Move over, McDonald’s Apple Pie. One of the best fast food desserts is back and everyone is talking about it!
Taco Bell’s menu seems to be expanding by the day with new test items and limited-time releases. But what I love about this chain is that they listen to their fans (especially after so much begging, lol). This has led to the brand welcoming back fan-favorites. While it’s not unusual for Taco Bell to bring back classic hits, the return of one item sent a lot of fans into an excitement frenzy. It’s the Caramel Apple Empanada, getting ready for a nationwide release.
According to a reliable source, Taco Bell is set to (re)launch its Caramel Apple Empanadas, just in time to celebrate the end of fall season. This well-loved dessert will be available on the menu from December 3, 2024 to December 18, 2024. So, you only have 15 days to indulge in this sweet treat again, if you’re lucky enough to get it in your location. The catch is that the empanadas will only be available for Taco Bell’s loyalty program members and can be ordered via the Taco Bell app.
There’s still a lot of speculations about the menu item since it’s been a part of Taco Bell’s test items last August. The release date is also tentative and subject to change. Check back for the latest fast food news on this website, so you’ll know when the Caramel Apple Empanadas officially return.
Taco Bell’s “Nostalgic” Menu
Here’s another secret: the comeback of your favorite Taco Bell empanada also marks the return of other nostalgic treats from the restaurant. Yup! You’re going to get not just one, but five returning items. There’s no official word yet regarding the release of this full “nostalgic” menu but we’re keeping our hopes up. In August 2024, the brand shared that they tested the menu in select areas of Southern California. It features the chain’s most coveted items through the decades, starting as early as 1960.
Here’s a quick look at Taco Bell’s nostalgia-filled menu:
- Tostada: This item is as old as Taco Bell itself, made available in 1962. New and existing customers will love (and fall in love all again) with the savory refried beans and special red sauce with tangy notes. Its crispy corn tostada shell comes with other fresh ingredients like lettuce and cheese.
- Green Burrito: Coming from the 70s, this item is both savory and crunchy. A lot of its flavor come from the green sauce made with green chili, jalapeño peppers, and other spices. It’s the perfect treat to heat up your Taco Bell experience.
- Meximelt: The seasoned beef and pico de gallo layered with three-blend cheese made this item a classic hit in the 80s. Once it’s back, enjoy the burst of flavor and creaminess from the melty cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey jack cheeses.
- Beef Gordita Supreme: Now, this is an iconic menu item that 90s kids love. It’s known for its soft and warm flatbread filled with savory-sour stuff: seasoned beef, three-blend cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and reduced fat sour cream.
- Caramel Apple Empanada: Of course, the dessert that everyone loves offer a flavor flashback from the 2000s. It has that golden-brown, perfectly crispy exterior that looks as good as the filling inside. Fans keep coming back for the delicious blend of apple pieces and creamy caramel filling.
All these items will likely be available for the loyalty program members and via the Taco Bell app. So if you haven’t signed up yet, take this as your sign to do so. Besides exclusive access to iconic menu items, Taco Bell offers other exciting rewards.
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Taco Bell’s Discontinued Items We Miss the Most
Since we’re talking about fast food nostalgia, I’m reminded of other Taco Bell menu items that came and went. Their loss sent some of the fans grieving, others were reminded of how the chain has grown over the years. If it’s meant to be, these Mexican-inspired items will relive their glorious days as limited-time offers.
Volcano Taco
This item is literally so Y2K, having been launched in 2012 as part of the Volcano Menu. It came with a lava sauce made with red jalapeño peppers, spicy cheese blend, and spicy nacho cheese. No wonder when it briefly came back last year as part of Taco Bell’s collab with Paris Hilton, the celebrity said that the brand is the “epitome of hot.”
Loaded Grillers
Another hit from the 2000s were the Loaded Grillers, which came in three varieties. They featured popular appetizer flavors, including potato, beefy nacho, and buffalo chicken. Fresh, flavorful ingredients were wrapped in a tortilla and then grilled. The good news? Loaded Grillers aren’t totally gone. The not-so-good news? They’re available in Malaysia. If this seems too far away, US fans can hack their way to the Loaded Grillers by customizing the Black Bean Grilled Cheese Burrito via the app or website.
Enchirito
Enchirito was Taco Bell’s own take on enchilada. It featured a soft tortilla packed with seasoned beef, onions, and beans. The tortilla was also smothered in a delicious red sauce and then finished with shredded cheddar cheese on top. The item was described as a hybrid of enchilada and burrito, making it one of the most unique items on Taco Bell menu. The Enchirito was first introduced in 1970, discontinued in 2013, and made a short comeback in 2022.
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From The Club
There’s no argue that Taco Bell has come a long way. What makes this fast food chain even more amazing is that they never forget the menu items that made them a star. With the return of their most iconic hits throughout the decades, I can’t wait to go on a nostalgic flavor adventure! I’m a fan of the Caramel Apple Empanadas, so I’m definitely visiting once they’re officially back on the menu. Other diners recall how these sweet treats were always sold out when Taco Bell had them. I hope this gives you an idea of how good the empanadas are!
Special thanks to @snackbetch for the image and tip!