These Easy Caramel Apple Taquitos are all about deliciousness! Crunchy tortillas filled with sweet apples and gooey caramel make for a fun dessert. Plus, they’re quick to whip up!
I love how these taquitos are warm and crispy. They are perfect for sharing—or not! Sometimes I enjoy them all by myself with a scoop of ice cream. 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp also works well! If you’re looking for a sweeter option, Fuji or Gala apples are great alternatives.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are best for this recipe since they fold neatly. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas can work too, but they may crack more easily.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is super convenient and tasty! If you want to make your own, simple recipes use brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Just be careful not to let it burn!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a great flavor here. If you want to make it dairy-free, go for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, which still allows for that delicious richness.
How Do You Get Crispy Taquitos Every Time?
Crispy taquitos are all about the cooking method. Baking gets them crispy while reducing oil, and frying gets them crunchier quicker! Here’s how:
- If baking, preheat your oven and keep an eye on them after 12 minutes. Flip halfway for an even golden brown.
- If frying, ensure your oil is hot enough; cold oil makes them soggy. Fry them in batches to avoid crowding, ensuring they are crispy.
Whichever method you choose, brushing with melted butter helps give a golden crust!
Easy Caramel Apple Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Taquitos:
- 8-10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Powdered sugar or crushed nuts
- Cooking spray or oil for frying (if frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 12-15 minutes for baking or 5-10 minutes for frying. So, you can have a delicious dessert ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small pieces. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix everything well and set this bowl aside for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Assemble the Taquitos:
Lay the small flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto one end of each tortilla. Make sure not to overfill, or they will be hard to roll! Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce over the apples.
3. Roll the Taquitos:
Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito. You can tuck in the edges as you roll to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process for all the tortillas.
4. Brush with Butter:
Once all the taquitos are rolled up, brush each one lightly with melted butter. This will help them to get golden and crispy during cooking.
5. Cook the Taquitos:
You have two options for cooking:
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they are golden and crispy.
- Fry: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the taquitos in batches for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Final Touches:
Once the taquitos are cooked, drizzle a bit more caramel sauce over the tops. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar or sprinkle some crushed nuts for that extra flair!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy tortillas and sweet, gooey caramel apple filling. They’re perfect for sharing—if you want to!
FAQ: Easy Caramel Apple Taquitos
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for their balanced flavor, you can use any sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might result in an even sweeter filling!
Can I Make These Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake or fry them straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to cook time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness, or use the microwave for a quick reheat, but they won’t be as crispy!
Can I Add Other Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips along with the apple filling. Just remember to keep the amount manageable so they roll up easily!
