Crispy, buttery tortillas stuffed with warm, gooey apple-pie filling.
Servings: 4 quesadillas (8 wedges)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, Soy-Free
INGREDIENTS (CHECKLIST STYLE)
- Flour tortillas
- Apple pie filling
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: ground nutmeg, caramel sauce for serving
INSTRUCTIONS (QUICK RECIPE CARD)
- Butter one side of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle the buttered side lightly with cinnamon and sugar.
- Spread apple pie filling on half of each tortilla; drizzle with a touch of vanilla.
- Fold tortillas closed.
- Pan-fry in butter over medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Cool slightly, slice into wedges, and serve warm.
- Optional: drizzle with caramel or dust with extra cinnamon sugar.
NOTES
- Best made with soft flour tortillas (6โ8 inches).
- Use high-quality apple pie filling for best flavor.
- These naturally contain dairy (butter) and gluten (tortillas); substitutions listed below.
INTRODUCTION
This recipe-first format gives you everything up top so you can cook right away. Apple Pie Quesadillas are the easiest shortcut dessertโcrispy on the outside and filled with warm, gooey cinnamon-apple filling. They taste like handheld apple pie slices and come together in minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or quick entertaining.
And yes, confession: I ate an entire batch while โtestingโ this recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING GUIDE
1. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Tortillas
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and sugar.
Tip: Use about 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 tablespoon sugar per tortilla.
2. Add the Filling
Spoon apple pie filling over one half of each tortilla. Spread to the edges so each bite is even.
Tip: If the filling looks too thick or dry, warm it for 10โ15 seconds in the microwave.
3. Fold and Seal
Fold tortillas in half. Press lightly so the filling spreads but doesnโt spill out.
If edges wonโt stick, brush them with a tiny bit of melted butter.
4. Pan-Fry
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Cook each quesadilla 2โ3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
If the tortillas brown too quickly, lower the heat.
5. Slice and Serve
Let cool 1 minute before cutting into wedges.
Tip: Use a pizza cutter for clean slices.
INGREDIENT DETAILS & SUBSTITUTIONS
Apple Pie Filling
Why it works: Pre-cooked apples guarantee a soft, pie-like center.
Substitutions:
- Use homemade apple pie filling.
- Substitute peach, cherry, or berry pie filling.
- For a healthier version, use sautรฉed apples with maple syrup.
Tortillas
Use soft flour tortillas for foldability.
Substitutions:
- Gluten-free tortillas
- Whole-wheat tortillas
- Low-carb tortillas (may crisp faster)
Butter
Provides crisp edges and golden color.
Substitutions:
- Coconut oil
- Plant-based butter
- Neutral oil (canola, vegetable)
Cinnamon & Sugar
Classic apple-pie flavors.
Variations:
- Add nutmeg or allspice
- Replace sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar
RECIPE VARIATIONS & SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Flavor Variations
- Caramel Apple: Add 1 tablespoon caramel sauce inside each quesadilla.
- Maple Cinnamon: Replace sugar with 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
- Apple Cheesecake: Add 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese inside.
- Crumble Style: Add 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers inside.
Dietary Variations
- Vegan: Use vegan butter + vegan tortillas + dairy-free caramel.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free tortillas.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with caramel dip, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or warm custard.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Pairings
- Hot apple cider
- Black tea
- Chai latte
- Vanilla cold brew
STORAGE & MAKE-AHEAD INFORMATION
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Skillet: 2โ3 minutes each side
- Air fryer: 350ยฐF for 3โ4 minutes
- Microwave: Will soften tortilla (not recommended unless in a rush)
Freezing
Freeze assembled quesadillas (uncooked) between parchment sheets. Cook from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes per side.
Make Ahead
Prepare quesadillas 24 hours ahead and cook when ready to serve.
Shelf Life Notes
Crispiness fades after day 2โreheat in a pan or air fryer to restore texture.
NUTRITION (ESTIMATED PER WEDGE)
Calories: 140
Carbs: 21 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 400ยฐF for 8โ10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Can I use corn tortillas?
A: They tend to crack; flour tortillas work best.
Q: How do I prevent leaking?
A: Donโt overfill and press edges slightly with butter before cooking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutelyโjust cook in batches.
Q: Are they good cold?
A: Theyโre best warm. Reheat in a skillet for crispness.
OPTIONAL PERSONAL STORY
This recipe was born out of a late-night craving for something warm and sweet when I didnโt want to bake a full pie. I had tortillas, I had apple pie filling, and the first test instantly became an obsession. Over time I tested versions with caramel, spices, and different tortillas until the perfect crispy-soft balance was achieved. Now itโs my go-to five-minute dessert.
CALL TO ACTION
Try these Apple Pie Quesadillas and let me know how yours turned out. Drop a comment, share your version, or ask questionsโIโd love to help you personalize it. If you enjoy quick desserts like this, I can create more variations for you.