Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas: A Quick & Cozy Morning Treat

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Start your day with the warm, comforting flavors of our Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a golden, crispy delight that tastes like a portable apple pie. Forget boring toast and cereal; this is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying breakfast that the whole family will love. In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a sweet, cheesy, and unforgettable meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Imagine sweet, tender apples sautéed with cinnamon and brown sugar, layered with creamy, tangy cream cheese, all melted together inside a perfectly pan-fried tortilla. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. This is the kind of breakfast that creates happy memories.

An appetizing view inside a sliced apple cinnamon tortilla, showing the warm, gooey apple and cream cheese filling.
The perfect combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and creamy cheese.

Why This is the Best Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe


You’re going to fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why. It’s the ultimate solution for a delicious and speedy morning meal.

  • Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have these quesadillas on the table in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for hectic mornings.
  • Kid-Friendly: The sweet apple pie-like filling is a guaranteed hit with children and picky eaters.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different fruits, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste. Check out our variations section for ideas!
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a spectacular breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

  • Butter: We’ll use unsalted butter to sauté the apples, adding a rich flavor.
  • Apples: Two medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small. Use a firm, crisp variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for the best texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-rich sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices are essential for that classic apple pie flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: A small squeeze prevents the apples from browning and brightens the overall flavor.

For the Quesadillas:

  • Flour Tortillas: Four 8-inch flour tortillas are the perfect size for this recipe.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese provides a creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the apples.
  • Optional Butter: A little extra butter for pan-frying the quesadillas to get them perfectly golden and crispy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas. It’s as easy as cook, assemble, and fry!

1. Cook the Apple Filling

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened into a glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.

A close-up shot of a stack of golden-fried sweet breakfast quesadillas, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Look at that perfectly golden and crispy tortilla, ready to be devoured.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay the four tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese over the entire surface of each tortilla. Spoon the apple cinnamon filling evenly over one half of each tortilla.

3. Fold and Pan-Fry

Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the apple-filled side to create a half-moon shape. You can lightly press down to seal it. Melt a small amount of butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place one or two quesadillas in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it.

4. Cook Until Golden

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown, crispy, and the filling is warmed through. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the quesadillas from the pan and let them cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately. They are fantastic on their own, or with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for Success

To ensure your quesadillas are perfect every time, keep these simple tips in mind.

  • Dice Apples Small: Cutting the apples into small, uniform pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
  • Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack the quesadillas, but overfilling will cause the ingredients to spill out during cooking.
  • Medium Heat is Key: Cooking on medium heat ensures the tortilla gets crispy without burning before the cheesy filling is perfectly melted.
  • Watch for a Golden Crust: The visual cue for a perfect quesadilla is a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the tortilla. This is where the flavor is! For a different kind of savory and cheesy delight, try these amazing Cheeseburger Rollups.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is a star, these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch things up.

  • Add Salted Caramel: Drizzle a tablespoon of salted caramel sauce over the apple filling before folding for a truly decadent treat.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.
  • Cheese Please: For a savory-sweet twist, add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese along with the cream cheese. If you love cheesy breakfast ideas, our Sausage and Cheese Sheet Pan Pancakes are a must-try.
  • Other Fruits: This recipe works wonderfully with firm pears or even peaches in the summer.

Serving Suggestions

These quesadillas are a complete breakfast on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other items. Serve them with a side of Greek yogurt for a protein boost, a fresh fruit salad, or a glass of milk. For a more indulgent brunch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delicious dessert-for-breakfast moment. If you’re planning a bigger brunch, a savory dish like a Crack Chicken Penne casserole can be a crowd-pleasing addition.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Have leftovers? No problem! Store cooled quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the tortillas soft and soggy.

Firm, crisp apples are best because they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy. We recommend Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, or Granny Smith for a tarter flavor.


Yes, you can prepare the apple cinnamon filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, we recommend assembling and cooking the quesadillas right before you plan to serve them.


The key is to not use a wet filling and to cook them on a hot, buttered skillet. Our apple filling thickens into a glaze, which prevents sogginess. Also, avoid reheating them in the microwave; use a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.


They can be part of a balanced diet. They contain fruit and dairy. For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the amount of brown sugar, and use a light cream cheese.


They are delicious on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a side of Greek yogurt for added protein, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.


The Perfect Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Awaits

There you have it—a simple, delicious, and cozy recipe for Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas that is sure to become a new favorite. It’s the perfect way to bring a little warmth and sweetness to your morning routine. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite breakfast board on Pinterest!

A stack of freshly made Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas, sliced and revealing the warm apple filling, ready to be shared.
The best way to start your day: warm, gooey, and delicious Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas!

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas

A close-up shot of a stack of golden-fried sweet breakfast quesadillas, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
FL Recipes

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas: A Quick & Cozy Morning Treat

Start your day with warm Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas! This quick 15-minute recipe features tender apples, cinnamon, and creamy cheese in a crispy tortilla. It's the perfect easy, kid-friendly breakfast for any day of the week.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter plus more for frying
  • 2 medium Apples peeled, cored, and diced small (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar packed
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 4 8-inch Flour Tortillas
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese softened

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Skillet
  • 1 Large non-stick skillet or griddle
  • 1 Spatula

Method
 

  1. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes more, until apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
  2. Lay tortillas flat. Spread softened cream cheese over each tortilla. Spoon the apple filling over one half of each tortilla.
  3. Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filling. Melt a small amount of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place one or two quesadillas in the pan.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
  5. Let cool for a minute before slicing into wedges and serving immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalProtein: 7gFat: 18gFiber: 4g

Notes

Best Apples to Use: Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, or Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape well when cooked.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the apple filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for the best crispy texture.
Keyword apple cinnamon breakfast,easy breakfast idea,sweet quesadilla

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