Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos

Total Time
Prep: 25 mins. Cook: 15 mins + cooling

Updated Sep. 29, 2024

Sweet, creamy and crunchy, these strawberry cheesecake tacos are a fun twist on a classic dessert.

Now Trending

Crispy, buttery tortillas dusted with sweet graham cracker crumbs, filled to the brim with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with juicy strawberries—this is what dessert dreams are made of. The contrast between the crunchy shell and the velvety filling is pure magic, especially when those fresh strawberries bring a burst of bright, summery flavor to each bite.

Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos Ingredients

  • Flour tortillas: The tortillas form the taco shell, providing a crispy base for the cheesecake filling after being baked. For something extra special, try homemade flour tortillas.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps the graham cracker crumbs adhere to the tortillas, adding richness and flavor.
  • Graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs create a sweet, crunchy coating on the tortillas, mimicking the flavor of a classic cheesecake crust.
  • Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the strawberry topping and helps caramelize the graham cracker coating while baking.
  • Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a bright, fruity contrast to the rich cheesecake filling.
  • Water: Water ensures the strawberry topping has the right consistency while cooking.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the strawberry mixture, giving the topping a luscious, jam-like texture.
  • Cream cheese: Cream cheese creates a rich and tangy base for the cheesecake filling.
  • Heavy whipping cream: The whipping cream lightens the filling and adds a creamy, airy texture.
  • Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar sweetens the filling while helping to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling, adding warmth and depth.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the tortillas

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the muffin tin upside down over a baking sheet. In one shallow dish, pour the melted butter, and in another, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Use a fork to poke a few holes into each tortilla to prevent air bubbles during baking. Dip both sides of each tortilla in the melted butter, then press it into the graham cracker mixture until well coated. Carefully tuck the tortillas between the muffin cups to form taco shapes. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shells are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the strawberry topping

In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar and three tablespoons of water. Cook the mixture over medium heat for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the strawberries, then cook, stirring constantly, for two to three more minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for three to four minutes until smooth. Reduce the speed to medium-low and gradually add the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional two to three minutes until the filling becomes light and fluffy. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the tacos

Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly into each taco shell, filling them generously. Top each with a spoonful of the cooled strawberry topping. If desired, garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos Variations

  • Swap the strawberries for mixed berries: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries for a colorful, tangy twist on the classic topping.
  • Add a chocolate drizzle: Drizzle hot fudge ice cream topping over the tacos for an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Use cinnamon-sugar tortillas: Before baking, sprinkle the tortillas with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cheesecake filling.
  • Make it nutty: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the cheesecake filling for a crunchy contrast and nutty richness.
  • Try a peanut butter filling: Mix some peanut butter into the cheesecake filling for a rich, nutty variation on the original.
  • Make it boozy: Stir a splash of rum or bourbon into the strawberry topping for a more adult version of this treat.
  • Use chocolate graham crackers: Substitute the regular graham cracker crumbs with chocolate ones to add a deeper, cocoa flavor to the taco shells.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos

To store your strawberry cheesecake tacos, keep the taco shells and filling separate until you’re ready to serve. Place the cheesecake filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the taco shells at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their crispness, and when you’re ready to enjoy, assemble the tacos with the filling and topping for the freshest results.

Can you freeze strawberry cheesecake tacos?

While you can freeze the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping, freezing the taco shells is not recommended because they can lose their crispness. To freeze the filling, place it in an airtight container and store it for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the filling in the fridge overnight, assemble with fresh taco shells, and add the topping.

Can you make strawberry cheesecake tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can make strawberry cheesecake tacos ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the components separate until serving. Prepare the taco shells, cheesecake filling and strawberry topping, then store each in separate containers. Assemble the tacos just before serving to ensure the shells stay crispy and the filling remains fresh.

Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos Tips

How do you keep the tortilla shells from getting soggy?

To prevent the tortilla shells from getting soggy, make sure they are completely cooled before adding the cheesecake filling. Also, only assemble the tacos just before serving, as the filling and topping can cause the shells to soften if left too long.

Can I use a different type of tortilla for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or even whole wheat tortillas for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just note that corn tortillas may be a bit more fragile and could require a shorter baking time to avoid over-crisping.

What are some toppings that would pair well with strawberry cheesecake tacos?

Beyond fresh strawberries, you can add whipped cream, crushed nuts like pistachios or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch. A dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the flavors.

Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos

Prep Time 25 min
Cook Time 15 min
Yield 8 tacos

Ingredients

  • 8 flour tortillas (5 inches)
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • STRAWBERRY TOPPING:
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 tablespoons water, divided
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • CHEESECAKE FILLING:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Sliced fresh strawberries, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Place a muffin tins upside down; place over a baking sheet.
  2. Place melted butter in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. With a fork, lightly poke some holes into each tortilla. (This will help prevent any air bubbles during baking.) Dip both sides of tortilla in melted butter, then press into graham cracker crumb and sugar mixture; tuck tortillas between muffin cups to create a taco shape; repeat with remaining tortillas. Bake 10-12 minutes or until shells are golden brown. Remove; set aside to cool.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar and 3 tablespoons water. Cook 2-3 minutes over medium heat until strawberries are soft, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved. Stir cornstarch mixture into strawberry mixture; simmer 2-3 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; set aside to cool.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, 3-4 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low; beat in cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract until incorporated. Increase speed to medium; beat until fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Spoon filling into each shell. Top with strawberry compote, serve immediately. Garnish with sliced strawberries, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 taco: 451 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

Back to Top