Taste of Home, Getty Images
Taste of Home, Getty Images
Published on Nov. 26, 2024
Taco Bell brought back its Caramel Apple Empanada to complete the Decades Menu and ring in the holidays.
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Before we begin, know that my deep, abiding love for Taco Bell is one of the reasons I became a professional fast-food critic. I already reviewed most of the Decades Menu, and as cool as it was to see what the Bell tasted like before I was born, it was even cooler to be mentally transported back to simpler times via the powers of the Gordita Supreme.
The Y2K-era Caramel Apple Empanada was late to the party, though, and didn’t drop until November 21.
Though I was initially sad that Taco Bell made me wait to get my hands on the empanada, I now see it as a gift. For had it been available when I wrote my intial review, I might have been too emotionally overwhelmed to be coherent. I’ve spent my November coasting on Gordita-induced joy: watching Baywatch, living más and disassociating myself all the way back to the ’90s.
Here we now are, days before Thanksgiving, and the Caramel Apple Empanada has arrived to help my inner child rally through the holiday season. God bless us, everyone.
Caramel Apple Empanada Review
Allison Robicelli for Taste of Home
Honestly, I can’t believe Taco Bell took the Caramel Apple Empanada off the menu, and to tell you the truth, I’d kinda like them to explain that decision. We all deserve a world where these are readily available. They’re deep-fried, like a proper fast-food hand pie should be. (We’ll discuss my intense, nostalgic longing for the original apple pie on the McDonald’s menu of the past another day.) The dough has just the right thickness, so you get the best of both pie crust worlds: an exterior that’s an explosion of crispy flakes and an interior that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Inside, there’s a soft apple filling that’s heavy on the vanilla and, incredibly, not too sweet. Far too often, when caramel enters the equation, things can get too sugary, and other flavors get drowned out. Not in this empanada!
It’s important to note that much like a microwave burrito or Hot Pocket, the center of this deep-fried dessert will be served at roughly the same temperature as molten lava. If you’re eating tacos first, you won’t need to worry about this. But if you’re heading to Taco Bell specifically for Caramel Apple Empanadas, nibble off a corner and wait at least 30 seconds for some steam to escape. It’s impossible to get the full time travel experience if you’ve got a burnt tongue.
When is the Caramel Apple Empanada coming back?
The Caramel Apple Empanada is available right this second and should not be skipped. Maybe if enough of us take advantage of this limited time menu,