Sweet & Crispy Caramel Apple Chimichangas Recipe – A Fall Favorite

Sweet caramel apple chimichangas reinvent ordinary dessert expectations with their crispy exterior and gooey inner magic.

Golden-brown tortillas wrapped around spiced fruit create an irresistible combination that bridges traditional Mexican cuisine and American comfort food.

Warm cinnamon and tender apples mingle inside a crunchy fried package, promising layers of complex flavors in every bite.

The delightful contrast between soft fruit filling and crackling pastry shell makes this treat a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Rich caramel drizzle adds a luxurious touch that elevates the entire dessert experience beyond simple fried pastry.

Homemade versions allow you to control ingredients and customize spice levels for maximum deliciousness.

Each chimichanga represents a perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and culinary creativity that will impress friends and family.

Items You Need for Caramel Apple Chimichangas

• Apples: Sweet and crisp variety perfect for baking, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Water: Helps create the sauce base for apple filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create thick filling.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the filling.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds slight tartness.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and richness to the filling.
• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that adds warmth to the mixture.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling sauce.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas work best for crispy texture.
• Caramel Sauce: Sweet sauce for adding extra flavor and moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying the chimichangas.

• Sugar: Creates sweet exterior coating.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the exterior of chimichangas.

Frying Instructions for Apple Chimichangas

Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling

• Wash apples thoroughly
• Peel apples carefully
• Chop apples into small cubes
• Gather ingredients
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg
• Cornstarch

In medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except apples. Stir mixture and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes until thickened. Add chopped apples and cook 10 minutes until apples soften. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.

Step 2: Craft Chimichanga Base

• Select soft tortillas
• Spread caramel sauce in tortilla center
• Spoon apple filling onto caramel
• Fold tortilla edges
• Roll tightly
• Secure with toothpick

Step 3: Crisp and Golden Frying

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place chimichangas in hot oil. Rotate gently until all sides turn golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Sweet Cinnamon Coating

Mix sugar and ground cinnamon in shallow bowl. Roll warm chimichangas in sweet mixture until completely covered. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for stunning finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious crispy treat!

Tips for a Crispy, Gooey Apple Dessert

• Select the Right Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity during cooking.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent 350°F oil temperature to ensure crispy, golden-brown chimichangas without absorbing excess grease or burning.
• Seal Tortillas Tightly: Fold and roll chimichangas carefully, using toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during frying and maintaining a neat, compact shape.
• Drain Excess Oil: Always place fried chimichangas on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the exterior crisp and preventing sogginess.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy these chimichangas warm for the best texture, with the crispy exterior and gooey caramel-apple filling at its peak deliciousness.

Reheating and Storage for Chimichanga Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store cooled caramel apple chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm chimichangas at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to maintain texture.
• Microwave Option: Reheat for 30-45 seconds, but note the texture might become slightly soft. Best consumed immediately after initial cooking for maximum crunch.

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Chimichangas

• Pair with Sweet Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, crispy chimichangas. The cold dessert melts perfectly against the hot, crunchy exterior, creating a delightful temperature and texture combination.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in chai tea beautifully echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple filling. Its creamy, rich profile balances the sweet and crispy nature of the chimichangas.
• Serve alongside Caramel Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade caramel whipped cream intensifies the caramel notes already present in the dish. The light, airy texture provides a luxurious finishing touch that enhances the dessert's decadence.
• Match with Apple Cider Cocktail: A spiked apple cider drink with bourbon or rum amplifies the apple and caramel flavors. The drink's warmth and fruity undertones create a harmonious pairing that celebrates the dessert's seasonal essence.

Different Fillings for Chimichangas

• Rustic Berry Blast: Swap apples with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Add a splash of orange zest to enhance the fruity flavor profile.
• Mexican Chocolate Crunch: Replace apple filling with chocolate ganache and sprinkle crushed almonds inside. Top with Mexican chocolate drizzle for extra richness.
• Tropical Paradise Roll: Use diced pineapple and mango instead of apples. Include shredded coconut in the filling and serve with a rum-infused caramel sauce.
• Pecan Praline Power: Incorporate chopped pecans into the apple mixture. Create a praline-style coating by mixing brown sugar and crushed pecans for rolling the chimichangas.

Caramel Apple Chimichangas for Dessert Cravings

• Burst of Sweet Symphony: These chimichangas deliver an incredible flavor explosion by perfectly combining caramel's rich sweetness with tender, spiced apple filling inside a crispy golden tortilla wrapper.
• Quick Comfort Creation: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute treat for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
• Textural Wonderland: Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy, fried exterior and the soft, cinnamon-infused apple filling, creating an irresistible sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Hack: This innovative twist on traditional apple pie brings excitement to classic flavors, offering a fun, handheld dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its playful presentation and familiar taste profile.

Caramel Apple Chimichangas Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican dessert magic comes alive with caramel apple chimichangas, crispy golden pockets filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Crunchy exterior and gooey interior make these treats irresistible for anyone craving a delightful twist on classic apple pie.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into cubes
• 4 small flour tortillas
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Filling and Spices:

• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar (for coating)
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)
• 1 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Sauce:

• 4–5 teaspoons caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the apple mixture by peeling and dicing fresh apples into uniform cubes, creating a consistent texture for the filling.
2. Craft a luxurious sauce base in a saucepan by whisking together water, sugar, salt, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cornstarch until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Cook the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring periodically, allowing it to transform and thicken into a glossy, rich consistency.
4. Gently fold the chopped apples into the thickened sauce, simmering until the fruit becomes tender and absorbs the aromatic flavors.
5. Remove the apple filling from heat and let it cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Lay out soft tortillas and spread a delicate layer of caramel sauce at the center of each wrap.
7. Carefully spoon the warm apple filling onto the caramel-coated tortillas, ensuring even distribution.
8. Expertly fold the tortilla edges inward, creating a tight, sealed packet that encases the sweet filling completely.
9. Secure each chimichanga with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
10. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, bringing it to the perfect temperature for frying.
11. Carefully introduce the chimichangas to the hot oil, rotating them to achieve an evenly golden, crispy exterior.
12. Transfer the fried treats to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.
13. Create a fragrant coating by mixing sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
14. While still warm, roll each chimichanga in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring a complete and even coverage.
15. Finish by drizzling additional caramel sauce over the top, creating an irresistible presentation that promises decadent flavor.

Notes

• Perfectly balance sweet and crispy textures with homemade apple filling and caramel sauce for a delightful dessert experience.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to match your taste preferences.
• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain structure and prevent soggy chimichangas during frying.
• Seal tortillas tightly with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking while creating a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Control oil temperature between 350-375°F for even browning and preventing greasy results.
• Serve immediately after coating with cinnamon sugar to enjoy maximum crispiness and warm, gooey apple filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 165 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg