Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe
If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that combines classic cheesecake flavor with a fun, hand-held twist, look no further than this Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe. With crisp cinnamon-sugar taco shells, creamy cheesecake filling, and a crown of vibrant cherry pie topping, this dessert is pure joy in every bite. Whether you make them for a party, holiday, or just to treat yourself on a Tuesday, these tacos will be the talk of your table! Sweet, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with cherry, they’re everything you love about cheesecake — all wrapped up in a playful package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe contributes something special, turning simple items into a truly fabulous treat. Don’t skip any step — every element, from the shell to the filling, helps create that irresistibly fun and delicious experience.
- Small flour tortillas: These form the crisp, golden shells and provide the perfect vessel for the delicious fillings.
- Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon, this adds sparkle and sweetness to each crunchy taco shell.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, cinnamon blends with sugar to create classic dessert taco flavor.
- Melted butter: Brushing this on the tortillas helps them bake to golden perfection and lets the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully.
- Cream cheese (softened): The key to a silky-smooth, tangy cheesecake filling that holds its shape and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the cheesecake filling light and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: One splash is all you need for that distinct, creamy cheesecake dessert aroma.
- Heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks): Folding this into the filling makes it extra airy and decadent — don’t skip the whipping!
- Cherry pie filling (canned): No-fuss and gorgeous, cherries add classic cheesecake flair and just the right pop of color and tartness.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shape Your Taco Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your tortillas are a little stiff, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven so they become soft and easy to bend. Brush both sides of each tortilla with the melted butter to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor. In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture generously over both sides of each butter-coated tortilla. Next, carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of your oven rack — this gives them that fun taco shape. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the shells are golden and perfectly crisp. Remove them with tongs and let them cool completely on a rack; patience is key here, as they’ll crisp up even more as they cool!
Step 2: Make the Dreamy Cheesecake Filling
While your taco shells cool, grab a medium mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks; this step is what makes the filling so light and luscious. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate it. What you’ll get is an irresistible, fluffy cheesecake filling just waiting to be spooned (or piped) into your taco shells.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the most satisfying part: assembly! Once your taco shells are completely cooled, either pipe or spoon a generous amount of cheesecake filling into each one. Top each with a few spoonfuls of cherry pie filling, letting those glossy cherries peek out for show-stopping color and flavor. Arrange your tacos on a platter, and if you have the patience, chill the assembled tacos for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to slightly firm up for the ultimate bite.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are where you can let your personality shine! A light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream add both beauty and flavor. For something a little extra, try a few curls of white chocolate or some finely grated lemon zest on top — they brighten the cherries and make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving the Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe at a party or holiday table, pair them with a variety of light, fresh accompaniments. Fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a bowl of vanilla ice cream go beautifully with the rich, creamy tacos. For an even more indulgent touch, offer a small pitcher of chocolate or caramel sauce on the side for drizzling.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Stand the tacos upright in a taco holder, or line up each one in a bed of shredded coconut to look like “snow.” For special occasions, serve tacos in cupcake liners to make them extra portable for guests. You can even build a “dessert taco bar” with assorted pie fillings and toppings, letting everyone customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shells may soften over time, but they’ll still taste amazing for up to two days. For best results, store the shells and filling separately and assemble just before serving whenever possible.
Freezing
While the cheesecake filling freezes well, the taco shells are best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to plan ahead, you can freeze the prepared filling in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before assembling your tacos.
Reheating
To revive any soft shells, pop unfilled taco shells back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp up. Filled tacos should be served chilled, so skip reheating those. If the filling has softened, a quick freeze (about 10 minutes) will help it firm up.
FAQs
Can I use other pie fillings besides cherry?
Absolutely! Blueberry, strawberry, or even apple pie filling work beautifully in this Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe. Feel free to swap in your seasonal favorites or mix up the flavors for a colorful variety tray.
Can I make the taco shells in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cinnamon-sugar shells a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp, then fill shortly before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to pipe the cheesecake filling?
For a picture-perfect look, use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. If you don’t have one, a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works well too — just fill and squeeze!
Are these gluten-free or can I make them gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses flour tortillas, but you can substitute with your favorite gluten-free tortillas or crepes. Just make sure they crisp up nicely in the oven for that essential taco shell crunch.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! The Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe scales up easily. Prepare the shells and filling in batches, and assemble right before serving for the freshest taste and most delicious wow factor.
Final Thoughts
Dessert is meant to be fun, a little bit whimsical, and totally delicious — and this Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe delivers all of that and more. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging on your own, every bite is a celebration. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a little extra joy to your next get-together. Happy baking!
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Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling nestled in a crispy, cinnamon-sugar dusted taco shell, topped with sweet cherry pie filling in these Cherry Cheesecake Tacos. A fun and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
Taco Shells:
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Topping:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare Taco Shells: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Warm tortillas, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, shape into taco shells, and bake until golden.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until fluffy.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill taco shells with cheesecake mixture, top with cherry pie filling, and chill before serving.
Notes
- For variety, try blueberry or strawberry pie filling.
- To make ahead, prepare components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
