting spirit of modern culinary innovation. It’s a testament to how creative minds can bridge two distinct culinary worlds, bringing together beloved elements from different cultures into something entirely new and irresistible.

What makes these so incredibly special, you ask? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Picture tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices enveloped in soft, pillowy tortillas, baked until golden, and then generously drizzled with a rich, creamy sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of sweet, subtly tart, and wonderfully comforting notes. They’re surprisingly simple to assemble, making them a fantastic option for a weeknight dessert or a truly show-stopping treat for guests. I’ve found that these Apple Pie Enchiladas consistently impress, offering a delightful twist on familiar comforts. Get ready to experience dessert in a whole new, incredibly delicious dimension!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Apple Pie Filling:
  • 6 medium-sized apples (I personally love a mix of Granny Smith for that essential tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and a delightful texture, but feel free to use your favorite baking apple), peeled, cored, and precisely diced into uniform ½-inch pieces.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (you might want to adjust this slightly based on the natural sweetness of your chosen apples).
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (this little addition is magical, helping to thicken the filling beautifully and prevent it from being watery).
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but oh, it adds such a lovely, warm depth to the flavor profile).
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (crucial for preventing the apples from browning and for brightening all those wonderful flavors).
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, gently melted.
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Sauce:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar.
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar.
  • ½ cup heavy cream.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (always use a good quality one!).
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  • Pinch of salt (don’t skip this; it truly balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors).
• For the “Enchilada” Wraps:
  • 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas (make sure they are soft and pliable; flexibility is key here!).
  • Non-stick cooking spray or a little extra melted butter for preparing your baking dish.
• Optional Toppings (because who doesn’t love to personalize their dessert?):
  • Whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream (highly recommended!).
  • A decadent drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • A light sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar for garnish and an added touch of sparkle.

Preparing the Apple Pie Filling:

1. Okay, let’s get those beautiful apples ready to become the star of our Apple Pie Enchiladas! First things first, grab your apples and peel them carefully. I find a good quality swivel peeler makes this task super efficient and safe. Once peeled, you’ll want to meticulously core them. Then, the important part: dice them into nice, uniform ½-inch pieces. The consistency in size is absolutely critical here because it ensures that all the apple pieces cook evenly in the oven. You certainly don’t want a mix of some mushy bits and some still-too-firm chunks in your final, delicious dish. As you dice them, you can place them directly into a large mixing bowl.
2. Once all your apples are prepped, diced, and nestled in the bowl, immediately pour in the fresh lemon juice. Give them a gentle but thorough toss. The lemon juice is our little secret weapon for a couple of reasons: it not only brightens and enhances the natural apple flavor, making it truly pop, but it also brilliantly prevents those lovely apples from browning while you’re busy working on the other delightful components of this recipe. Nobody wants sad, discolored apples in their amazing Apple Pie Enchiladas!
3. Now, let’s infuse those apples with all that wonderful, comforting pie spice flavor that we adore. To the bowl containing the lemon-tossed apples, add the granulated sugar, the light brown sugar, the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and if you’re feeling a little extra festive and want to deepen the aroma, that tiny pinch of ground cloves. The flour added here is incredibly crucial; it’s going to work tirelessly to absorb some of the natural apple juices that will be released as they cook, ensuring your filling isn’t watery, but rather beautifully thickened, saucy, and perfectly cohesive.
4. Next, gently pour in the melted unsalted butter. Using a sturdy spoon or, frankly, my preferred method – your clean hands (it’s more tactile!), gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure every single apple piece is coated evenly and thoroughly with the sugar and spice mixture. You’ll immediately notice the apples beginning to look glistening, and your kitchen will start to fill with an incredibly aromatic scent of sweet spices. Set this bowl aside for a moment; this brief resting period allows the sugars to start drawing out some moisture from the apples, which kickstarts the flavor development and prepares them perfectly for their role in our delightful Apple Pie Enchiladas.

Crafting the Cinnamon Sugar Sauce:

1. This particular sauce is truly what elevates our Apple Pie Enchiladas from simply good to absolutely phenomenal and unforgettable. It’s a rich, wonderfully creamy, and intensely spiced concoction that forms an irresistible, caramelized coating. Begin by melting ½ cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. I recommend using medium heat to prevent the butter from browning too quickly. You want it to be fully melted and just beginning to shimmer on the surface.
2. Once the butter is beautifully melted, whisk in both the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar. Continue whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the sugars to dissolve slightly and combine thoroughly with the warm butter. As you whisk, you’ll notice it transforming into a thick, glistening, syrupy consistency. It’s quite important to keep stirring at this stage to prevent the sugar from sticking and potentially burning on the bottom of the pan, which would impart an undesirable bitter flavor.
3. Now for the moment of creamy goodness! Carefully and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Be prepared, as the mixture might bubble up a bit when the cooler cream hits the hot sugar and butter base, so give it a gentle but quick stir to incorporate. Continue whisking constantly for another 2-3 minutes. What you’re looking for is the sauce to come to a gentle simmer – meaning small, consistent bubbles – and to thicken ever so slightly. It should lightly coat the back of a spoon when you lift it out. It’s crucial not to let it boil vigorously; a gentle simmer is all we need to perfectly meld those rich flavors together and achieve the ideal texture.
4. Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat. This is the perfect moment to add our final, exquisite flavor notes that truly define this sauce. Stir in the vanilla extract (use a good quality one for the best aroma and taste!), the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and that tiny but mighty pinch of salt. The salt, even in a profoundly sweet dish like this, is a total game-changer; it brilliantly balances out the intense sweetness and mysteriously enhances all the other aromatic flavors, making them sing. Give it a good, final stir until everything is perfectly combined and you are left with a luscious, fragrant, and utterly irresistible cinnamon sugar sauce. Set this aside for a moment; it will be generously poured over our enchiladas just before baking, creating that incredible, signature caramel-like topping. This sauce, my friends, truly encapsulates the “pie” part of these incredible Apple Pie Enchiladas.

Assembling the Apple Pie Enchiladas:

1. Your oven should be preheating perfectly right now to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, which is the ideal size for this recipe. Lightly spray the bottom and sides generously with non-stick cooking spray. If you prefer, you can also brush it with a little melted butter, which adds another layer of flavor. This crucial step ensures that our absolutely delicious Apple Pie Enchiladas don’t stick to the pan and makes for a much easier cleanup later on.
2. Now, let’s get those tortillas ready for filling! You absolutely need them to be warm and pliable; cold, stiff tortillas are a recipe for frustration as they will almost certainly crack when you try to roll them, leading to a messy and less-than-perfect outcome. You have a couple of excellent options to achieve this essential flexibility:
   • The Microwave Method: Stack all 8 of your flour tortillas and wrap them securely in a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 30-45 seconds, or until they feel warm, steamy, and wonderfully flexible.
   • The Skillet Method: Heat a dry, ungreased skillet over medium heat. Briefly warm each tortilla individually for about 15-20 seconds per side until they become soft and supple. Many chefs find this method yields the best results for optimal flexibility.
   • The Oven Method: Wrap your stack of tortillas tightly in aluminum foil and place them in your already warming oven for about 10 minutes.

   Whichever method you choose, do not skip this crucial step! A warm, flexible tortilla is the secret to perfectly rolled Apple Pie Enchiladas.

3. It’s time to fill! Lay one warm tortilla flat on your clean work surface. Spoon approximately ¼ to ⅓ cup of the perfectly prepared apple pie filling down the center of the tortilla. It’s important not to overfill, as tempting as it might be, because it will make the enchilada very difficult to roll neatly, and the filling might spill out during baking. You want a generous but manageable amount that allows for easy rolling.
4. Carefully roll the tortilla up, starting from one edge and gently tucking the filling in snugly as you go. You’re aiming to create a neat, compact cylinder. Once rolled, immediately place the enchilada seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Placing it seam-side down is essential as it prevents the enchilada from unrolling during the baking process.
5. Repeat this precise process with the remaining tortillas and the rest of your delectable apple filling. You should end up with 8 beautifully rolled Apple Pie Enchiladas nestled snugly in a single layer in your baking dish. They should fit quite nicely. If your dish is a bit larger, you can space them out slightly, or if it’s smaller, they can be cozily snuggled closer together – they enjoy each other’s company!
6. Once all the enchiladas are perfectly arranged in the baking dish, give your cinnamon sugar sauce a quick stir, as it may have thickened slightly as it cooled. Now, generously and evenly pour the entire batch of that glorious, fragrant sauce over the tops of your assembled enchiladas. Make absolutely sure that every single rolled enchilada gets a good, thorough coating. The sauce will seep down into the tiny crevices between the enchiladas and coat their tops, creating an incredibly rich, caramelized crust and infusing every single bite with that warm, comforting cinnamon-sugar goodness. This pivotal step is truly where a lot of the magic happens for these extraordinary Apple Pie Enchiladas!

Baking and Serving:

1. Your oven should be perfectly preheated to 375°F (190°C) by now, ready to transform your assembled dish. Carefully place the baking dish containing your saucy and enticing Apple Pie Enchiladas into the preheated oven. Handle with care, as the dish will be heavy and potentially slippery.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The goal is for the apples inside to become wonderfully tender, the glorious cinnamon sugar sauce to be visibly bubbly and lightly caramelized around the edges of the dish, and the tortillas themselves to be a beautiful golden brown and slightly crisp on top. You’ll instinctively know they’re ready when your entire kitchen is filled with the most incredible, comforting aroma of baked apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet, sticky caramel – it’s truly intoxicating! If you’re ever unsure about the tenderness of the apples, you can carefully insert a thin skewer or a small, sharp knife into the center of one of the enchiladas to test a piece of apple. It should give way easily with minimal resistance. Always keep a watchful eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of baking, to ensure the sauce doesn’t get too dark or burn around the edges. Remember, every oven has its own personality, so trust your senses and visual cues!
3. Once baked to absolute perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Please be extremely mindful that the sauce will be incredibly hot and still bubbling, so use oven mitts and place it on a heat-safe surface. It’s crucial to let the Apple Pie Enchiladas rest for about 5-10 minutes before you even think about serving them. This brief but vital resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and settle, preventing burnt tongues and ensuring a cleaner, more cohesive presentation when you plate them.
4. Now for the best part – serving these warm, comforting, and utterly delightful treats! Using a sturdy spatula, carefully lift individual Apple Pie Enchiladas onto your serving plates. They are absolutely delightful and satisfying on their own, but if you truly want to elevate the experience to an extraordinary level (and I wholeheartedly recommend you do!), consider adding some of the optional toppings. A generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, melting slowly over the warm enchilada, creates a divine contrast in both temperature and texture that is simply heavenly. A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream is also a fantastic choice, offering a light, airy counterpoint to the rich filling and sauce. And for those with an extra sweet tooth, a decadent drizzle of store-bought or homemade caramel sauce takes these already amazing treats completely over the top! A final, light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar is always a lovely touch for presentation and adds an extra layer of subtle spice.
5. These magnificent Apple Pie Enchiladas are unequivocally best served warm, shortly after baking, when the apples are perfectly tender, the sauce is gloriously gooey and rich, and the tortillas still possess that delightful, slightly crisp edge. They make an unforgettable dessert that will impress anyone, or even a wonderfully decadent breakfast or brunch item for a special occasion. Any unlikely leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or a warm oven, though their texture will be best when fresh. Prepare yourself for an explosion of comforting flavors and pure joy with every single bite! Enjoy this incredible creation!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! As we wrap up our culinary journey with this truly unique creation, I hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about the prospect of bringing these incredible Apple Pie Enchiladas to life in your own kitchen. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion that takes two beloved comfort food concepts and marries them into something unexpectedly spectacular. Imagine the sweet, spiced apple filling, reminiscent of a classic homemade apple pie, nestled snugly in soft tortillas, all bathed in a warm, buttery cinnamon sauce. It’s a revelation! The genius of this recipe lies in its ability to deliver all the comforting, nostalgic flavors of a traditional apple pie, but with an exciting, approachable, and utterly delicious twist. It’s less intimidating than rolling out pie crust from scratch, yet it yields a dessert that feels incredibly gourmet and special. Trust me, the aroma alone as these bake in your oven is enough to make your entire home smell like a warm, inviting bakery.

I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress without stress, or simply to treat themselves and their loved ones to something extraordinary. The combination of tender, slightly tart apples with the sweet, cinnamony sauce creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s a dessert that invites conversation, a dish that will have your guests asking, “What is this magic?” And you’ll get to proudly declare it’s your very own batch of homemade Apple Pie Enchiladas. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a lively potluck, or even a holiday gathering where you want to offer something memorable that stands out from the usual fare. The ease of assembly also makes it a fantastic project for a relaxed afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the process as much as the final product.

Now, let’s talk about making this already incredible dish even more heavenly.

Serving Suggestions:

While these enchiladas are absolutely divine on their own, a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm, cinnamony tortillas is a match made in heaven. The cold contrast against the warm dessert is simply irresistible. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of maple or cinnamon, would also be a luxurious addition. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a little extra cinnamon sugar is also always a welcome sight, enhancing both the visual appeal and the delightful taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite toppings!

Your Creative Twists:

But don’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile, and I encourage you to make it your own. While apples are classic, imagine swapping them out for other fruits like ripe peaches, sweet cherries, or a mix of berries for a different seasonal twist. You could also experiment with additional spices – a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of cardamom could add another layer of aromatic complexity to the apple filling. For those who love a bit more crunch, consider sprinkling a simple streusel topping over the enchiladas before baking. A cream cheese glaze, made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk, drizzled generously over the top once they’ve cooled slightly, would also elevate this dessert to an entirely new level of decadence. You can even assemble these ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making entertaining a breeze.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and prepare to embark on a sweet adventure. I genuinely believe that once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire. The joy of creating something so unique and utterly delicious is truly rewarding. And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience with me! I’m incredibly eager to hear about your culinary triumphs, your serving suggestions, or any creative variations you come up with. Did you add a special spice? Did you serve it with a unique ice cream flavor? Post your photos, leave a comment, and let’s celebrate the magic of homemade dessert together. Trust me, these Apple Pie Enchiladas are one recipe you’ll be making again and again, delighting everyone who gets a taste.

Delicious Apple Pie Enchiladas

Apple Pie Enchiladas are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie with the versatility of tortillas. These enchiladas are filled with spiced apple pie filling, rolled tightly, and baked in a buttery caramel sauce until golden and bubbly. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat, they’re best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This unique creation is a culinary revelation that will tantalize your taste buds in the most unexpected and wonderful ways.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
30 Minutes

Servings
8 servings

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced ½-inch
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• Non-stick cooking spray or melted butter
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, extra cinnamon sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Peel, core, and dice apples into uniform ½-inch pieces. Toss with lemon juice in a large bowl. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. Pour in melted butter. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Step 2
   In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in both sugars for 1-2 minutes until dissolved. Slowly add heavy cream, whisking for 2-3 minutes until sauce gently simmers and slightly thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Step 3
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or melted butter.
4. Step 4
   Warm tortillas until pliable using microwave (30-45 seconds in damp paper towel), skillet (15-20 seconds per side), or oven (10 minutes wrapped in foil).
5. Step 5
   Place ¼ to ⅓ cup apple filling down the center of each warm tortilla. Roll snugly into a cylinder. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared dish. Repeat for all 8 tortillas.
6. Step 6
   Stir the cinnamon sugar sauce. Pour generously and evenly over all assembled enchiladas, ensuring full coating.
7. Step 7
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until apples are tender, sauce is bubbly and lightly caramelized, and tortillas are golden brown.
8. Step 8
   Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.