Crunchy Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe: A Sweet Autumn Twist

When autumn’s golden hues paint the landscape, these delightful pumpkin pie tacos emerge as a culinary twist that will spark joy at any gathering.

Blending traditional dessert flavors with unexpected taco innovation, this recipe brings a playful charm to classic fall favorites.

Warm spices dance through each crispy shell, creating a sensational blend of sweet and crunchy textures.

Silky pumpkin filling nestles perfectly inside a golden, crisp tortilla that crackles with every delectable bite.

Each taco tells a story of creativity and comfort, inviting you to savor a unique dessert experience.

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin creates a harmonious symphony of seasonal flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Pumpkin Pie Taco Ingredient Guide

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides creamy base with rich autumnal flavor, choose 100% pure pumpkin for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps balance pumpkin's earthy notes.
• Cinnamon: Delivers warm spice that enhances overall dessert profile, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.
• Nutmeg: Brings subtle warmth and complexity, whole nutmeg grated fresh offers superior taste.
• Ginger: Contributes zesty undertone, ground ginger works best for smooth incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds aromatic depth, pure extract recommended over imitation.
• Cream Cheese: Creates silky texture and tangy richness, room temperature ensures smooth blending.

• Flour Tortillas: Serves as crispy vessel, choose thin tortillas for optimal crunchiness.
• Melted Butter: Enables golden browning and adds rich flavor, unsalted butter preferred.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweet crispness, white sugar creates perfect caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Adds spicy-sweet coating to shells, ground cinnamon ensures even distribution.

• Whipped Cream: Offers light, airy sweetness, homemade whipped cream recommended.
• Pecans: Delivers crunchy texture and nutty flavor, toasted pecans enhance taste.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces luxurious sweetness, store-bought or homemade works perfectly.

Tools to Craft Crispy and Spiced Pumpkin Pie Tacos

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for blending pumpkin filling ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk or Spoon: For stirring and combining filling components.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper to create crispy taco shells.
• Pastry Brush: Used to evenly coat tortillas with melted butter.
• Small Bowl: For mixing cinnamon sugar coating.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure spices and sugar.
• Foil: Optional support to keep taco shells open while baking.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading filling and transferring tacos.

How to Build and Serve Pumpkin Pie Tacos

• Whip Up Pumpkin

Grab a bowl and mix pumpkin puree with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla until everything blends into a smooth sensation. Fold in softened cream cheese to create a luscious, creamy filling that’ll make taste buds dance. Tuck this mixture into the refrigerator to chill out while you craft your shells.

• Transform Tortillas into Crispy Vessels

Heat your oven to a toasty 375F. Brush tortillas with melted butter, then shower them with a sparkling mix of sugar and cinnamon. Gently fold each tortilla into a taco shape, propping them open with small foil balls if needed. Slide them into the oven and bake until they turn golden and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely, becoming crunchy canvases for your filling.

• Craft Your Dessert Masterpiece

Lovingly spoon the chilled pumpkin mixture into each crispy shell. Crown your creation with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. For an extra wow factor, sprinkle chopped pecans, drizzle caramel, or dust with a final whisper of cinnamon. Your pumpkin pie tacos are ready to steal the show!

Flavor Swaps for Fall-Inspired Pumpkin Pie Tacos

• Pat pumpkin puree dry with paper towels to prevent watery filling and ensure a rich, creamy consistency.
• Prepare pumpkin filling and taco shells a day ahead, storing them separately to maintain crispiness and freshness.
• Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp hearts to the filling for extra protein and omega-3 nutrients.

Serve These Dessert Tacos with Whipped Cream

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these delightful pumpkin pie tacos with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or creamy chai latte for a cozy morning treat that complements the dessert's rich flavors.
• Festive Dessert Presentation: Create an elegant dessert platter by arranging the tacos in a circular pattern, garnishing with additional pecans, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and strategically placed caramel drizzles to enhance visual appeal.
• Party Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these tacos at autumn gatherings or holiday parties as a unique dessert option that combines familiar pie flavors with a playful taco twist, guaranteed to surprise and delight guests with its creative presentation.
• Customization Station: Set up a DIY topping bar with various mix-ins like toasted marshmallows, chocolate chips, extra spices, and different nut varieties, allowing guests to personalize their pumpkin pie tacos according to their taste preferences.

Store Pie Tacos So the Shells Stay Crunchy

• Refrigerate filled pumpkin pie tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep whipped cream and toppings separate to maintain shell crispiness.
• Prepare pumpkin filling and cinnamon sugar shells separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store shells in a sealed container at room temperature and filling in the refrigerator.
• Freeze unfilled cinnamon sugar shells between parchment paper layers for future dessert adventures. Thaw at room temperature and crisp in the oven for 3-4 minutes before serving.
• Assemble tacos just before serving to prevent soggy shells. Keep components chilled and ready, allowing guests to build their own delightful dessert tacos with minimal prep time.

FAQs

• Are these pumpkin pie tacos a dessert or a main course?

These are definitely a dessert! They’re a sweet twist on traditional tacos, combining the flavors of pumpkin pie with a crispy cinnamon sugar shell.

• Can I make the pumpkin filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

• Is there a way to make these tacos gluten-free?

You can easily substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe celiac-friendly. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture of the pumpkin filling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 7

Crispy Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Seasonal Pumpkin Pie Tacos blend Mexican and American dessert traditions with crisp tortilla shells and creamy pumpkin filling. Delightful spices and sweet garnishes complete this unique cross-cultural culinary creation you will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 6 tortillas (small, flour)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) melted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (240 g/8.5 oz) canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (65 g/2.3 oz) brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• whipped cream
• ground cinnamon (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Filling: Whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract into a silky smooth blend. Fold in softened cream cheese to create a luxurious, creamy mixture. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
2. Prepare Taco Shells: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Brush flour tortillas generously with melted butter on both sides. Create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Coat each tortilla thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Shape and Bake Shells: Carefully fold buttered tortillas into classic taco shapes, using foil balls to maintain their curved structure if necessary. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Cool completely to ensure maximum crunchiness.
4. Assemble and Garnish: Once shells are cooled, fill each with the chilled pumpkin cream mixture, distributing evenly. Top with a billowing dollop of whipped cream. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel, or an extra dusting of warming cinnamon for an indulgent touch.

Notes

• Optimize Texture: Refrigerate pumpkin cream mixture for at least 30 minutes to develop richer, more intense flavors and create a firmer filling that holds shape better in taco shells.
• Prevent Soggy Shells: Cool taco shells completely before filling to maintain crispness and prevent moisture from softening the delicate tortilla structure.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy cream cheese with coconut cream for vegan version, or use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Presentation: Use a piping bag for precise, elegant filling distribution and create visually appealing swirls of pumpkin cream inside each taco shell.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg