Name: Delicious Pumpkin Pie Tacos: A Fun Fall Treat for All
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 53 min
Ingredients: 8 small Flour Tortillas (Can use gluten-free tortillas); 3 tbsp Butter (Can substitute with coconut oil); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Erythritol is a low-calorie alternative); 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon (No substitute recommended); 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (Homemade is preferred); 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (Can substitute with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves); 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Best not to skip); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Coconut sugar is a delicious alternative); 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can be used as a substitute); 4 oz Cream Cheese (Use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan); 1 cup Whipped Topping (Coconut whipped cream for non-dairy option)

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As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s a magical shift in our kitchens—it’s time for something warm and comforting! Enter Pumpkin Pie Tacos, a joyful twist on a classic fall dessert that’s bound to please everyone at your table. Imagine crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla shells wrapped around a creamy pumpkin filling, offering an irresistible flavor experience perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings. Not only are these tacos quick to prepare, making them a great alternative to traditional pies, but they’re also a fun, handheld dessert that impresses guests and family alike. Want to take it a step further? You can effortlessly transform this recipe into Pumpkin Cheesecake Tacos for an extra touch of indulgence. Curious about how to create these delightful treats? Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why Are Pumpkin Pie Tacos Unique?

Crispy Delight: The tortilla shells are baked to perfection, coated in cinnamon-sugar for that festive crunch.

Delectable Filling: A creamy pumpkin blend featuring cream cheese creates a smooth, rich taste that’s both nostalgic and extraordinary.

Versatile Options: Easily switch it up to Pumpkin Cheesecake Tacos for a delightful twist that adds creaminess.

Time-Saving Wonder: Quick to make, these tacos are a fresh alternative to traditional pies, ready to impress in no time!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, they offer a fun, handheld format that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Looking for more delicious dessert ideas? Don’t miss out on our Mississippi Mud Pie or our Chocolate Pecan Pie for the ultimate fall treats!

Pumpkin Pie Tacos Ingredients

• Prepare to create these delightful Pumpkin Pie Tacos with the following ingredients:

For the Taco Shells

Flour Tortillas – 8 small (4–6 inch) tortillas are the perfect structure for these tasty tacos; gluten-free tortillas work too.
Butter – 3 tbsp of melted butter brings flavor and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick; substitute with coconut oil for a vegan option.
Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup adds the essential sweetness for coating the shells; Erythritol is a handy low-calorie alternative.
Ground Cinnamon – 1 tbsp for that aromatic cinnamon-sugar blend; no substitute recommended as it’s the star of the show.

For the Pumpkin Filling

Pumpkin Puree – 1 cup is the heart of the filling, providing moisture and rich pumpkin flavor; opt for homemade for an extra fresh taste.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – 1 tsp to elevate the autumn essence; mix up nutmeg, ginger, and cloves as a substitute if needed.
Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp gives added warmth to the filling; it’s best not to skip this for authentic flavor.
Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup brings sweetness plus depth; coconut sugar can work as a delicious alternative.
Vanilla Extract – 1/2 tsp for a hint of depth; feel free to swap in almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Cream Cheese – 4 oz (softened) creates the creamy texture; use dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a vegan version.
Whipped Topping – 1 cup (or heavy cream, whipped) for a light and airy finish; coconut whipped cream makes a lovely non-dairy option.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting these delightful Pumpkin Pie Tacos that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, take your tortillas and brush each lightly with melted butter, ensuring they are coated evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the tortillas, coating both sides for that delightful cinnamon-sugar flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Shells
To create the pumpkin pie taco shells, carefully drape each coated tortilla over the bars of an oven rack or place them in a muffin tin to hold their shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, watching for them to crisp and turn a light golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly so they hold their taco shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the taco shells are cooling, prepare the irresistible pumpkin filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. This vibrant mixture will be the star of your Pumpkin Pie Tacos!

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Once your pumpkin filling is smooth, gently fold in the whipped topping until well incorporated. This step adds a wonderful lightness to the mixture, giving a luscious texture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the airy quality of the whipped topping while ensuring everything is blended nicely.

Step 5: Fill the Shells
After the taco shells have cooled completely, it’s time to fill them with your creamy pumpkin mixture. You can either spoon the filling directly into each taco shell or use a piping bag for a neater presentation. Aim to fill them generously, allowing some of the filling to slightly mound above the edges of the shells.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill
For the finishing touch, top each filled pumpkin taco with additional whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, or a drizzle of caramel, if desired. Place the tacos in the refrigerator for about 15–30 minutes to chill; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once chilled, they are ready to be served, offering a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie!

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What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Elevate your dessert experience with these delightful pairings that complement the warm, spiced love of Pumpkin Pie Tacos.

Cinnamon Apple Cider: A warm cup enhances the autumn flavors, creating a cozy drink that feels like a comforting hug.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and dreamy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds contrast to the chilly pumpkin filling, making for an indulgent treat.
Ginger Snap Cookies: Their spice echoes the pumpkin’s warmth, creating a delightful crunch that balances the soft taco texture perfectly.
Whipped Cream Topping: Add an extra dollop on top to bring lightness and creaminess, enhancing the overall indulgence of each bite.
Pecan Pie Bites: A fall favorite, these mini pies offer a contrasting nutty texture that brings an unexpected twist to your dessert table.
Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy, this drink complements the sweet pumpkin taste while adding a delightful warmth to your autumn evening.
Caramel Drizzle: A simple caramel sauce elevates each taco, enriching the flavors and adding a sweet finishing touch with every bite.
Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in a hot chai perfectly bridge the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon in your tacos, creating a harmonious pairing.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites: For a cohesive dessert experience, serve these alongside your tacos. They offer a smooth and rich counterpart to the crispy shells.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Fridge: Store any leftover filled Pumpkin Pie Tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy the freshness while it lasts!

Separate Storage: Keep taco shells and filling stored separately if possible to maintain the crispy texture of the shells.

Freezer: For best results, avoid freezing filled tacos as this compromises their delightful texture. You can freeze unfilled taco shells for up to 3 months.

Reheating: If refrigerated, gently reheat taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness before filling.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Crispy Perfection: Ensure your tortillas are fully dry before baking to achieve the crispiest taco shells; moisture can lead to sogginess.
Air Fryer Option: If you’re short on time, consider using an air fryer at 375°F for quick shell preparation; just remember to flip them halfway.
Chill for Flavor: Allow filled tacos to chill for at least 15-30 minutes; this process enhances the flavors of the pumpkin filling in the pumpkin pie tacos.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the filling before filling the shells to adjust sweetness as desired; everyone’s preference can vary, and you can easily add a bit more brown sugar if needed.
Substitutions Insight: When using substitutes like dairy-free cream cheese or coconut oil, always check the consistency to ensure the filling maintains its creamy texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Pie Tacos are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the taco shells up to 24 hours in advance. Just bake them according to the instructions, let them cool completely, and store them in a sealed container at room temperature to keep them crisp. As for the creamy filling, it can be made up to 3 days ahead—simply mix all the filling ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, fill the shells with the pumpkin mixture, garnish, and chill for about 15–30 minutes prior to enjoying. This way, you’ll have delightful, homemade desserts ready in no time while ensuring they remain just as delicious!

Pumpkin Pie Tacos Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these variations to make the recipe your very own delicious creation!

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Increase cream cheese to 6 oz and add 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt for an ultra-creamy filling. Your guests will love this indulgent twist!
Savory Option: Substitute the sweet pumpkin filling with a savory spiced pumpkin mix, adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor experience. This unexpected version is sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering.
Gluten-Free Shells: Swap regular flour tortillas for gluten-free or corn tortillas for those with dietary restrictions. Just remember, the texture and flavor will differ slightly, but still delicious!
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an added crunch. You can also use ground nuts in place of some of the flour for the shells for a nutty twist.
Extra Sweetness: If you like things a bit sweeter, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the filled tacos before serving. It’s an easy way to elevate the dessert and impress your guests!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your pumpkin filling for a delightful heat that counters the sweetness. This surprising flavor combo offers a new dimension to each bite.
Vegan-Friendly: For a fully plant-based version, replace heavy cream with coconut whipped cream and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. You can even try maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetener.

After trying these variations, don’t forget to check out our Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos or Steak Elote Tacos for more exciting taco ideas!

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Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select ripe pumpkins for puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkins for puree, look for smaller, sugar or pie pumpkins rather than larger carving pumpkins. They should feel heavy for their size and have a firm skin with a rich orange color. Avoid any with dark spots or soft areas, as these can indicate spoilage.

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Pie Tacos?
To keep your delicious Pumpkin Pie Tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend keeping the filling and the taco shells separate if possible, as this will help maintain the crispiness of the shells. Simply combine them again before serving!

Can you freeze the filling for Pumpkin Pie Tacos?
Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin filling! Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before filling the taco shells. However, I recommend not freezing filled tacos, as they lose their delightful texture.

What do I do if my taco shells turn out soggy?
If your taco shells end up soggy, it’s likely due to moisture. To prevent this, ensure the tortillas are fully dry before brushing them with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Additionally, try baking them a bit longer until they’re more golden. If you notice it during serving, pop them in the oven at 350°F for around 5 minutes to help restore some crispiness!

Are Pumpkin Pie Tacos safe for pets?
Very much so! While the pumpkin used in the filling is safe for pets in moderation, avoid giving your dog or cat the cinnamon-sugar shells, especially since sugar can be harmful. Always make sure to consult your vet if you’re considering introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
You can easily substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese if you are looking for a vegan option. Additionally, for a lower-calorie option, consider using Greek yogurt or a silken tofu blend, which will still provide creaminess while adding a nice twist to the flavor. Mix it well to ensure it combines smoothly with the other ingredients!

These FAQs will help clear up any questions you may have while crafting your delightful Pumpkin Pie Tacos!