Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Introduction
Hello there, friends! I’m so excited to chat about a sweet treat that has made quite a splash in my kitchen lately: strawberry cheesecake tacos. If you’re like me, the word “taco” instantly sparks visions of savory goodness stuffed into a soft shell. But today, we’re taking that same hand-held concept and giving it a sugary spin. Believe me, it’s every bit as heavenly as it sounds.
I first whipped these up on a Saturday afternoon, when my kids were begging for dessert tacos. They were craving something crunchy, sweet, and packed with creamy goodness. I thought, “Why not take two classic favorites—tacos and cheesecake—and mash them up?” Let me tell you, it was an instant family hit. My oldest even gave me that wide-eyed, mouth-full-of-dessert grin that says, “Mom, you rock!” And you know what? That was enough to make me want to share this special recipe with you all.
What Are Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos?
Strawberry cheesecake tacos are basically a cream cheese dessert that borrows the structure of a taco. We fill a crispy cinnamon sugar shell with a no-bake cheesecake mixture, then top it off with luscious strawberry sauce. Think of it as combining two all-time favorites—cheesecake and tacos—into one deliciously portable creation. They might sound a little wacky, but trust me, once you sink your teeth in, you’ll wonder why these sweet tortilla shells aren’t a staple at every dessert table.
You can even think of them as dessert taco recipes that are easy and crowd-pleasing. The moment you serve them, folks gather around and admire the color and playful shape. From the crispy edges of the cinnamon sugar tortilla to that dreamy cheesecake filling, everything about these fruit-filled tacos is pure bliss.
My Love Affair with Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos
I come from a family that adores tacos in every form. Growing up, our house was known for a good ol’ Taco Tuesday, but we never really had sweet tacos—unless you count the time my grandma tried stuffing tortillas with bananas and peanut butter. (That was… interesting, to say the least.) But as I got older, I discovered that there’s a whole wide world of dessert tacos, from chocolate shells filled with ice cream to crunchy shells crammed with whipped cream and fruit. That’s when I realized that tacos don’t have to be served only with savory fillings.
Over time, I’ve tested many dessert taco ideas, and these strawberry cheesecake tacos have become a top pick for my family. There’s something so delightful about biting into a crispy yet sweet shell that’s loaded with smooth cream cheese filling. Add a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce (or any fresh fruit sauce), and it makes me want to share this new tradition with everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos
When it comes to dessert tacos, simplicity is key. I like to keep the ingredient list straightforward. Here’s what you’ll gather for the best strawberry cheesecake tacos in town:
1. Tortillas and Cinnamon Sugar
- Flour Tortillas: These are your blank canvas. Street taco-sized tortillas work nicely, although you can use a medium size if that’s what you’ve got in your pantry.
- Butter: A bit of melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the tortilla shells.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A simple mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Trust me, it adds that hint of spice and sweetness that transforms a regular tortilla into a dessert dream.
2. Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor, softened at room temperature.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cheesecake filling without making it grainy.
- Vanilla Extract: A small splash for that classic cheesecake taste.
- Whipped Topping or Heavy Cream: Some folks like to fold in whipped topping, while others prefer whipping their own cream. Either works nicely.
3. Fresh Strawberry Sauce
- Fresh Strawberries: Washed, hulled, and sliced.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps pull the juices from the berries, creating a sweet sauce.
- Lemon Juice (optional): A tiny splash brightens the flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, you can warm the strawberries, sugar, and a little cornstarch mixture on the stove. That yields a thicker texture.
4. Optional Toppings
- Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate drizzled on top can turn these into an even more decadent treat.
- Fresh Mint: A little green garnish never hurts.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Give your tacos a pretty finish before serving.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos
Here’s where all your yummy ingredients come together for a fun dessert. I like making these tacos in a multi-step process so nothing feels rushed. That means less stress and more time to chat with my kids about their day.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine about ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with melted butter, then press each side into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Carefully fold the tortillas in half (like a taco shape) and place them in a taco rack or prop them up in a baking dish so they hold their shape.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until they’re crisp and lightly golden. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.
- Let the shells cool completely so they’ll hold the filling without turning soggy.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth.
- Add ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix again until everything is combined.
- If you’re using heavy cream, whisk ½ cup of it until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer whipped topping, fold in about 1 cup.
- Taste your filling and adjust sweetness if needed. Keep in mind the strawberry sauce will add more sweetness.
- Cook the Strawberry Sauce (If You Want It Thicker)
- Slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries (or more if you’re a strawberry fanatic).
- Toss the sliced berries in a saucepan with ¼ cup of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon).
- Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to soften and release juices.
- If you like a thicker sauce, stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of water, then drizzle it into the pan, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken for a minute or two.
- Let the sauce cool down so it won’t melt your cheesecake filling.
- Assemble the Tacos
- Take your cooled shells and spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each one, leaving a little space at the top for the strawberry sauce.
- Top with a generous spoonful of homemade strawberry topping.
- Sprinkle with any optional garnishes like chocolate shavings, fresh mint, or an extra dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once assembled, these dessert tacos are best eaten right away to keep the shells crunchy. That first bite—a mix of creamy cheesecake filling, tangy-sweet strawberries, and cinnamon sugar shell—will have you dancing around the kitchen.
- Leftovers? Keep them in the fridge, but know the shells might soften over time.
This recipe yields about 6 to 8 tacos, depending on how much filling you stuff into each shell (and whether you end up sampling spoonfuls of filling like I do!).
Flavor Variations
I’m all about adding flair to my recipes. That’s the fun of being in the kitchen—you can switch things up based on your cravings. Here are a few ideas to keep your dessert tacos feeling fresh:
1. Mixed Berry Blast
Instead of sticking with just strawberries, toss in blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries. You can either make a mixed berry sauce or layer the different berries on top for a colorful finish. If you love blueberries, consider pairing these tacos with my Blueberry Milkshake for a full-on berry celebration.
2. Tropical Twist
Go tropical by swapping strawberries for sliced mango, pineapple, or kiwi. Add a little shredded coconut on top. You can even drizzle a bit of sweetened condensed milk for a flavor reminiscent of a tropical vacation.
3. Chocolate Drizzle
Need more chocolate in your life? Drizzle melted chocolate over the cheesecake filling before adding your strawberries. A few white chocolate chips on top makes for a really pretty garnish. You can even combine this with a crushed Oreo topping for an extra-crunchy surprise.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cheesecake tacos are so delightful on their own that you really don’t need much else. However, I’m a big fan of the “wow factor” when serving dessert to guests. Here are some tips:
- Lay Them Out on a Large Platter: Arrange them in a fan shape, with slices of fresh strawberries in between for decoration.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The rich cheesecake filling matches perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or hot tea.
- Serve with Other Desserts: If you’re going all out for a party, set these tacos next to a Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake or my Donut Cake Recipe for a dessert buffet that’ll make everyone giddy.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas
- Make the Shells Ahead: You can bake the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells up to a day in advance. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Cheesecake Filling: Whip up the filling the night before and keep it in the fridge. Give it a little stir before filling the shells.
- Strawberry Sauce: Feel free to prepare and cool it in advance, storing it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it slightly or keep it cold—both ways are yummy.
- Assembling Before Serving: I recommend stuffing and topping them right before you’re ready to eat. That way, you’ll lock in the crunch of the tortilla shell.
If you do end up with assembled leftovers, place them in the fridge in a shallow container, and cover them loosely. The tortillas might soften, but they’ll still taste great.
Fun History: Tacos and Cheesecake, A Surprising Combo
We all know tacos are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, typically loaded with savory flavors like meat, beans, cheese, and salsa. But the idea of a dessert taco is a more modern twist. According to Food & Wine’s piece on tacos going global, tacos have evolved over the years, traveling across different cultures and fusing with local culinary trends.
Cheesecake, on the other hand, traces its origins way back to ancient Greece. Historians note that an early form of cheesecake was served to athletes in the first Olympic games. For a deeper peek at cheesecake’s backstory. So, it’s no wonder that eventually, dessert lovers combined the best of both worlds: a crisp shell reminiscent of tacos and a sweet filling akin to cheesecake.
Pairing Ideas and Additional Desserts
If you’re planning to host a little dessert party, these strawberry cheesecake tacos will play nicely with a whole range of treats. Here are a few more I recommend:
- Brookie Recipe: Chocolatey Brownie Cookie Delight
If you can’t pick between cookies and brownies, then my Brookie Recipe: Chocolatey Brownie Cookie Delight is a must-try. It’s an addictive mash-up that always disappears from the table in minutes. - Cheesecake Ball Recipe
Want more cheesecake flavor in a fun shape? Check out my Cheesecake Ball Recipe. Roll it in crushed graham crackers or nuts, and serve with fresh fruit. - Learn to Make Homemade Tortillas
Interested in making your own tortillas for both savory and sweet dishes? Taste of Home explains how to do it in an easy-to-follow process.
When you pick your pairings, aim for dishes that either complement or contrast the flavors of your dessert tacos. You can serve something with a chocolate base to balance the fruity tang of these strawberry treats. Or go with something fruit-based as well, doubling down on the orchard-fresh vibe.
FAQs
What are strawberry cheesecake tacos?
Strawberry cheesecake tacos are dessert tacos made with cinnamon sugar tortilla shells, a sweet cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry sauce on top. They combine the shapes of tacos with the flavors of cheesecake, resulting in a playful handheld dessert.
How do you make strawberry cheesecake tacos?
To make these fun treats, bake flour tortillas coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar until crisp. Then fill them with a no-bake cheesecake mixture (softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and whipped cream). Finally, spoon fresh strawberry sauce on top. Serve right away to keep the shells crunchy.
What ingredients are needed for strawberry cheesecake tacos?
You’ll need flour tortillas, butter, cinnamon sugar, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberries. You can also add whipped topping or whipped heavy cream to the filling, plus optional garnishes like chocolate chips or mint. The cinnamon sugar tortilla shells, cheesecake filling, and strawberry sauce are the three core components.
Can I use other fruits in cheesecake tacos?
Absolutely! You can swap strawberries for blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, mango, or even pineapple. Feel free to get creative and mix fruits together, or add a different sauce altogether. Peach slices and caramel also pair nicely with the cream cheese filling.
How do you keep dessert tacos from getting soggy?
The key is baking the tortillas until they’re crisp and letting them cool completely. Assemble the tacos just before serving. If you store them fully assembled, the moisture from the filling and sauce can soften the shells.
Conclusion
I hope this little stroll through the world of strawberry cheesecake tacos has made your taste buds buzz with excitement. Whenever I make these, I’m reminded of how fun it is to play with flavors and textures in the kitchen. My kids love helping brush the tortillas with butter and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar on top, and I adore seeing their happy faces when we get to the final taste test.
These sweet tortilla shells truly bring a little magic to dessert time. If you give them a whirl, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you stick with strawberries, or did you pick a different fruit? Let me know in the comments below or share a picture. There’s nothing better than learning about new flavor combos from fellow home cooks.
Happy dessert taco-making!