If you’re craving a sweet and cozy snack that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’re going to absolutely love this Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe. It combines crisp, naturally sweet Arctic Apples® with the irresistible aroma of warm spices all snugly wrapped in golden, toasty tortillas. It’s a quick and simple treat that transforms a humble quesadilla into a delightful fall-inspired dessert or snack, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo with a cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a real punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role — from the juicy apple slices lending freshness to the brown sugar creating caramelized notes, and the pumpkin pie spice adding that quintessential warm spice blend.
- Arctic Apples® sliced apples: Naturally non-browning, sweet apple slices that keep this dish beautiful and fresh-looking.
- Large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable to hold the delicious apple filling and crisp nicely when cooked.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and helps create a caramelized surface on the tortillas.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings warmth and depth to the quesadillas.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet and Tortillas
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat to get it nice and warm. This ensures the tortillas cook evenly and get that golden, crispy texture we want. Lay out one large flour tortilla as your base on the skillet.
Step 2: Add the Sweet Spiced Layer
Sprinkle one teaspoon of brown sugar evenly on half of the tortilla, followed by half a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This sweet and aromatic layer is the heart of the Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe, creating that perfect balance between sweet and spice.
Step 3: Layer on the Arctic Apples®
Place about a quarter of the Arctic Apples® sliced apples over the sugary-spiced area. These apples bring crispness and a refreshing natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Step 4: Fold and Cook
Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until the tortilla is lightly browned and starting to crisp up. Carefully flip it over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the apples soften and the flavors meld together wonderfully.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Remove your gorgeous quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly so it sets and is easier to cut. Once cooled, slice it into wedges and savor the aroma and inviting colors of your warm apple treat. Repeat these steps with the remaining tortillas and ingredients to serve four happy tasters.
How to Serve Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch without overpowering the natural apple flavor. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream works magic and highlights the warm spices in the quesadilla beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience or enjoy with a cup of hot apple cider for a cozy afternoon snack. A small bowl of Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon is another refreshing side that balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family snack or party platter, arrange the quesadilla wedges on a large plate, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a scattering of chopped nuts for crunch. You can also turn this recipe into bite-sized quesadilla fingers for easier sharing and added charm at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe pieces are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy this treat again without compromising texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe since the texture of the apples and tortilla may become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy these quesadillas fresh or reheated from refrigerated leftovers.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your quesadilla again, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat. This revives the crispiness of the tortilla while warming the spiced apple filling without making it mushy like a microwave sometimes would.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Arctic Apples® are perfect because they don’t brown and have a sweet flavor, you can substitute with any firm, sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just slice them thinly for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses flour tortillas, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the tortillas for corn or gluten-free tortillas available at most grocery stores.
Can I add nuts or other toppings inside the quesadilla?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts layered with the apples add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just be mindful toasting the nuts slightly before adding enhances their richness.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Cooking the quesadilla on medium heat allows the tortilla to crisp up gradually without burning. Also, letting it cool briefly after cooking helps prevent sogginess caused by steam trapped inside.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe scales up beautifully. Just cook each quesadilla one at a time, and keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you prepare the rest.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s effortlessly delicious and so quick to make. The way the crisp apples marry with warm spices and crisp tortillas is pure comfort food magic. You really must try it the next time you crave something sweet but simple. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all season long.
PrintSpiced Apple Quesadillas Recipe
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Spiced Apple Quesadillas, a quick and easy snack or breakfast treat. Thinly sliced Arctic Apples are combined with brown sugar and aromatic pumpkin pie spice, all tucked inside a toasted flour tortilla. These quesadillas are cooked on the stovetop to a perfect golden brown, creating a sweet, soft filling balanced by a crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag Arctic Apples® sliced apples
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 4 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is hot before starting to cook the quesadillas for even browning.
- Prepare the first tortilla: Place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of brown sugar evenly over half of the tortilla, then dust with ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Add apple slices: Layer ¼ of the Arctic Apples sliced apples over the spiced side of the tortilla to evenly distribute the filling.
- Fold and cook: Fold the tortilla in half over the apple slices. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned and crispy.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and the second side to brown.
- Cool and slice: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet. Let it cool slightly before slicing to avoid the filling spilling out.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients: Repeat all steps with the remaining tortillas, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and apples to make four total quesadillas.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet for best results and to prevent sticking or burning.
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your taste preference, adding more for stronger spice flavor.
- Serve warm as a snack or breakfast with a side of yogurt or caramel sauce for dipping.
- You can substitute the flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free if desired.
- Ensure apples are sliced thinly and evenly to promote even softening and heating inside the quesadilla.
