Name: Apple Crisp Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 small flour tortillas; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3 tbsp melted butter; 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A creative spin on a classic apple dessert
Handheld and easy to serve for gatherings
Crispy, buttery taco shells packed with flavor
Warm, spiced apple filling that tastes like pie
Topped with a crunchy oat streusel
Fun to make and eat
Can be prepped ahead and assembled before serving
Perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving apples
Great for both kids and adults
Delicious with ice cream or whipped cream

Ingredients

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

Small flour tortillas
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter

Apple Filling:

Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Lemon juice
Butter

Crisp Topping:

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Rolled oats
Ground cinnamon
Cold butter (cubed)

Directions

Make the taco shells:
Brush tortillas with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Drape them over oven-safe racks or bars to form taco shapes.
Bake until crisp and golden, then let cool.
Prepare the apple filling:
In a skillet, cook diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Simmer until apples are soft and syrupy. Set aside.
Make the crisp topping:
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Bake on a sheet pan until golden and crispy.
Assemble the tacos:
Fill each taco shell with a spoonful of the warm apple filling.
Top with crisp streusel and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 apple crisp tacos.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 35–40 minutes

Variations

Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling for extra sweetness.
Try different fruits: Mix in pears, berries, or peaches with the apples.
Use pie filling: Shortcut the recipe with canned apple pie filling.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortillas and flour.
Add nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping.
Spice it up: Add cloves or ginger for a bolder spice flavor.

Storage/Reheating

For best results, store the components separately.
Keep the taco shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate the apple filling and crisp topping in separate containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat the apple filling on the stove or microwave until warm.
Re-crisp the topping briefly in the oven if needed.
Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain crispness.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and provide a good sweet-tart balance.

Can I make the taco shells ahead of time?

Yes, the shells can be made a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

Can I use store-bought taco shells?

You can, but homemade cinnamon-sugar shells add more flavor and crunch.

How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?

Assemble just before serving, and avoid overfilling with hot apples. Let the filling cool slightly before adding.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas and a gluten-free flour substitute in the crisp topping.

What toppings go well with apple crisp tacos?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar are all delicious options.

Can I bake the crisp topping ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container once cooled, and it will stay crunchy for a few days.

Can I reheat assembled tacos?

They’re best freshly assembled. If you must reheat, use a toaster oven to restore crispness.

Can I serve these cold?

You can, but they’re tastier warm. If serving cold, keep the shells crisp and reheat the filling slightly before assembling.

Can I add a savory element to the recipe?

For a unique twist, a tiny pinch of sea salt in the apple filling or topping adds contrast and enhances flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp Tacos are a delightful mashup of two beloved treats—apple crisp and tacos—brought together in one fun and tasty dessert. With crunchy cinnamon-sugar shells, a gooey spiced apple center, and a crisp oat topping, they’re everything you want in a fall dessert and more. Whether served at a party or as a casual weeknight sweet, they’re guaranteed to impress and satisfy.