Picture this: a warm, flaky shell cradling a sweet, spiced apple filling, dusted with cinnamon sugar and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. That, my friend, is the magic of an apple pie taco.
Forget everything you thought you knew about tacos. We're taking this beloved Mexican dish and giving it a delicious, unexpected twist. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, but in a handheld, fun format. This is a dessert that's sure to impress, whether you're hosting a casual gathering or simply craving something different and delightful.
So grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let's get baking!

Apple Pie Tacos: A Sweet and Savory Adventure

INGREDIENTS

For the Pie Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

4 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup water

For the Taco Shells:

12 small corn tortillas
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon sugar (for dusting)

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Caramel sauce (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Making the Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
2. Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a 12-inch circle. Repeat with the second disc.

Making the Apple Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the water to a simmer. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly.
3. Set aside to cool completely.

Assembling the Apple Pie Tacos:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Place the corn tortillas on a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
3. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until slightly crisp and golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. Lay out your pie crust circles and place a generous amount of apple filling in the center of each. Fold the crust in half to create a crescent shape, pinching the edges to seal.
6. Gently place the apple pie crescent on the warm tortillas, pressing lightly to create a taco shape.
7. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
8. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

For a more intense apple flavor: Add a splash of apple cider to the filling.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger to the filling for a touch of heat.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix or your favorite gluten-free pastry recipe.
Get creative with fillings: Try substituting the apple filling with your favorite pie flavors, like blueberry, cherry, or pumpkin.
This recipe is all about enjoying the fun of creating something delicious and unique. So go ahead, get creative, and have a blast making your own Apple Pie Tacos!