For many of us, the last several years have been quite the ride. Fast-food enthusiasts had their collective sadness in the summer of 2019 when Taco Bell discontinued their famous dessert, the Caramel Apple Empanada, while the globe struggled with a pandemic.
Fans were left with a gap in their hearts (and taste buds) by this crunchy pastry covered in cinnamon and sugar and filled with soft apples and caramel.
In a thrilling development, Taco Bell has now declared that the Caramel Apple Empanada will triumphantly return briefly as part of their Decades Menu.
For those eagerly anticipating its resuscitation, this return is a nostalgic delight. Let’s examine what makes this dessert recognizable and why its return excites fans.
Taco Bell’s Decades Menu: A Trip Through Time
Taco Bell’s Decades Menu honors the chain’s lengthy history by returning one classic dish from each of its 10 years of operation. Fans have been enjoying nostalgic treats that showcase Taco Bell’s development throughout the years since last month.
Favorite Returns by Fans in Every Decade
- 1960s: The traditional tostada, which consists of cheese, beans, lettuce, and a crispy shell.
- 1970s: The Green Burrito stuffed with tomatillo salsa and tart green chile.
- 1980s: The cheesy and savory soft taco hybrid known as the meaty Meximelt.
- 1990s: The Supreme Beef Gordita, known for its fluffy, soft pita shell.
- 2000s: The menu is now completed in the tastiest way imaginable with the Caramel Apple Empanada from the early 2000s.
What Makes the Caramel Apple Empanada Unique
After its debut in the early 2000s, the Caramel Apple Empanada swiftly gained popularity. Its warm soft apples and rich caramel interior was encased in a crispy fried shell dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Among Taco Bell’s mostly savory menu, the dessert’s harmony of sweet and salty tastes made it an immediate favorite. Although Taco Bell’s empanada was frequently compared to McDonald’s apple pie, many fans thought it was better.
Despite its popularity, the Caramel Apple Empanada was discontinued in 2019, and Cinnabon Delights replaced it as Taco Bell’s main dessert. Over the years, Reddit discussions and petitions calling on the chain to revive the empanada showed how deeply the loss was lamented.
What Caused It to End?
There was no shortage of affection behind the removal of the Caramel Apple Empanada. Instead, a logistical issue could have decided its demise.
A former Taco Bell employee said on Reddit that the empanada’s three to six-minute frying time resulted in drive-thru delays and made it less practical to produce at busy times.
The desire for its return never diminished, even though supporters knew the operating difficulties. Taco Bell finally paid attention to the nostalgic sentiments on social media and added the empanada to its Decades Menu.
The Fans Are Excited
Taco Bell fans are naturally excited at the announcement of the Caramel Apple Empanada’s comeback. Reddit users are discussing whether they will savor the dessert as a long-awaited treat or bulk up on it for Thanksgiving.
“They ought to have kept the apple empanadas on the menu because they were delicious and, in my opinion, a little better than McDonald’s apple pies.”
The empanada’s sentimental allure is invaluable for fans who want to relive the wonderful experiences, even though it no longer costs $1 as it did in the beginning.
The Temporary Catch
Keep in mind that the Caramel Apple Empanada is only available for a short time before you head to Taco Bell. If you’re craving it, act fast to savor this delicious delicacy while supplies last. Like many menu items with sentimental value, it may go once more, leaving admirers to wait for a resuscitation.
Conclusion
More than just a dessert reintroduction, Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanada celebrates memories and reminds us of the happiness that comes from eating. If you haven’t yet, this is the perfect moment to enjoy every bite of its crispy crust and warm, gooey interior.
Don’t pass up this limited-time promotion, whether tasting it for the first time or revisiting old memories. Before it disappears again, visit the closest Taco Bell and savor the richness of the Caramel Apple Empanada.
FAQs
When will the Caramel Apple Empanada be available again?
Taco Bell’s Decades Menu will include the Caramel Apple Empanada, which will go on sale on November 21, 2024.
What is the duration of availability for the Caramel Apple Empanada?
It’s advisable to take advantage of this limited-time promotion immediately. Taco Bell has not disclosed a precise termination date.
What led to the discontinuation of the Caramel Apple Empanada?
The empanada was discontinued in 2019 due to its lengthy cooking time, which caused delays in drive-thru operations.
Does every Taco Bell restaurant serve an empanada?
The majority of establishments participating in the Decades Menu are anticipated to serve the Caramel Apple Empanada. Contact your neighborhood Taco Bell for confirmation of availability.
What is the price of the Caramel Apple Empanada?
The cost of a 4-pack of empanadas is $2.49 however local costs may differ.
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