Introduction
If you love the warm, spiced, and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but want a dessert that is portable, crunchy, and fast, Apple Burritos are the perfect solution. Also known as apple chimichangas, this treat features a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped inside a flour tortilla, fried or baked until golden and crispy.
Coated in cinnamon sugar and served warm, it is an irresistible dessert that rivals your favorite Mexican-style restaurant’s sweet treats.
Ingredients
- The Tortilla Wrap:
- 4 Large (8 to 10-inch) Flour Tortillas
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted (for brushing if baking, or use vegetable oil for frying)
- The Spiced Apple Filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Apple Pie Filling (or 3 cups of homemade, chunky cooked apples)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- The Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet: If you prefer to fry them for that classic, bubbly crunch, or a Large Baking Sheet if you prefer to bake them.
- Small Bowl: To mix the cinnamon and sugar.
- Pastry Brush: To apply the butter or oil.
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 large burritos
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the canned apple pie filling with the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to ensure the spices are well distributed throughout the fruit.
2. Fill the Tortillas
Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of the apple filling slightly off-center on each tortilla.
3. Roll the Burrito
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then roll them up tightly like a classic burrito to ensure the filling doesn’t leak out.
4. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow dish, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection
Choose one of the two methods below:
- Baked Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the burritos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with melted butter. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Fried Method: Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the burritos seam-side down first for 2–3 minutes until crisp, then flip and brown the other side.
6. The Finish and Serve
Remove the burritos from the oven or oil (let excess oil drain on a paper towel if frying). While still warm and tacky, roll each burrito directly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated. Serve immediately!
Tips and Tricks
- Preventing Leaks: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, or the juices might leak out when you roll them up or place them in the skillet.
- Tortilla Elasticity: If your flour tortillas are a bit stiff, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them pliable and easy to roll without tearing.
- Serve Warm: The contrast between the hot, gooey apple interior and the crispy cinnamon crust is the secret to this dessert’s appeal.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Burrito: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of thick caramel sauce over the apple filling before rolling the burrito.
- The Cheesy Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the center of the tortilla before adding the apples to create a rich, creamy fruit cheesecake texture.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a wonderful textural contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- À la Mode: Serve steaming, crispy apple burritos alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Drizzles: Top with whipped cream and a dusting of extra cinnamon.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (though the crunch will lessen over time).
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or an oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore the crispy texture of the tortilla.
Conclusion
These Apple Burritos are a wonderfully simple dessert that takes ordinary apples and turns them into a high-impact, satisfying treat.
Are you making these for a weeknight family dessert, or are you planning to serve them for a weekend gathering?