Save My neighbor showed up on a Tuesday afternoon with a bag of apples from her orchard and said, "Make something fun," which is basically an invitation to experiment in my kitchen. I'd been craving apple pie but didn't have the patience for pastry, so I grabbed a stack of flour tortillas from the pantry and wondered out loud if that would work. Twenty minutes later, I had these golden, cinnamon-sugared roll-ups cooling on the counter, and she was already reaching for seconds before they'd even set.
My kids bit into one of these at a potluck last summer and asked if I'd made them from scratch, which felt like the highest compliment even though the whole thing came together faster than they could set the table. What sold me on keeping this recipe around wasn't the speed though—it was watching people's faces when they realized how good something so simple could taste.
Ingredients
- Medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced (2): Granny Smith keeps its shape and adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness—pick based on what you're craving that day.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): This goes in the apple filling to balance acidity and help the juices turn syrupy.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The soul of the filling, so don't skip it or substitute with pumpkin pie spice.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): A whisper of warmth that makes people ask what you did differently.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp for filling, plus 2 tbsp melted for brushing): Butter carries flavor better than oil and helps build that golden crust.
- Medium flour tortillas (6): Room-temperature tortillas are easier to roll without cracking—don't grab them straight from the cold.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon): Mixed together for the coating, this is where the crispy sweetness happens.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prep the pan:
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this stops sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cook the apple filling:
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally for about 4–5 minutes until the apples soften and the juices turn thick and syrupy—you'll smell that spiced aroma filling the kitchen. Let it cool for a minute or two so it's not scorching hot when you roll.
- Fill and roll the tortillas:
- Lay each tortilla on a flat surface and spoon the apple mixture along one edge, leaving a little room on the sides. Roll tightly from the filled edge, keeping tension so it doesn't unroll, then place seam-side down on your baking sheet.
- Brush and coat:
- Brush the top of each roll-up with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over everything—don't hold back here, it's what creates the crispy exterior.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the tortillas turn a deep golden brown and feel crisp when you tap them. They'll continue crisping slightly as they cool.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving warm, with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel if you're feeling indulgent.
Save There was a moment when my partner came home from work, bit into one straight from the cooling rack, and said nothing for a long moment—just kept eating. That's when I knew this recipe had earned its place in regular rotation.
Why Tortillas Beat Pie Crust
Traditional apple pie requires rolling dough, fitting it into a pan, and managing a potentially soggy bottom crust. With tortillas, you're skipping all that stress and getting a crispy exterior without the fuss. The flour tortilla crisps up beautifully in the oven and gives you that satisfying crunch that makes the whole thing feel special, even though you're halfway done cooking dinner by the time you start baking.
Apple Variations Worth Trying
While Granny Smith apples are reliable, I've experimented with mixing in Honeycrisp for sweetness or swapping in pears and peaches entirely. Pears give you a more delicate flavor and less juice, while peaches bring summer nostalgia—each changes the character of the roll-up without changing the technique.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is a canvas for your kitchen creativity. Once you master the basic roll, try adding texture and depth with the variations below.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling for crunch that lasts through the bite.
- Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a subtle nuttiness if you want something a bit heartier.
- Drizzle with caramel or serve with whipped cream to make it feel more like dessert and less like an easy weeknight snack.
Save Apple pie roll-ups taught me that you don't need complexity to impress people—sometimes a shortcut that tastes this good is worth celebrating. Make these whenever you need dessert to happen without drama.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches work well when diced and spiced similarly, providing a delightful twist on the original flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crispy texture on the roll-ups?
Brush the tortillas with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking to ensure a golden, crisp crust.
- → Are there options for adding crunch inside the roll-ups?
Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed with the apple filling to add a pleasant, crunchy contrast.
- → Can I substitute the flour tortillas for a healthier alternative?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used to increase fiber content while maintaining softness and pliability.
- → What are some suggested serving ideas for these roll-ups?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.