Save This caramel apple dessert wrap recipe transforms ordinary tortillas into a spectacular fall treat that rivals any fancy pastry. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in golden tortillas create a dessert that's both comforting and impressive, perfect for those crisp autumn evenings when you're craving something sweet.
I first created these wraps during apple picking season when I had bushels of fruit but zero patience for pie making. My family now requests these "apple pie pockets" more than traditional desserts, especially on weeknight gatherings when we want something special without hours of preparation.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples: perfect for their firmness and tartness that holds up during baking and balances the sweet caramel
- Unsalted butter: creates a rich base for the apple filling while allowing you to control salt content
- Brown sugar: adds depth with its molasses undertones that plain sugar simply cannot match
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: provide that quintessential fall warmth that makes this dessert so comforting
- Flour tortillas: serve as an ingenious shortcut pastry that crisps beautifully in the oven
- Caramel sauce: ties everything together with its buttery sweetness look for thick quality sauce that won't become too runny when heated
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly but not brown. Add your diced apples and watch as they begin to release their juices. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, stirring gently to coat every piece. The mixture will gradually transform from dry and chunky to glossy and tender over about 8 minutes. Add the lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
- Create the cinnamon sugar coating:
- While your apple filling cools slightly, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create that irresistible sparkly, sweet exterior that makes these wraps look and taste professional. Make sure to mix thoroughly so the cinnamon distributes evenly throughout the sugar.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Lay each tortilla flat on your work surface and spread exactly 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce in the center, creating about a 3inch circle. Spoon a generous portion of the cooled apple filling on top of the caramel, being careful not to overfill which would cause bursting during baking. Fold the sides in first, then roll from bottom to top, tucking the edges as you go to create a secure package.
- Finish and bake:
- Brush each assembled wrap with melted butter using gentle strokes to ensure even coverage without tearing the tortilla. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each wrap, turning to coat all sides. Place them seam side down on your parchment lined baking sheet, giving each wrap at least an inch of space. Bake until they turn golden brown and develop a slight crispness around the edges.
Save I discovered that adding a tiny pinch of salt to the apple filling was a game changer for this recipe. My grandmother always added salt to her apple desserts, insisting it enhanced the natural sweetness of the fruit. The first time I made these for my children, they declared them better than the apple turnovers from our local bakery which might be the highest compliment a home cook can receive.
Make Ahead Options
These caramel apple wraps are perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the apple filling up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply warm it slightly in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easier to work with. The assembled but unbaked wraps can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add about 2 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. I often prepare these in the morning when expecting evening guests, which allows me to focus on dinner while knowing dessert is ready to pop in the oven.
Creative Variations
While the classic apple version is always a crowd pleaser, this versatile recipe welcomes adaptation. Try adding a handful of fresh cranberries to the apple mixture during fall for a tart surprise inside. For a more decadent version, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped dark chocolate inside each wrap before adding the apple filling the melted chocolate creates a divine combination with the caramel and fruit. During summer months, substitute fresh peaches for apples and add a sprinkle of ground ginger to the spice mix. The beauty of these wraps is their adaptability to whatever fruits are in season or whatever flavors your family prefers.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel apple wraps truly shine when served warm with complementary accompaniments. For an elegant presentation, place a warm wrap on a dessert plate, drizzle with additional caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern, and add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The contrast between the warm, crispy wrap and cold, creamy ice cream creates a sensational dessert experience. For brunch gatherings, serve these alongside a dollop of mascarpone cheese whipped with a touch of maple syrup. During holiday seasons, create a dessert board with these wraps cut in half diagonally, alongside bowls of different dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, vanilla custard, and extra caramel.
Storage and Reheating
These wraps maintain their deliciousness even after the initial serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, avoid the microwave which will make the tortillas soggy. Instead, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. The filling stays remarkably well preserved, though the exterior will never be quite as crisp as fresh from the first baking. For longer storage, these wraps freeze beautifully. Wrap each cooled wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Save These wraps are a delightful end to any meal and are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of fall in every delicious bite.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use other fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears work well in place of apples for a different flavor. Choose firm, sweet varieties for best texture.
- → How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
Allow the apple filling to cool slightly and avoid overfilling. Bake until tortillas are crisp and golden.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate the wraps (unbaked), then bake when ready to serve. Best eaten fresh for crispness.
- → What tortillas work best?
Use medium (8-inch) flour tortillas for easy rolling and a soft texture that crisps nicely during baking.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Try using plant-based butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce to adapt for dairy sensitivities.
- → How should leftover wraps be stored?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat for a warm treat.