Name: Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 2 large flour tortillas (gluten-free if desired); 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter; Optional: a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans; Optional: powdered sugar or extra maple syrup for serving

Warm, crispy, and filled with cozy autumn flavors, these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas are the perfect sweet start to my morning. With tender sautéed apples, a swirl of creamy nut butter, and just a touch of maple syrup, they bring together comfort and ease in every bite. Whether I’m craving a quick weekday breakfast or something indulgent for a weekend brunch, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and easy this breakfast comes together—20 minutes from start to finish. The combination of warm spiced apples and nut butter wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla is comforting and satisfying without being too heavy. It’s also customizable, so I can adjust the sweetness or add a crunch with nuts. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free with the right tortillas. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy apples, especially during the cooler months.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 large flour tortillas (gluten-free if desired)

2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter

Optional: a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans

Optional: powdered sugar or extra maple syrup for serving

Directions

I start by melting the butter or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.

I add the sliced apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon. Then I let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and lightly caramelized.

I drizzle the maple syrup over the apples, stir well, and then take the skillet off the heat.

I spread 1 tablespoon of nut butter onto each tortilla.

Next I spoon the warm apple mixture over one half of each tortilla, adding chopped nuts if I’m using them.

I fold the tortillas in half to create quesadillas.

Using the same skillet, I toast each quesadilla over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp.

I slice them into wedges and serve warm, sometimes with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use pear slices instead of apples for a different fruity twist.

To make it nut-free, I swap the almond or peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.

For added protein, I add a layer of Greek yogurt before folding the tortilla.

A sprinkle of granola inside adds extra crunch.

I’ve even made this with chocolate hazelnut spread for a more dessert-style version.

Storage/Reheating

These quesadillas are best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them back in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again—about 2–3 minutes per side. I avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

Related Recipes:

Quick Quesadillas

FAQs

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

I just use certified gluten-free flour tortillas. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

I like to prep the apple filling the night before and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, I just assemble and toast the quesadillas for a quick breakfast.

What type of apples works best?

I usually go for firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.

Can I make this in a toaster oven?

Yes, I’ve toasted the filled quesadillas in a toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes. I flip them halfway for even crispiness.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The warm apples and sweet flavor make it a hit with kids, and I can skip the nuts or use milder nut butters to suit their taste.

Conclusion

These apple cinnamon breakfast quesadillas are everything I want in a quick morning meal: cozy, simple, and full of flavor. I love how easy they are to customize and how they bring a touch of indulgence to my breakfast routine. Whether I’m serving them to family or treating myself on a slow morning, they always hit the spot.

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