The Ultimate Dessert Quesadilla: A Sweet and Simple Treat for Any Time!
Welcome to a world where comfort food meets sweet indulgence – the Dessert Quesadilla! If you’re looking for a delightful and easy recipe that can double as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a unique dessert, you’ve come to the right place. Tortillas are incredibly versatile in any kitchen, serving as the foundation for everything from savory wraps and hearty burritos to classic tacos and enchiladas. Now, get ready to add a new, irresistible item to that list: the Dessert Quesadilla. This delicious combination is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, bringing smiles with every sweet bite!
Why Dessert Quesadillas Are a Must-Try
There’s an undeniable joy that comes from biting into a warm, lightly toasted tortilla generously filled with melted chocolate, creamy bananas, and juicy strawberries. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that truly elevates the humble tortilla to a whole new level. When I first discovered the concept of a Dessert Quesadilla, especially with the use of exceptionally soft tortillas like Mission Foods Super Soft Tortillas (which I absolutely adore for their pliability and perfect texture), it was a game-changer. These sweet quesadillas have quickly become a staple in my home, offering a delightful twist on traditional sweet treats.
Beyond being incredibly delicious, what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and ease. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute craving, a special weekend breakfast, or even a fun, wholesome snack for the kids after a long day at school. Imagine the smiles when they discover this sweet surprise! It’s a simple pleasure that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS DESSERT QUESADILLA?
Creating a delicious Dessert Quesadilla is all about selecting the right balance of sweet and creamy fillings, encased in a perfectly toasted tortilla shell. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
TORTILLAS: The foundation of your quesadilla! Tortillas not only serve as a sturdy wrapper for all the delicious fillings but also crisp up beautifully when cooked, adding a delightful textural contrast. While any good quality flour tortilla will work, opt for “super soft” varieties if possible. Their flexibility makes them easy to fill, fold, and ensures they won’t crack during preparation or eating. You can use standard flour tortillas, whole wheat tortillas for a slightly healthier option, or even gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary needs.
FRUIT: This recipe specifically highlights the classic combination of sweet strawberries and creamy bananas, which provide a wonderful natural sweetness and softness. However, the beauty of a dessert quesadilla lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, thinly sliced apples (perhaps sautéed slightly with cinnamon), peaches, or even mango for a tropical twist. Just ensure the fruit is sliced thinly enough to allow for even heating and melting of other ingredients.
CHOCOLATE: Arguably the star of any dessert, chocolate is what ties all the flavors together. I prefer using chocolate chips because their small size ensures they melt evenly and create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the quesadilla. You can choose from various types: semi-sweet for a balanced flavor, milk chocolate for extra sweetness, or dark chocolate for a richer, slightly less sweet profile. Dark chocolate also offers a bit of a healthier twist due to its antioxidants. Alternatively, a chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella works wonderfully for an even creamier texture.
PEANUT BUTTER: Beyond adding a delicious nutty flavor, peanut butter contributes a fantastic creamy texture and a boost of protein, making this dessert feel more substantial and satisfying. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or have allergies, there are plenty of excellent substitutes. Almond butter or cashew butter offer similar creamy textures and nutritional benefits. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a great choice. Or, for a truly indulgent experience, use a chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella) or even a sweetened cream cheese for a tangy contrast.
When I find myself craving something sweet, I always try to incorporate some fruit to balance out the richness. This Dessert Quesadilla does exactly that, offering a delightful medley of flavors and textures. With every bite, you get the perfect fusion of luscious chocolate, creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and fresh strawberry all at once. It’s truly a heavenly experience that satisfies your sweet tooth while still feeling somewhat wholesome.
One common frustration with tortillas is when they are stiff, difficult to roll or fold, and prone to cracking. Or perhaps you’ve experienced the annoyance of trying to eat a wrap, only for all the fillings to spill out because the tortilla is too rigid to manage. This is precisely why opting for soft, pliable tortillas is crucial for a successful dessert quesadilla. They make the entire process smooth and enjoyable, from filling to the very last bite, ensuring all those delicious ingredients stay perfectly encased.
HOW DO I MAKE A DESSERT QUESADILLA? A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a Dessert Quesadilla is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Follow these easy steps to create your own sweet masterpiece:
- Prepare Your Tortillas: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Grab two flour tortillas. Lightly rub one side of each tortilla with a little olive oil. This step is key for achieving that lovely golden crispness.
- Assemble the Base: Place one of your prepared tortillas on a cutting board or a clean, flat surface, with the olive oil side facing down. Keep the other tortilla nearby, ready to be the top layer.
- Spread the Creamy Layer: Generously spread peanut butter (or your chosen alternative like almond butter, cashew butter, or Nutella) evenly across the surface of the bottom tortilla. This layer acts as a delicious glue for your fruit and chocolate.
- Add the Bananas: Slice your banana into thin, even rounds. Arrange these slices neatly over the peanut butter layer.
- Layer the Strawberries: Thinly slice your fresh strawberries and carefully place them over the banana slices. The vibrant red adds both color and a burst of tart-sweet flavor.
- Sprinkle with Chocolate: Generously sprinkle your chocolate chips over the strawberries. These will melt into a gooey, delightful surprise once heated.
- Close the Quesadilla: Carefully place the second tortilla on top of all the fillings, with its olive oil-rubbed side facing upwards. Gently press down to secure the layers.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer your assembled quesadilla onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup!). Sprinkle half of your cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top. Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 15 minutes. At the 7-minute mark, carefully flip the quesadilla, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and sugar, and return it to the oven to finish baking. This ensures both sides get beautifully golden and crispy, and the chocolate inside is perfectly melted.
- Alternative Cooking Method (Skillet): If you prefer, you can also cook your dessert quesadilla in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the filling is melted. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven (or skillet), let the quesadilla cool for just a minute or two – the filling will be hot! Then, slice it into wedges, like a pizza, and serve immediately. Voila! A warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying sweet treat is ready to be devoured.
Tips for the Best Dessert Quesadilla
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, too much filling can make the quesadilla hard to close and prone to spilling. Aim for a generous but manageable amount.
- Slice Fruit Thinly: Thinly sliced fruit heats more evenly and integrates better with the melted chocolate and peanut butter.
- Monitor Baking/Cooking: Whether in the oven or on a skillet, keep an eye on your quesadilla to prevent the tortillas from burning. The goal is golden brown and crispy, not charred!
- Customize to Your Liking: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to swap out fruits, nut butters, or even add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or mini marshmallows for different flavor profiles.
- Serve Warm: Dessert quesadillas are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is gooey and the fruit is slightly softened.
Dessert Quesadilla Variations and Serving Suggestions
This chocolate, banana, and strawberry quesadilla is just the beginning! The possibilities for sweet quesadillas are endless. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Apple Pie Delight: Fill with thinly sliced apples (tossed in cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar), a drizzle of caramel, and a few white chocolate chips.
- Berry Bliss: Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone spread.
- Tropical Treat: Combine diced mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut for an exotic flavor.
- S’mores Fiesta: Layer with mini marshmallows, milk chocolate, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs before cooking.
- Nutella Hazelnut: Swap peanut butter for Nutella and add chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch.
Serve your dessert quesadillas warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making them ideal for any time of day!
Storage and Reheating
While best enjoyed fresh, leftover dessert quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster oven or a dry skillet over medium-low heat to crisp up the tortilla again. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain any crispness, as it tends to make tortillas soft and chewy.
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Dessert Quesadilla
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Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas, I recommend using soft flour tortillas (spread olive oil lightly on one side of each tortilla)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet, milk, or dark
- 1 banana, sliced into thin rounds
- 3-5 strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, smooth (or other nut/seed butter, or Nutella)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided into 1 teaspoon portions
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided into 1 teaspoon portions
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, for rubbing tortillas (divided for each tortilla)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
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Lightly rub one side of each flour tortilla with olive oil. Place one tortilla on a clean cutting board or work surface with the olive oil side down. Set the other tortilla aside for later.
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Spread the peanut butter evenly over the tortilla. Then, arrange the banana slices over the peanut butter, followed by the sliced strawberries. Finally, sprinkle the chocolate chips generously over the fruit.
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Place the second tortilla on top of the filled tortilla, ensuring the olive oil side faces upwards. Gently press down to seal the quesadilla. Sprinkle half of the combined cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top tortilla.
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Carefully transfer the quesadilla onto a baking sheet (lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup). Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. Flip the quesadilla, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture over the other side, and bake for an additional 8 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and the tortilla is golden and slightly crispy. (Total bake time: 15 minutes).
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for just a minute or two before slicing into wedges.
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Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Dessert Quesadilla!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.