Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe
If you are craving a fun and festive twist on a classic dessert, Pumpkin Pie Tacos are exactly what you need. These delightful treats combine the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin pie filling with the crispy, handheld convenience of a fried taco shell. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy taco that’s stuffed with velvety pumpkin spice filling and topped with fluffy whipped cream—it’s comfort food reimagined in the most playful and delicious way. Pumpkin Pie Tacos bring a festive flair to any fall gathering or a sweet surprise for weeknight indulgence that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pumpkin Pie Tacos lies in a handful of simple ingredients that come together to deliver layers of warmth, sweetness, and texture. Each element shines on its own but truly sings in harmony when combined, giving you a flavor-packed experience that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
- Pumpkin puree: The creamy base that provides that unmistakable autumn flavor and smooth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and natural sweetness, making the filling luscious and decadent.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice essential to any pumpkin pie.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty sweetness enhancing the pumpkin’s depth.
- Ground ginger: Offers a touch of zest that brightens the spice mix.
- Ground cloves: Imparts a deep, aromatic earthiness perfect for fall flavors.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the spices.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the filling with its sweet floral notes.
- Small flour tortillas: The crispy taco shell base that gets fried for that delightful crunch.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying the tortillas until golden and crispy.
- Whipped cream: The classic topping that cools and complements the spiced filling perfectly.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling
Start by whisking together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until you get a smooth, well-blended filling. This mixture captures all the iconic pumpkin pie flavors with a creamy texture that will be irresistible.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a non-stick skillet and warm it over medium heat. The oil needs to be hot enough to fry the tortillas to a crispy, golden perfection, so keep an eye on it without letting it smoke.
Step 3: Shape the Taco Shells
To give the tortillas their taco shell shape, bend each tortilla in half and rest it on the edge of a baking sheet or use a taco shell mold. This step is crucial to ensuring that the tortillas hold their form once fried and don’t just lie flat.
Step 4: Fry the Tortillas
Carefully place one tortilla at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become crispy enough to hold the filling without bending or breaking. Use a spatula to gently flip the tortillas and keep their shape intact during the frying process.
Step 5: Drain the Shells
Once fried, remove the taco shells from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents greasiness, setting the perfect stage for the pumpkin filling.
Step 6: Fill and Serve
Allow the shells to cool enough to handle, then spoon in the spiced pumpkin filling generously. Finish each Pumpkin Pie Taco with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast that is utterly dreamy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Tacos
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Pumpkin Pie Tacos with a dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans to add a toasty crunch and extra spice flair. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the sweetness and make the tacos look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These tacos are wonderfully versatile and pair well with warm apple cider or a cup of cocoa for a cozy snack. If serving as part of a dessert menu, consider a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Pumpkin Pie Tacos standing upright in a taco holder or nestle them in a bed of shredded coconut or crushed graham crackers to resemble classic pie crust crumbs. Adding mini sparklers on top can turn these into a festive party showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the pumpkin filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the fried taco shells separately in a dry container to maintain their crispiness; however, they are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While the pumpkin filling freezes well, the fried taco shells do not hold up after freezing. Freeze only the filling in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover filling, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Re-fry or bake the tortillas at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp them up again before assembling your tacos.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie filling instead of making it from scratch?
You can, but homemade filling allows you to adjust the spices and sweetness to your personal taste, giving you a fresher and more customized flavor for your Pumpkin Pie Tacos.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Small flour tortillas are ideal because they crisp up nicely when fried, hold their shape well, and don’t overpower the delicate pumpkin filling.
Can I bake the taco shells instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Brush the tortillas lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until crispy and golden, about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How spicy is the filling?
The spices are warm and aromatic but mild in heat, making Pumpkin Pie Tacos perfectly comforting without being overpowering.
Are Pumpkin Pie Tacos suitable for a holiday dessert?
Absolutely! They are a festive, fun way to serve pumpkin pie flavors with a twist that guests will love at Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together the best of pumpkin pie and crispy tacos, these Pumpkin Pie Tacos offer a playful and delicious new way to celebrate the flavors of fall. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to try them and add your own creative touches to this unique seasonal treat!
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Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Pie Tacos combine the rich, spiced flavors of classic pumpkin pie with the fun, handheld experience of tacos. Crispy fried flour tortillas are filled with a creamy pumpkin filling made from pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and warm spices, then topped with whipped cream for a delightful fall-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Taco Shells
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat until it reaches frying temperature.
- Shape the Tortillas: While the oil is heating, create the taco shell shape by using a taco shell mold or folding each tortilla in half over the edge of a baking sheet to hold its shape during frying.
- Fry the Tortillas: Carefully place one tortilla at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until the tortillas become golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried taco shells from the oil using a spatula and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Fill the Tacos: Once the fried taco shells have cooled enough to handle, spoon the prepared pumpkin filling into each shell.
- Add Whipped Cream: Top each pumpkin pie taco with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a creamy, sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- Use small tortillas to create perfect taco-sized shells that are easy to handle.
- Be careful when frying the tortillas; ensure oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning.
- For a more robust pumpkin flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground allspice.
- The taco shells can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Try serving with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pumpkin pie tacos, pumpkin tacos, fall desserts, pumpkin recipes, fried tacos, holiday dessert, pumpkin spice
