There is something utterly delightful about combining comforting classics in unexpected ways, and this Apple Pie Enchiladas Recipe does exactly that. Imagine warm, tender flour tortillas filled to the brim with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling, all wrapped up and baked beneath a luscious caramel-like sauce. The result is a scrumptious dessert that perfectly balances the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the cozy feel of a handheld treat. It’s a perfect recipe to wow your friends and family without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but flavorful ingredients is all you need to make this Apple Pie Enchiladas Recipe come alive. Each element plays a key role—whether it’s the softness of the tortillas acting as the perfect vessel, or the rich, sweet sauce that cloaks the tortillas in gooey deliciousness.
- Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): This is the star ingredient, providing sweet, tender apple chunks with that classic pie spice blend.
- Flour tortillas (8, 8-inch): Soft and pliable, these tortillas wrap the filling perfectly and bake to a golden finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic spice, enhancing the apples and the sauce.
- Butter (1/3 cup): Creates richness in the sauce for a heavenly caramel flavor.
- White sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the tartness of the apples with bright sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings depth and molasses notes essential to the sauce.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps dissolve the sugars for a smooth, syrupy sauce.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): The ideal finishing touch to make every bite even more indulgent.
How to Make Apple Pie Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your enchiladas don’t stick and come out perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Fill the Tortillas
Take each tortilla and spoon about a heaping quarter cup of the apple pie filling down its center. Then sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon over the filling to add that extra layer of warm spice every bite deserves.
Step 3: Roll and Arrange
Roll up each tortilla snugly with the seam side down to keep the filling secure. Place them neatly side by side in the greased baking dish—the snug fit helps them hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Make the Sweet Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir constantly as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then reduce to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Pour Sauce and Bake
Pour this divine sauce evenly over the enchiladas, letting it soak and bubble into every roll. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top if you like a bit more spice. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the tortillas turn a gorgeous golden brown and the sauce bubbles enticingly around them.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, give your Apple Pie Enchiladas a few minutes to cool down just slightly. This rest time allows the sauce to set and makes for easier serving. Now, get ready for that blissful first bite!
How to Serve Apple Pie Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream takes these enchiladas to the next level. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, sweet filling and sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a little chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out a meal, pair it with lighter fare. A crisp green salad or fresh fruit salad can be a refreshing foil. Alternatively, a cup of spiced tea or coffee complements the warm flavors exquisitely.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Apple Pie Enchiladas on a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter for a cozy vibe. You could also serve each enchilada in an individual ramekin topped with ice cream. Adding a small sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar provides that extra touch of finesse that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce soaked in, so they stay moist and flavorful. Reheating gently helps restore their warm goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze these enchiladas either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months frozen, so you can enjoy them any time with minimal effort.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the sauce bubbles again, usually around 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method keeps the tortillas pleasantly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling adds a fresh, personalized touch, and you can adjust the sweetness and spices exactly to your liking. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold well inside the tortillas.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are preferred for their flexibility and mild flavor, but if you prefer corn tortillas, use the freshest ones you can find and warm them before rolling to prevent cracking. The texture and flavor will be different, but still tasty.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and opt for dairy-free ice cream or whipped topping for serving. The central apple pie flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Can these be made ahead and baked later?
You can assemble the enchiladas and keep them refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to prevent tortillas from getting soggy?
Ensuring the sauce is spread evenly and baking until the tortillas turn golden helps keep them from becoming soggy. Also, don’t overfill the tortillas to avoid excess moisture leaking out during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Enchiladas Recipe is such a joyous way to reinvent a beloved dessert. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, you’ll fall in love with the warm, sweet flavors wrapped up in each bite. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how magical these apple-filled rolls can be!
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Apple Pie Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Pie Enchiladas are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, wrapping sweet apple pie filling in warm flour tortillas and baking them with a rich cinnamon-sugar butter sauce. This easy-to-make dessert combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the fun texture of enchiladas, perfect for serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Enchiladas
- 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
- 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Baking Sauce
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of apple pie filling evenly down the center of each flour tortilla.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the apple filling in each tortilla for enhanced flavor.
- Roll Tortillas: Carefully roll up each tortilla to enclose the filling and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to dissolve sugars.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Sauce: Pour the warm sugar-butter sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, then sprinkle additional cinnamon over the top if desired.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the enchiladas for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use fresh apples sautéed with cinnamon as an alternative to canned pie filling for a homemade twist.
- These enchiladas can be made ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
