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These Apple Pie Tortilla Wraps with Brown Sugar Butter bring the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie into an easy, handheld treat. The soft tortillas cradle warm cinnamon-spiced apples, all finished with a glossy drizzle of brown sugar butter that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a quick breakfast, dessert, or snack, these wraps deliver a comforting sweetness without the fuss of pie crust or oven baking.
I first made these on a lazy Sunday morning and was hooked instantly. Now they’re my go-to whenever I crave apple pie flavors but want something fast and fuss-free.
Ingredients
- Apples: Fresh and crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape and give a nice tartness that balances the sweetness
- Brown Sugar: Adds rich molasses notes that deepen the flavor beyond plain sugar
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that evoke the comfort of apple pie filling
- Butter: Unsalted butter creates the luscious brown sugar glaze and helps crisp the tortilla edges
- Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas wrap up the filling snugly while toasting to golden perfection
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture so it isn’t runny and holds the filling inside the wraps
- Vanilla Extract: A splash rounds out and warms all the flavors with a subtle sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add peeled and thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it simmer gently for six to eight minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. This slow simmer builds the rich, spiced fruit filling.
- Thicken and Flavor:
- Whisk one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering apples. Keep stirring as the filling bubbles for one to two minutes until it thickens just enough. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, which brightens the spices and adds depth.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay tortillas flat and spoon a line of the apple filling down the center of each. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up slightly and then roll tightly into a wrap. If desired, you can secure with a toothpick to keep the shape while cooking.
- Brown Sugar Butter Glaze:
- In a small pan, melt more butter with several tablespoons of brown sugar over low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Drizzle this warm glaze generously over the rolled wraps to coat in a sweet, sticky finish.
- Toast to Finish:
- Reheat your skillet over medium heat and place each wrap seam-side down. Toast for a few minutes until golden brown and sealed. Flip once to get a little crispy color on all sides. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
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My favorite part has to be when the sweet apple filling oozes out just a bit when you bite into the crispy tortilla. Growing up, my family loved apple pie but baking always took forever so these wraps quickly became a fun shortcut favorite at holiday gatherings.
Storage Tips
Let the wraps cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess. Keep covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes to bring back the crisp edges and warm filling. Avoid microwaving since that tends to make the tortillas soft and chewy rather than nicely toasted.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a slightly different caramel flavor and less refined sweetness. Use vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free option and certified gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free. Canned apple pie filling can work in a pinch but homemade filling tastes fresher and has better texture control.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wraps warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to turn them into a decadent dessert. For breakfast, pair them with a hot coffee or chai latte to amplify those warm spice notes. You can also sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts or drizzle a little maple syrup for extra flair.
Pro Tips
- Toast your tortillas on medium heat so they brown evenly without burning too quickly. I learned the hard way that high heat can scorch the wraps before they fully crisp.
- Do not skip cornstarch to thicken the filling. Without it, the apple mixture will be too runny and make the wraps soggy.
- Make the brown sugar butter glaze low and slow so the sugar dissolves fully into a smooth sauce. Otherwise, you get a grainy texture not worth the effort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for a balanced tart and sweet flavor that holds well during cooking.
- → Can I bake the wraps instead of pan-toasting?
Yes, place wraps seam-side down on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- → Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
Wrap individually in plastic wrap, store in a freezer bag, and thaw before toasting to enjoy later.
- → How do I make a dairy-free version?
Substitute vegan butter and consider using coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a dairy-free alternative.
- → Can canned apple pie filling be used?
While convenient, homemade filling offers a fresher taste and better texture for these wraps.