1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for ensuring the enchiladas bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Generously butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add a touch of flavor to the finished dish.
2. Warm the Tortillas
If you’re using store-bought tortillas, warm them slightly to make them more pliable. You can do this by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds, or by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Warm tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to tear.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out each tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of apple pie filling off-center on each tortilla. If you’re using homemade apple pie filling, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature for easier handling. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon over the apple filling. This adds an extra layer of aromatic spice and complements the apples beautifully.
Carefully roll up each tortilla, making sure the filling stays securely inside. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them close together to ensure they cook uniformly and absorb the sauce evenly.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. Continue stirring to ensure the sugar completely dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Pour the hot sugar sauce evenly over the enchiladas. For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little more ground cinnamon on top. The sauce will soak into the tortillas as they bake, creating a sweet and gooey layer that enhances the apple filling.
5. Allow to Soak and Bake
Let the enchiladas sit for 45 minutes. This soaking period allows the tortillas to absorb the sauce and flavors, ensuring a richer and more integrated taste.
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them to turn golden brown and slightly crispy on top. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness by looking for a golden color and a bubbly, caramelized sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, and they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce.
These Apple Pie Enchiladas make an excellent dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Their unique presentation and irresistible flavor are sure to impress and satisfy any crowd.
