Crispy Cinnamon Tortillas with Gooey Apple Filling
Hola! I’m a Florida girl who grew up surrounded by cinnamon, apples, and the sweet scent of abuela’s kitchen. While our table was always filled with Mexican flavors, I love blending them with classic American desserts.
That’s how this Apple Pie Quesadilla came to life: a fusion of crispy cinnamon tortillas stuffed with warm apple pie filling and gooey caramel.
It’s the perfect shortcut for those cozy fall cravings when you want something sweet, quick, and homemade.
This 20-minute treat brings together two comforting worlds-Mexican street-style quesadillas and all-American apple pie-into one irresistible bite.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 20 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Servings: | 8 |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine: | American Fusion |
| Best Season: | Fall and Holiday Season |
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- Quick and Easy: You can make these apple pie quesadillas in under 25 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect Fusion Flavor: Sweet apple pie filling wrapped in buttery tortillas with cinnamon sugar creates the ultimate flavor harmony.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family nights or last-minute guests, everyone will love this crispy, caramel-drizzled dessert.
- No Baking Required: Just a skillet, butter, and a few tortillas stand between you and dessert heaven.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or drizzle with honey for your own twist on this quick fall dessert.
Apple Pie Quesadilla: The Ultimate 20-Minute Dessert
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Pie Quesadillas are crispy cinnamon-sugar tortillas filled with gooey apple pie filling and drizzled with caramel sauce. This 20-minute dessert combines the flavors of classic apple pie with a fun, handheld twist everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 21 oz apple pie filling, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, divided
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4–5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
Instructions
1. In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon, then set aside.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt about 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
3. Spread 1/2 tablespoon caramel sauce on half of one tortilla and add 2–3 tablespoons of chopped apple pie filling.
4. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
5. Brush both sides with melted butter and coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, adding more butter as needed.
7. Cut in half and drizzle with remaining caramel sauce.
8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Notes
Tip: For a crispier texture, brush tortillas with butter before frying instead of after.
You can make these ahead and reheat in a skillet or air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a perfect finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 228
- Sugar: 14
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Ingredients List
- 21 oz apple pie filling, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, divided
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4–5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Apple pie filling | Chop into smaller chunks for even spreading and easier folding. |
| Caramel sauce | Warm it slightly before drizzling for a smoother, glossy finish. |
| Granulated sugar | Combine with cinnamon for that classic sweet crust flavor. |
| Ground cinnamon | Freshly ground gives a richer aroma and deeper flavor. |
| Unsalted butter | Use real butter for the best golden crispness. |
| Flour tortillas | Soft, 6-inch size works best for folding and frying evenly. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt about 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
- Fill the Tortilla: Spread 1/2 tablespoon caramel sauce on half of one tortilla. Add 2–3 tablespoons of chopped apple pie filling on top.
- Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half, pressing lightly. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip carefully to cook the other side until crispy.
- Butter and Sugar: Brush both sides with melted butter from the pan, then immediately coat each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Repeat and Finish: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, adding more butter as needed.
- Drizzle and Serve: Cut each quesadilla in half, drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Expert Tips for Sweet Success
- Use a Small Skillet: Cooking one or two at a time ensures even browning and better control.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling will cause the quesadilla to burst and spill out.
- Cinnamon Sugar Timing: Coat right after cooking while warm so the sugar sticks perfectly.
- Serve Immediately: They’re best hot when the caramel is gooey and the tortillas are crisp.
Fun Variations to Try
- Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Quesadillas: Spread cream cheese before adding the filling for a creamy surprise.
- Nutty Apple Delight: Add crushed pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Caramel Apple: Drizzle melted chocolate with caramel for an indulgent twist.
- Berry Fusion: Replace apple filling with mixed berries for a colorful, tangy version.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve these apple pie quesadillas warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced latte, or chai tea for the perfect cozy dessert moment.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can prepare the cinnamon sugar mix and chop the apple filling ahead of time. Store cooked quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a warm skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until crisp again. Avoid microwaving directly-it softens the tortillas.
Presentation & Serving Tips
Cut each quesadilla into triangles and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with caramel in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful finish. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top and serve with ice cream scoops or whipped cream clouds.
Kitchen Wisdom
- Caramel First: Adding caramel before the apples helps everything stick together.
- Use Medium Heat: Too high and the sugar burns before the filling heats through.
- For Extra Crunch: Brush tortillas with butter before frying instead of after.
- Batch Cooking Tip: Keep cooked quesadillas warm in a 200°F oven while you make the rest.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet on medium heat to restore crispiness. You can also air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes for that freshly cooked texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want them to stay crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely. If you have leftover filling from a pie, it works perfectly here and adds extra flavor depth.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Brush both sides with butter, air fry at 375°F for about 4–5 minutes per side, and coat in cinnamon sugar.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are best for this dessert because they stay soft inside and crisp outside, but you can try corn for a more rustic texture.
What’s the best way to prevent sogginess?
Let the cooked quesadillas rest briefly on a wire rack before coating in sugar. This keeps them crisp.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze cooked quesadillas in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare everything and assemble right before serving for that fresh, crispy texture.
What’s the best topping for serving?
Vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream take this dessert from simple to show-stopping.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 quesadilla |
| Calories: | 228 kcal |
| Protein: | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 32 g |
| Fat: | 10 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
| Sugar: | 14 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Author’s Note
Food for me is joy, connection, and creativity. These Apple Pie Quesadillas are everything I love about dessert-warm, simple, and comforting. The first time I made them, the caramel bubbled, the sugar sparkled, and the kitchen smelled like fall. I tested and tweaked this recipe to perfection, so it’s foolproof for busy families who want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This Apple Pie Quesadilla recipe proves that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to taste incredible. With just a few ingredients, you can create something truly memorable. Try it once, and you’ll crave it all season long. For another easy dessert idea, check out my Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Comprehensive Guide to Baking Perfection.
