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Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

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Welcome the Flavors of Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe merges the cozy warmth of autumn spices with the fun, handheld joy of tacos. It’s the perfect little dessert to bring a splash of festive cheer to any family meal or casual get-together. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or looking to surprise your loved ones with something a tad unexpected, these tacos hit the spot. The crispy, golden rounds coated in cinnamon sugar cradle the creamy, fragrant pumpkin filling—and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top makes every bite feel like a holiday hug. What’s great is how quick and approachable this recipe is, so you can whip it up even on a weekday evening when time’s tight but flavor’s a must. Trust me, your family is going to ask for seconds!
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Daisy’s Top Tips

  • Flavor Builder: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup to the pumpkin filling for a deeper fall flavor.
  • Texture Magic: Use a fork to gently poke the tortillas—this prevents pesky air bubbles while baking, keeping them perfectly crisp.
  • Budget Friendly: Swap pecans for toasted walnuts or skip nuts entirely—this dessert still shines!
  • Time Saver: Use store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend instead of measuring spices separately for faster prep.

Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image
Choosing fresh ingredients really makes this Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe stand out. I always recommend picking canned pumpkin puree that’s smooth and free from additives—you want rich, pure pumpkin flavor. For the spices, a good pumpkin pie spice blend can save you time while keeping things aromatic and cozy. And when it comes to your tortillas, 8-inch flour tortillas work beautifully for shaping those crisp taco shells.
  • 6 8-inch Tortillas: Look for fresh, soft tortillas without holes for the best shells.
  • Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Regular white sugar works perfectly to sweeten and coat the shells.
  • Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Choose a fragrant Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon for a rich aroma.
  • Melted Butter (1/3 cup): Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
  • Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Room temperature is key—soft cream cheese blends seamlessly.
  • Powdered Sugar (¼ cup + 2 Tbsp): For that smooth, sweet pumpkin filling and whipped cream.
  • Pumpkin Puree (¾ cup): Fresh canned pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling with spices and sugar added.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): For lovely berry notes that brighten the filling and whipped cream.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice (1½ tsp): Adds the signature warm, spiced goodness.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream (½ cup): Chill it beforehand for fluffier whipped cream.
  • Chopped Pecans: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and depth.
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Smart Shopping Ideas

Pick tortillas from the refrigerated section for freshness and pliability—avoid any with cracks. When selecting canned pumpkin, double-check it’s pure pumpkin puree without added sugar or spices, so you control the sweetness and spice level perfectly. For pecans, buying them shelled and raw lets you toast them yourself, unlocking their nutty aroma. If pumpkin pie spice is scarce, blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself—the freshest spices make a huge difference!

Cook Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe Step by Step

Ready to dive in? The process is incredibly rewarding—watch those tortillas crisp up golden while you mix the smooth pumpkin filling. Here’s exactly how I make these festive tacos come to life.
  1. Preheat & Shape: Set your oven to 400°F. Use a 4–4.5 inch cookie cutter to cut 3-4 rounds from each of your 8-inch tortillas. This should give you a solid 20 taco shells to work with.
  2. Butter & Sugar Cozy: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon on a plate. Lightly prick each tortilla round 4-5 times with a fork—this little trick keeps bubbles at bay when baking. Then brush both sides with melted butter and press each piece gently into your cinnamon sugar mixture, coating well.
  3. Shape & Bake Shells: Here’s a neat hack: flip a muffin tin upside down, then nestle tortilla rounds between the cups. This shapes them into fun taco shells. Bake for 10 minutes until they turn that gorgeous golden crisp. Let them cool right in the pan to hold shape.
  4. Whip Up Cream: While the shells cool, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a mixer until firm, bubbly peaks form—light and fluffy perfection!
  5. Mix the Filling: In a big bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium-high until smooth and creamy. Slowly add pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix it till everything’s perfectly combined and fragrant.
  6. Assemble & Serve: Fill each crisp taco shell with the luscious pumpkin cream. Top generously with whipped cream, then sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon and chopped pecans for that final crunchy touch. Serve immediately and watch those smiles light up!

Serving the Dish with Flair

Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image
There’s something so joyful about presenting these Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe desserts at the table. I like to gather everyone close and let them marvel at the golden tacos piled high with creamy goodness. A sprinkle of nuts adds texture, and if you really want to impress, serve with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate. It’s a small gesture that makes dessert feel extra special.
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Serve It Up Right

  • Perfect Pairings: Warm apple cider or a rich cup of coffee complements these spicy-sweet tacos wonderfully.
  • Plating Magic: Arrange tacos standing on their edges in a rustic wooden board or colorful plate for eye-catching charm.
  • Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days—add whipped cream fresh when serving again.
  • Occasion Twist: Garnish with fresh cranberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for holiday celebrations.

Fun Variations with Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

  • Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting into the pumpkin filling for an extra tangy twist.
  • Use cinnamon tortillas for an amplified spice flavor in your taco shells.
  • Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce or spiced apple compote for a fruity surprise.
  • Skip the pecans and sprinkle crushed gingersnaps or toasted coconut flakes instead.
  • Mix a little espresso powder into the whipped cream for a mocha-inspired edge.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Refrigerating: Pumpkin filling can be made a day ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge for smooth prep later.
  • Freezing: Avoid freezing assembled tacos—the shells lose crispness. However, tortilla rounds can be pre-cut and frozen before baking.
  • Reheating: Gently rewarm baked taco shells in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to freshen crispness before assembling.

Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe FAQs

  • Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
    A: Flour tortillas hold up better to shaping and baking for this recipe. Corn tortillas might crack or crumble.
  • Q: How do I prevent soggy taco shells?
    A: Bake shells until golden crisp and allow cooling on the pan to set their shape. Assemble just before serving.
  • Q: Can I substitute the pumpkin pie spice?
    A: Definitely! Blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create a homemade pumpkin pie spice mix.
  • Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
    A: Swap cream cheese for vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream for whipped topping for a dairy-free version.
  • Q: How long do these last?
    A: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers stored in the fridge keep well for up to 2 days—whipped cream is best made fresh.
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Pumpkin Pie Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 150 reviews

These Pumpkin Pie Tacos are a delightful and festive dessert perfect for fall. Crispy cinnamon sugar-coated tortilla shells are filled with a creamy pumpkin pie-flavored filling and topped with homemade whipped cream and chopped pecans. They combine the flavors of traditional pumpkin pie with a fun taco twist, making them a unique and delicious treat for holiday gatherings or any autumn occasion.

  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 pumpkin pie tacos
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Taco Shells

  • 6 8-inch Tortillas (to make about 18-24 rounds)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup Butter, melted

Pumpkin Pie Filling

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree
  • 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Whipped Cream

  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Garnish

  • Chopped Pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Taco Shells: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Using a 4-4.5 inch cookie cutter, cut 3-4 rounds from each 8-inch tortilla to yield about 20 shells. This size will create perfect taco shells.
  2. Coat Tortillas: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together on a plate. Gently pierce each tortilla round 4-5 times with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
  3. Butter and Sugar Coat: Brush both sides of each tortilla round with melted butter. Then, dip or coat each side thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture to ensure a sweet and flavorful crust.
  4. Shape and Bake Shells: Flip a muffin tin upside down. Place the coated tortilla rounds between the muffin cups to form a taco shape. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the shells turn just golden brown. Let them cool in the pan to maintain their shape.
  5. Make Whipped Cream: While the shells cool, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat using a mixer until stiff peaks form, creating a rich and fluffy whipped cream topping.
  6. Prepare Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice, then mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the filling is smooth.
  7. Assemble Tacos: Once the taco shells are cooled, pipe or spoon the pumpkin pie filling evenly into each shell. Then, top each taco with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the filled tacos with additional cinnamon and chopped pecans for crunch and extra flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp shells and creamy filling at their best.

Notes

  • Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean tortilla rounds.
  • Pricking tortillas with a fork helps prevent air bubbles that can cause uneven baking.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth filling texture.
  • Serve immediately after assembly to keep shells crisp.
  • Can be made a few hours ahead; keep filling and shells separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

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