Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Twist

Crisp autumn winds whisper promises of delectable pumpkin pie tacos that blend Mexican culinary traditions with seasonal comfort.

Warm spices dance across tender tortillas, creating a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors.

Unexpected combinations often spark magical kitchen moments that surprise and delight.

Soft pumpkin fills each taco with creamy richness, inviting you to experience a fresh twist on classic desserts.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their aromatic magic through every delectable bite.

Each ingredient tells a story of creativity and cultural inspiration.

The magic awaits—let’s transform your dinner table into a celebration of innovative cooking.

Tips for Shells and Pumpkin Filling

  • Customize Tortilla Texture: Choose soft flour tortillas for a pliable base, ensuring they crisp up beautifully without breaking when baked.
  • Prevent Soggy Shells: Let taco shells cool completely before adding pumpkin filling to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Adjust ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to personal taste, ensuring a harmonious and not overwhelming flavor profile.
  • Enhance Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free pumpkin filling.
  • Elevate Presentation: Garnish with additional toppings like toasted pecans, caramel drizzle, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-quality finish.

How to Store and Warm Up Pumpkin Pie Tacos

  • Store leftover pumpkin pie tacos in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Wrap individual tacos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain texture and flavor quality.
  • Warm crispy taco shells in a preheated oven at 350F for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy shells.
  • Add fresh whipped cream after reheating to prevent separation and maintain the dessert's original delightful presentation.

Dessert Ideas That Go with Pumpkin Pie Tacos

  • Pair these pumpkin pie tacos with a luscious late-harvest Riesling, whose sweet notes perfectly complement the warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling.
  • Brew a rich chai tea or pumpkin spice latte to echo the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that feels like a cozy autumn embrace.
  • Select a smooth butterscotch liqueur or bourbon to cut through the sweetness and add depth, highlighting the taco's complex flavor profile with a gentle warmth.
  • Garnish with toasted pecans or candied walnuts to provide a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy pumpkin filling and crispy cinnamon shell.

Unique Pumpkin Taco Variations Worth Trying

  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas or use gluten-free tortilla wraps to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Variation: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream. Use plant-based butter substitute and coconut whipped cream for dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce sugar content while maintaining sweet pumpkin flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use low-carb almond flour tortillas. Replace sugar with erythritol and add extra spices to enhance flavor without increasing carbohydrates.

Why Pumpkin Pie Tacos Are a Festive Dessert Must

  • Combine the warmth of pumpkin pie with the fun crunch of taco shells, creating a unique dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
  • Engage children in the kitchen with a playful dessert that lets them customize toppings and enjoy a twist on traditional pumpkin pie.
  • Impress guests with a dessert that looks gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills, making it ideal for casual gatherings and holiday parties.

Everything You Need for Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Taco Shells:
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft base for the sweet taco, best when fresh and pliable.
  • Butter: Helps create golden, crispy edges for the taco shells.
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Adds sweet and warm flavor coating to the shells.
Pumpkin Filling:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Rich, smooth base that provides classic autumn flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates creamy, tangy texture in the filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the mixture.
Spice Blend:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin's natural taste, classic pie flavor profile.
Toppings:
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds richness.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nut that provides texture contrast.
  • Caramel Sauce: Sweet drizzle that complements the pumpkin flavor.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavor profile.

How to Make Sweet and Spiced Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Pumpkin Goodness

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Vanilla extract

Blend ingredients until silky smooth. Fold in softened cream cheese to create a luscious filling. Stash the mixture in the refrigerator to keep it cool while preparing the shells.

Step 2: Transform Tortillas Into Crispy Shells

Fire up the oven to 375F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Brush tortillas with melted butter on both sides. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small dish. Coat each tortilla generously with the sweet-spice mixture. Gently fold tortillas into taco shapes, using small foil balls to keep them open if needed. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the shells turn golden and crisp. Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Craft Your Dessert Tacos

Once shells have cooled, generously fill each with the chilled pumpkin mixture. Crown your creation with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Add exciting toppings like:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Caramel sauce drizzle
  • Extra cinnamon sprinkle

Enjoy your delightful twist on a classic dessert!

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Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired “pumpkin pie tacos” blend autumn’s warmth with classic taco magic, creating a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Crisp tortillas, spiced pumpkin filling, and creamy toppings invite you to savor this unexpected culinary adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Taco Shells:

  • 6 small flour tortillas
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

Pumpkin Filling:

  • 1 cup (240 grams) canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Garnish and Serving:

  • Whipped cream
  • Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety pumpkin mixture by whisking together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth.
  2. Incorporate softened cream cheese into the pumpkin blend, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Refrigerate the filling to enhance its texture and flavor.
  3. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the taco shells.
  4. Transform ordinary flour tortillas into crisp, sweet shells by generously brushing both sides with melted butter.
  5. Create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating by thoroughly mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
  6. Dust each buttered tortilla completely with the aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  7. Gently fold the seasoned tortillas into classic taco shapes, using foil balls to maintain their elegant curved form if needed.
  8. Bake the delicate shells for 8-10 minutes until they achieve a golden, crisp texture. Allow them to cool completely for optimal crunchiness.
  9. Carefully fill the cooled shells with the chilled pumpkin cream mixture, distributing it evenly.
  10. Embellish each taco with a cloud of whipped cream, then garnish with chopped pecans, a luxurious caramel drizzle, or an extra sprinkle of warming cinnamon.

Notes

  • Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Toast pecans quickly in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor before sprinkling on top of the tacos.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensuring they’re carefully crisped to maintain the taco structure.
  • Experiment with warming spices like cardamom or allspice to elevate the pumpkin filling’s complexity and add unexpected depth to the dessert tacos.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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