Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas Recipe
Is this a good idea? I swear, the first time I made these Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas, my family went absolutely bonkers. What is it like to vacation south of the border? Instead of being baked, it’s lightly fried to golden brown. Think apple crisp meets cinnamon roll. If you love warm spices, sweet apples, and a little bit of crunch, this is about to be your new favorite. What is your new favorite dessert? Is it easier to make an apple pie? Just as satisfying, if not more so!
What is chimichanga?
What is a chimichanga? In this case, we’re turning that idea on its head and making a sweet version! Think of it as a hand-held apple pie, all snug inside tastiest tortilla. What is essentially spiced apples wrapped in a soft tortilla and then lightly fried until golden brown. Brown and perfectly crunchy. What is cinnamon sugar coating? Is it comforting, it’s indulgent, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, especially if you’re like me? I just crave a little sweet without the fuss of baking.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I absolutely adore this Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas recipe. What I love most is the unbelievable flavor combination! The warmth of the cinnamon perfectly complements the tartness of the apples, and that little bit of fried crunch? Oh, it’s just heavenly.
But beyond the taste, it’s also ridiculously simple to make. This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is actually super straightforward, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. Seriously, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have a ton of time.
Plus, it’s seriously cost-effective. Apples are usually pretty inexpensive, and tortillas are a staple in most pantries. The other ingredients are things you probably already have on hand – cinnamon, sugar, a little butter. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank!
And finally, it’s versatile! You can serve these Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even just on their own. They’re perfect for dessert, a sweet snack, or even a fun twist on brunch. Honestly, I’ve been known to eat them for breakfast with my coffee! If you love apple pie or fried desserts like churros, trust me, this recipe is going to be a winner in your book.
How do I make chimichangas?
Quick Overview
How do you make Apple Chimichangas? How do I cook diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a little butter? They’re soft and caramelized. If you’re going to fry tortillas, you can spoon the apple mixture into them. Then, roll them up tightly, and fry them in a little oil. Is it possible to fry a potato with butter until golden brown and crispy? What’s the best part about rolling them in cinnamon sugar? Is it possible to do anything in 30 minutes? Is it faster than ordering takeout?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Filling:
Apples:I like Granny Smith apples because they have a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the apples. Is honeycrisp a good substitute for Fuji apples? Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Butter:Unsalted butter adds richness and helps apples caramelize. If you only have salted butter on hand, just omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar:I love brown sugar because it adds a warm, molasses-like flavor. Can you use granulated sugar in a pinch?
Cinnamon:Why is ground cinnamon essential for apple cinnamon flavor? Is it okay to add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice?
Lemon Juice:How can lemon juice help to prevent apples from browning and add a touch of brightness to apples? From the filling.
For the Chimichangas:
Flour TortillI recommend using burrito-sized flour tortillas. They’re large enough to hold a generous amount of filling without tearing. Make sure they’re fresh and pliable so they roll up easily.
Butter:What is the best way to fry chimichangas? I use vegetable oil but I find butter is richer.
Cinnamon sugar:A simple mixture of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. What gives chimichangas their unique flavor?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
First, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to a bowl. Mix well. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape a little bit. What is the first step in developing that amazing cinnamon flavor?
Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay a flour tortilla flat on clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the apple filling into the center of a tortilla. Be careful not to overfill it, or it will be difficult to roll up. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, and then roll it up tightly, starting from the bottom. What is the best way to roll a burrito?
Step 3: Fry the Chimichangas
What is the best way to melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? If you’re grilling chimichangas, place them seam-side down in a skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy. On all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. If you have a large skillet, you might need to work in batches. Make sure the skillet isn’t too hot, or the tortillas will burn before the filling is heated.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the chimichangas are still warm, roll them in cinnamon sugar until they’re evenly coated. What gives them that perfect sweet and spicy finish? I like to put cinnamon sugar in a shallow dish for easy coating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas immediately. They’re best when warm and crispy. Can you serve them plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream? Dollop of whipped cream. What are some good reasons to enjoy
What should I serve it with?
What are some good chimichangas? What are What are some good ways to serve them?
For Breakfast:Serve with chai latte or hot coffee for a cozy morning treat. How do you add Greek yogurt to a salad?
For Brunch:Arrange the chimichangas on a platter with fresh berries, whipped cream, and side of scrambled eggs. Eggs for a sweet and savory brunch spread. What is the best brunch drink? A mimosa or a bellini?
As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or sprinkle of toasted almonds. What are some good chopped nuts for a dessert? A glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea would be an ideal pairing.
For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good snack to serve with hot chocolate or milk? A blanket and a good movie are optional but highly recommended!
In my family, we always serve these with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is the perfect accompaniment to the chimichangas? And sometimes, if we’re feeling extra indulgent, I’ll drizzle them with caramel sauce and sprinkle them on top. Can you serve them with chopped pecans?
What are some tips for perfecting apple cinnamon Chimichangas?
How do I make sure my Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas turn out perfectly every time? What are the top tips for a successful career?
Apple Choice:I love Granny Smith apples for their tartness, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and have a nice crisp texture. Fuji apple are also good options. Just make sure to choose apples that are firm and not too soft.
Don’t overfillIs it tempting to stuff tortillas with as much filling as possible? If you overfill tortillas, they’re more likely to tear during rolling. What is the perfect amount of filling per tortilla?
Roll Them Tight: What areHow do you roll tortillas tightly to prevent them from unraveling during frying? Make sure to fold in the sides of the tortilla before rolling it up from the bottom. What is the best way to seal in the filling and keep everything nice and snug?
Don’t burn them: WhatKeep a close eye on the chimichangas while they’re frying. How do you get them to go from golden brown to burnt quickly? How do I cook a chicken breast without burning? I usually start with medium heat and then lower it if they’re browning too quickly.
Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: I like to use a ratio of 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar coating. But feel free to adjust the ratio to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter coating, add more sugar. If you prefer a spicier coating, add more cinnamon.
Serving Temperature: These chimichangas are best served warm, right after they’re fried. The tortillas are crispy, the filling is gooey, and the cinnamon sugar coating is perfectly melted. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can fry them and then reheat them in the oven or in a skillet before serving.
One thing I learned the hard way is to not use old tortillas. They tend to crack and break apart when you roll them, which is a total disaster. Always make sure your tortillas are fresh and pliable for the best results!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Place the chimichangas in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will lose some of their crispness in the refrigerator, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the chimichangas, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the chimichangas, I recommend waiting to coat them with cinnamon sugar until just before serving. This will help to prevent the sugar from getting soggy.
To reheat the chimichangas, you can either microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. For the best results, reheat them in a skillet with a little bit of butter until they’re crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I just can’t say enough good things about this Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas recipe. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or a fun twist on brunch, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The warm spices, the sweet apples, and that crispy tortilla – it’s just the perfect combination of flavors and textures. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to create your own signature version. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Caramel Apple Empanadas or my Apple Crisp Bars. Both are delicious and easy to make! Happy cooking, everyone! I can’t wait to hear how your Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
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Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 4 flour tortillas large
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup oil for frying
- 0.25 cup whipped cream for garnish
- 0.25 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Divide the apple mixture among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly, folding in the sides to enclose the filling.
- In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chimichangas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
