Name: Caramel Apple Chimichangas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 2 tbsp butter; 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 6 flour tortillas (8-inch size); Vegetable or canola oil, for frying; 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (for coating after frying)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A creative way to enjoy caramel apples
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside
Quick and easy with simple ingredients
Perfect for fall or any apple dessert craving
Great for entertaining or serving warm at parties
Kid-friendly and fun to eat
No need to bake – fried for fast results
Can be made ahead and fried later
Customizable with spices or toppings
Tastes like a handheld caramel apple pie

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Butter
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Flour tortillas (8-inch size works well)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Cinnamon sugar (for coating after frying)

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples.
Sprinkle in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook until apples are tender and mixture is thickened, about 8–10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Spoon a few tablespoons of the apple mixture into the center of each tortilla.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling.
Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll tightly like a burrito to seal.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crisp, turning as needed.
Drain on paper towels and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar.
Serve warm with extra caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 chimichangas.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes

Variations

Baked option: Brush with butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for crunch.
Spice it up: Add ginger or cloves for deeper spice.
Use pie filling: Substitute fresh apples with canned apple pie filling in a pinch.
Mini version: Use smaller tortillas and cut apple pieces smaller for bite-sized treats.
Drizzle with chocolate: Add a chocolate drizzle over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or air fry for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving as it will make the tortillas soggy.
For freezing, wrap uncooked, filled chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, but homemade will give a richer flavor if you have time.

What kind of apples are best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best for texture and flavor balance.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes after brushing with melted butter.

How do I keep them from unrolling while frying?

Make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the oil first to help seal them.

Are these good served cold?

They’re best served warm, but you can enjoy them cold. Reheating helps bring back the crispy texture.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them before frying, or freeze them for later.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best for frying chimichangas.

Can I use tortillas other than flour?

Flour tortillas are preferred for flexibility and crisping. Corn tortillas are more likely to crack.

What can I serve with them?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce make great accompaniments.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour tortillas and ensure your caramel sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Chimichangas are the ultimate dessert for when you want something fast, crispy, and full of sweet, spiced apple flavor. Whether you’re craving a fall-inspired treat or just love the combination of caramel and apples, these golden pockets of goodness are a must-try. With their crunchy coating and warm, gooey center, they’re sure to become a new dessert favorite.