Apple Enchiladas

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I can’t tell you how many times these Apple Enchiladas have saved the day when I needed a quick dessert that feels like home. There’s something so satisfying about the warm spiced apples, the gooey cinnamon sauce, and those golden tortillas soaking up all that flavor. It’s like biting into a slice of apple pie that’s been given a sweet and cozy twist.

This recipe was born from my love for easy, rustic desserts that don’t skimp on comfort. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a casual Sunday dinner, these apple enchiladas hit the spot. And the best part? They come together with just a few simple ingredients—no fancy techniques, no complicated steps—just pure, delicious goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. The tortillas turn delightfully soft in the oven, the apples become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the caramel-like sauce pulls it all together in the most luscious way. It’s perfect for last-minute guests, family gatherings, or just a treat-yourself moment. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble, how forgiving the recipe is, and how everyone at the table will ask for seconds.

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What Kind of Tortillas Work Best for Apple Enchiladas?

Flour tortillas are definitely the way to go here. They’re soft, pliable, and hold up well in the oven without turning soggy or falling apart. I prefer using the 8-inch size for a good balance of filling and roll, but feel free to use smaller ones if you’re making mini portions. Avoid corn tortillas—they’re too savory and crumbly for the sweet, gooey apple filling we want.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just out of an ingredient, this recipe is easy to tweak.

• Apples: Any firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works great. You can even mix a few types for depth of flavor.
• Tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas work just as well if you’re aiming for a slightly healthier take.
• Butter: Swap with coconut oil or a vegan butter if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
• Sugar: You can sub in coconut sugar, maple syrup, or even a brown sugar alternative.
• Cinnamon: If you’re out, try a pumpkin spice mix or a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a cozy twist.
• Filling Add-ins: Want more texture? Throw in chopped pecans or raisins into the apple mix for a fun surprise.

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Ingredients for This Apple Enchiladas Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in making these enchiladas comforting, flavorful, and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Flour Tortillas
  These are the vessel for all the apple cinnamon goodness. Soft and easy to roll, they soak up the sauce perfectly while holding their shape in the oven.
• Apples
  The heart of the recipe. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up to baking and bring that sweet-tart flavor we love in apple desserts.
• Butter
  Used in the sauce, butter gives it richness and that velvety texture that binds everything together.
• Brown Sugar
  This adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the sauce that complements the apples beautifully.
• Cinnamon
  The warm spice that brings everything to life. It gives these enchiladas that classic, comforting apple pie flavor.
• Granulated Sugar
  A little extra sugar in the filling sweetens the apples just enough and balances the tartness.
• Water
  A small splash in the sauce helps thin it out just right to soak and glaze the tortillas without becoming watery.
• Vanilla Extract
  A touch of vanilla in the sauce rounds out the flavors with a soft, sweet aroma.

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Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks. Toss them in a bowl with a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon until each piece is nicely coated. Let them sit for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle.

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Step 2: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly like enchiladas and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Keep them snug to help everything bake evenly.

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Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and water. Let it come to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Once it starts to thicken, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.

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Step 4: Pour the Sauce

Evenly pour the warm cinnamon sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Make sure every roll gets a good coating so they bake up soft and flavorful.

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Step 5: Bake

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20–25 minutes. The tortillas should puff slightly and the sauce will be bubbling around the edges.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the enchiladas rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to set a bit. Serve warm as-is or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

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How Long to Cook Apple Enchiladas

You’ll want to bake the apple enchiladas at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. This gives the tortillas time to soak up the cinnamon sauce and lets the apples become perfectly soft without turning mushy. You’ll know they’re ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the tops of the enchiladas look slightly golden and glossy.

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Tips for Perfect Apple Enchiladas

• Dice the Apples Evenly
  Smaller, uniform chunks of apple will cook more evenly and tuck neatly into the tortillas.
• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas
  It’s tempting to load them up, but too much filling can cause them to burst open during baking.
• Use Fresh Cinnamon
  Spices lose potency over time. For that rich, warm flavor, make sure your cinnamon isn’t stale.
• Tightly Roll the Enchiladas
  Keep the rolls snug so they bake evenly and hold their shape better.
• Let the Sauce Bubble
  Simmer the cinnamon sauce just until it starts to bubble—this ensures it thickens slightly before pouring it on.
• Rest Before Serving
  Giving them a few minutes to cool helps the sauce settle and makes for easier plating.
• Add Toppings
  Top with chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra wow factor.
• Double the Sauce
  Love it extra gooey? Double the sauce portion and save some to drizzle on right before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using the Wrong Type of Apples
  Soft or overly sweet apples like Red Delicious can turn mushy and bland when baked. Stick with firm, slightly tart varieties for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the Sauce Simmer
  The sauce needs a quick simmer to thicken. Pouring it on too early can lead to a watery result with less flavor depth.
• Overbaking
  Too long in the oven and the tortillas will crisp up too much or dry out. Keep an eye on that 20–25 minute window.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish
  Always grease your dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking, especially as the sugar in the sauce caramelizes.
• Rolling with Cold Tortillas
  Cold tortillas are more likely to tear. Warm them slightly in the microwave or skillet to make them flexible.
• Under-seasoning the Apples
  Don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar mix for the apple filling—it’s key to the flavor!
• Pouring Sauce Only on Top
  Make sure the sauce runs between and underneath the rolls too, so every bite is infused with sweetness.
• Serving Immediately from the Oven
  Let them rest for a few minutes—this gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly and prevents burnt tongues!

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What to Serve With Apple Enchiladas?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

The warm enchiladas and cold, creamy scoop make for a heavenly combo.

2. Whipped Cream

Light and airy, whipped cream adds a nice balance to the rich filling and sauce.

3. Caramel Drizzle

Enhance the sweetness and visual appeal with a golden caramel drizzle over the top.

4. Chopped Pecans or Walnuts

A bit of crunch goes a long way—nuts bring texture and toasty flavor.

5. Hot Apple Cider

Pair this cozy dessert with a mug of cider for the ultimate fall-inspired treat.

6. Coffee or Espresso

The bitter notes of coffee perfectly complement the sweetness of the enchiladas.

7. Greek Yogurt

Want to balance the indulgence? A dollop of tangy yogurt adds contrast and creaminess.

8. Dusting of Powdered Sugar

A light snow of powdered sugar over the top adds elegance and just a touch of extra sweetness.

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you—Apple Enchiladas store really well. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 45–60 seconds. If they’ve soaked up all the sauce, feel free to drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or make a quick warm cinnamon sauce to refresh them.

If you want to freeze them, assemble and pour the sauce over, but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these are general estimates per enchilada, depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes:

• Calories: ~280–320
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Sugars: ~26g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~3g
• Sodium: ~220mg

These enchiladas are a treat—sweet, rich, and comforting—so enjoy them mindfully or lighten them up with whole wheat tortillas, less sugar, or a fruit-only filling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Apple Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just add the sauce right before baking for the best texture.

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2. Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is highly recommended for a softer filling, but if you prefer a little bite and rustic texture, leaving the peels on works too.

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3. Can I use canned pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut! Just reduce or skip the sugar in the filling since pie filling is already sweetened.

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4. How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure the sauce isn’t too watery—let it simmer to thicken. Also, don’t overdo the filling; too much juice from the apples can lead to sogginess.

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5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour tortillas and ensure your vanilla extract and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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6. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Definitely! Pears, raisins, or dried cranberries make excellent additions alongside the apples.

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7. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Totally! It’s sweet, soft, and comforting—great for little ones. You can even let them help with rolling the tortillas.

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8. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm them in the oven at 325°F (covered) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for about a minute per serving. Add a drizzle of sauce or a scoop of ice cream to freshen it up.

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Conclusion

Apple Enchiladas are the kind of dessert that feel like a warm hug—simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Whether you’re serving them after a cozy dinner or surprising your family with a sweet weekend treat, this recipe delivers all the comforts of homemade apple pie without the fuss. With customizable ingredients and easy steps, it’s the perfect dessert to keep in your back pocket all year round. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to dessert when you want something quick, delicious, and comforting.

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