As autumn leaves crunch underfoot and the scent of cinnamon warms the air, it’s the perfect time to switch up your dessert game with something truly delightful! Enter the Pumpkin Pie Tacos—an ingenious twist on the beloved classic that marries the comfort of pumpkin pie with the playful format of tacos. Not only are these easy to whip up, but their charming presentation makes them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving and Halloween gatherings. Picture a crispy, cinnamon-sugar shell cradling a smooth, spiced pumpkin cream filling, all crowned with fluffy whipped cream. This unique fusion promises to elevate your fall dessert table and satisfy every sweet tooth. Curious about how to create this festive treat? Let’s dive in! Why Will You Love Pumpkin Pie Tacos? Uniquely Fun: These Pumpkin Pie Tacos transform a beloved dessert into a playful hand-held treat that’s perfect for fall celebrations. Crowd-Pleaser: With their delightful combination of crunchy shells and creamy pumpkin filling, these tacos are sure to impress guests at any Thanksgiving or Halloween gathering. Easy to Make: The recipe is simple enough for home cooks at any skill level, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu. Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with variations—try sweet potato puree or flavored whipped cream for a unique touch! Perfectly Spiced: The bright flavors of pumpkin pie spice blend seamlessly with the rich cream cheese filling, creating an irresistible flavor burst. Quick Prep: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these tacos in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with family and friends. Once you try these, you might find yourself craving other festive desserts like Greek Honey Pie or classic pumpkin pie! Pumpkin Pie Tacos Ingredients • You won’t believe how simple these are! For the Taco Shells Flour Tortillas – These are the base for the taco shells; consider gluten-free tortillas for a delicious GF option! Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the taco shell; feel free to reduce for a less sweet dessert. Ground Cinnamon – Enhances flavor; fresh cinnamon yields the best taste. Butter – Binds the ingredients and enriches the flavor; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. For the Pumpkin Filling Cream Cheese – Essential for that creamy texture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens both the pumpkin filling and whipped cream; adjust to your taste preference. Canned Pumpkin Puree – The star ingredient for flavor and texture; make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not a pre-seasoned pie filling. Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the filling. Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses traditional fall flavors; both store-bought and homemade work wonderfully. For the Topping Heavy Whipping Cream – Forms the base for the fluffy whipped cream topping. Chopped Pecans – Optional garnish to add delightful crunch and flavor. These Pumpkin Pie Tacos are your new favorite dessert for fall gatherings—easy to make and filled with all the cozy flavors of the season! Enjoy crafting these treats and delighting everyone at your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pie Tacos Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring your taco shells become perfectly golden and crispy. While the oven is warming up, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a baking tin and a round cookie cutter for shaping your taco shells. Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas Using a round cookie cutter, cut out 3-4 rounds from each flour tortilla. Aim for about 20 rounds in total, which will be shaped into taco shells. This playful design transforms traditional tortillas, making them the perfect base for your delightful Pumpkin Pie Tacos. Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating On a flat plate, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This aromatic mixture will coat your tortillas, adding a delicious sweetness. Puncture each tortilla round with a fork to prevent air bubbles during baking, ensuring they cook evenly. Step 4: Coat the Tortilla Rounds Gently brush both sides of each tortilla round with melted butter. After coating, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully covered. This step is essential for achieving that irresistible sweet and spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin filling. Step 5: Shape the Taco Shells To create the taco shape, flip a muffin tin upside down. Carefully place each coated tortilla round between the cups, allowing them to bend into a taco shell form. This technique will yield perfectly shaped, crunchy shells that will cradle your delicious pumpkin filling. Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection Bake the tortilla rounds in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-baking. Once done, allow the shells to cool in the pan for a few minutes, helping them maintain their shape and crunch. Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Cream While the shells are cooling, prepare your whipped cream. In a medium bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This fluffy, light topping will beautifully contrast the rich pumpkin filling and add an airy texture to your Pumpkin Pie Tacos. Step 8: Mix the Pumpkin Filling In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture is smooth. Gradually blend in the canned pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to create a rich, creamy filling. The warm spices will evoke all the flavors of your favorite pumpkin pie. Step 9: Assemble the Tacos Once the taco shells have cooled, fill each one generously with the pumpkin cream mixture. Aim for a nice, heaping spoonful that showcases that beautiful spiced filling. Then, top each filled taco with a dollop of your freshly made whipped cream, making them look irresistible and festive. Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped cream topping. This delightful addition not only enhances the presentation of your Pumpkin Pie Tacos but also provides a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy filling. Step 11: Serve and Enjoy Serve your Pumpkin Pie Tacos immediately after assembling for the best experience. Their crispy shells and creamy pumpkin filling are best enjoyed fresh, allowing guests to relish in this unique fall dessert. These playful tacos are sure to be a hit at any gathering! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Pie Tacos Fridge: Store assembled Pumpkin Pie Tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best texture, it’s recommended to fill the taco shells just before serving to maintain crunch. Freezer: If you’ve made the filling in advance, it can be frozen for up to 1 month in a tightly sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. Shells Only: Baked taco shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To revive crispness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Reheating: To reheat filled tacos, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm through and ensure the shells don’t become soggy. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Pie Tacos fresh! What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Tacos These delightful treats are sure to inspire a full, festive feast that warms the soul and brings people together. Coffee Bliss: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly, balancing the sweetness of the tacos with its robust flavor and aromatic notes. Spiced Hot Cider: This comforting drink adds a seasonal twist, enhancing the spices in the pumpkin and creating a cozy drink option. Chilled Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm tacos, introducing a delightful contrast in temperatures. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy touch of cranberry sauce can cut through the richness, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy filling. Sweet Potato Mash: This lush side provides a natural sweetness and creamy texture, harmonizing beautifully with the flavors in the pumpkin filling. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Lean into the pumpkin theme with this trending beverage, creating a unified autumnal experience that delighted guests. Maple Pecan Pie: For dessert lovers, serving a slice of pecan pie alongside these tacos creates an indulgent finish that’s sure to impress. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds brightness and a wholesome element to the meal. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai echo the flavors of the tacos, making it a fragrant drink that enhances this delicious dessert. Whipped Cream Toppings: Serve additional flavored whipped cream on the side for dipping, allowing guests to customize their pumpkin pie taco experience. Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Pie Tacos are a fantastic option for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings stress-free! You can prepare the taco shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. Additionally, the pumpkin cream filling can be made up to 3 days ahead—just keep it refrigerated in a tightly sealed container to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to serve, fill the shells with the chilled pumpkin mixture, top with freshly whipped cream, and sprinkle with pecans for that irresistible finishing touch. Enjoy the convenience of having dessert ready without sacrificing that delicious, homemade taste! Pumpkin Pie Tacos Variations & Substitutions Explore delightful twists on this recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Sweet Potato Filling: Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree for a unique flavor profile that’s equally delicious. The earthiness of sweet potato adds a lovely touch to these tacos. Gluten-Free Tortillas: Use gluten-free tortillas in place of regular flour tortillas to create a gluten-free version of these tasty treats. Your guests won’t even notice the difference! Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing creaminess. This way, everyone can enjoy the dessert! Maple Whipped Cream: Stir in a splash of maple syrup to your whipped cream for a sweet twist that enhances the autumn flavor. It’s like having a hug in every bite! Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the sweetness with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream. This decadent addition creates an indulgent layer that’s hard to resist. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the pumpkin filling for an unexpected heat that beautifully contrasts with its sweetness. This creates a fun fusion of flavors! Nutty & Crunchy: Swap chopped pecans for candied walnuts or almonds for a delightful texture variation. Their sweetness and crunch will add an exciting spin to your tacos. These variations can make your Pumpkin Pie Tacos truly special! When you’re ready for more delectable ideas, you might also want to check out the comforting flavors of Greek Honey Pie or indulge in classic pumpkin pie for your gatherings. Enjoy your kitchen adventures! Helpful Tricks for Pumpkin Pie Tacos Cool Shells First: Allow the taco shells to cool thoroughly before filling. This ensures they stay crispy and prevents sogginess from the pumpkin cream. Puncture Wisely: Puncturing the tortillas with a fork before baking prevents air bubbles. This will help maintain their shape and texture during the baking process. Whip It Right: Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This gives your whipped cream the perfect aerated texture, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling. Shell Size Matters: Use a consistent round cookie cutter to ensure even-sized taco shells. Uniformity helps them bake at the same rate, resulting in perfectly crispy tacos. Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go, especially with the sugar in the filling and whipped cream. Customize the sweetness of your Pumpkin Pie Tacos to suit your family’s preference. Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Pumpkin Pie Tacos? Absolutely! For the best flavor, select high-quality canned pumpkin puree—look for pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices. When selecting spices, fresh ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice make a significant difference in taste. If you’re using fresh pumpkin, choose a medium-sized sugar pumpkin, which has the right flavor and sweetness. What’s the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Pie Tacos? Absolutely! Store assembled Pumpkin Pie Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, to keep the shells crispy, I suggest keeping the filling and taco shells separate until just before serving. Can I freeze the filling for Pumpkin Pie Tacos? Yes, indeed! You can freeze the pumpkin filling for up to one month. To do so, place the filling in an airtight container and ensure it is well-sealed. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before using it again. When ready to assemble, prepare your taco shells fresh for the best texture! What should I do if my taco shells are soggy after baking? Very! If your taco shells are soggy, it’s likely they were filled too early or not allowed to cool adequately. To remedy this, make sure to let the shells cool completely before adding the filling, and always store leftover filled tacos in the fridge but separate the shells from the filling. If already filled and soggy, you can crisp them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes. Are Pumpkin Pie Tacos suitable for people with allergies? Definitely! These tacos can be made allergy-friendly. To accommodate gluten intolerance, use gluten-free tortillas. For dairy-free options, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream for the whipped topping. Always check the ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. How long do baked taco shells last at room temperature? Great question! Baked taco shells can last at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3 days. If you want to enjoy them fresh, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to revive their crunch before serving. Delicious Pumpkin Pie Tacos: A Fun Fall Treat to Savor These Pumpkin Pie Tacos offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, making them a perfect treat for fall gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 8 tacosCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Taco Shells10 pieces Flour Tortillas Consider gluten-free tortillas for a delicious GF option.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Feel free to reduce for a less sweet dessert.1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Fresh cinnamon yields the best taste.1/4 cup Butter Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.For the Pumpkin Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Ensure it's softened for easy mixing.1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Adjust to your taste preference.1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not a pre-seasoned pie filling.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice Both store-bought and homemade work wonderfully.For the Topping1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Forms the base for the fluffy whipped cream topping.1/4 cup Chopped Pecans Optional garnish to add delightful crunch and flavor. Equipment ovenBaking tinRound cookie cutterMedium bowl Method PreparationPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather your ingredients and equipment.Using a round cookie cutter, cut out 3-4 rounds from each flour tortilla. Aim for 20 rounds in total.Mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.Brush both sides of each tortilla round with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.Place each coated tortilla round between the cups of an upside-down muffin tin to shape into taco shells.Bake the tortilla rounds for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool.In a bowl, beat together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Gradually blend in pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.Fill each taco shell with the pumpkin cream mixture and top with whipped cream.Sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped cream topping.Serve your Pumpkin Pie Tacos immediately for the best experience. Nutrition Serving: 1tacoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesAllow taco shells to cool thoroughly before filling. Puncturing tortillas with a fork helps prevent air bubbles while baking. Adjust sweetness according to preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
