Pin it
Creamy cheesecake meets playful dessert tacos for a treat that gets everyone talking. These cherry cheesecake tacos are simple to assemble and taste absolutely decadent with their crispy cinnamon-sugar shells and sweet cherry topping. They have become my go-to fun dessert for parties, family nights, and those days when you want something a little unexpected yet totally comforting.
The first time I made these was for a summer barbecue. My family devoured the whole batch and they instantly made it onto our must-have celebration menu. I now double the recipe just to keep everyone happy.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: choose full-fat for the richest filling let it soften for smooth blending
- Powdered sugar: blends quickly and keeps the filling silkier than granulated
- Vanilla extract: adds classic cheesecake warmth pick pure vanilla for best flavor
- Cool Whip: gives the filling lightness and is easy to fold in after mixing
- Cherry pie filling: brings the classic cheesecake topping in every bite look for one with whole cherries for the best look
- Sugar: ensures the taco shells have a sweet crispy finish
- Cinnamon: brings warmth and depth to the shell flavor try fresh cinnamon for maximum aroma
- Small flour tortillas: choose the softest freshest ones so they bend into taco shape without cracking
- Melted butter: helps the cinnamon sugar stick and brings out a rich flavor in the shells
Instructions
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until fully blended. This mixture will coat your taco shells, making every bite sweet and fragrant.
- Make Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla using a hand mixer. Keep mixing for several minutes until there are no lumps left and everything looks fluffy and creamy.
- Add Cool Whip:
- Gently fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. Beat briefly until everything looks even and pillowy. Scoop this into a piping bag or a zip-top bag and place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the taco shells so the filling firms up.
- Make Taco Shells:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Grab each small flour tortilla and brush both sides with melted butter. Sprinkle a generous amount of your cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides ensuring a full, even coat.
- Shape and Bake:
- Drape the buttered tortillas over the cups of an upside-down cupcake or muffin pan so they form a curved taco shell shape. Arrange them to hang without touching for the best results. Bake for eight to ten minutes until the shells are crisp and golden. Let cool in the pan for ten minutes so the shells set. Carefully remove and allow to finish cooling on a rack so they stay crisp.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Once the shells are completely cool, snip off the end of your piping bag and carefully fill each shell with the chilled cheesecake mixture. Try to fill evenly from one end to the other for neatness. Top each one with a spoonful of cherry pie filling and a touch of the syrup for a glossy finish.
The cinnamon sugar shell is my family’s favorite part. We once had a batch disappear before we even finished filling them because everyone wanted to nibble on the crisp sweet tacos straight from the oven.
Storage Tips
Store assembled tacos in the refrigerator uncovered for up to twenty four hours to keep the shell crisp. If you want to prepare ahead keep the shells and filling separate then assemble just before serving for maximum crunch. The cheesecake filling itself will stay fresh for up to three days refrigerated in a tight container.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry or strawberry for a fruity twist. If you like a lighter filling use a homemade whipped cream folded in instead of Cool Whip. For a gluten-free option pick gluten-free tortillas and check that your pie filling is suitable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos cold or room temperature for best texture. Arrange on a platter with extra cherries on the side. Dust a little extra cinnamon sugar on top or add some chopped almonds for a different crunch. They are also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn dessert into a sundae.
Cultural and Historical Context
This playful dessert taco is a mashup of classic American cheesecake and the beloved taco shape from Mexican cuisine. Cherry cheesecake has been a dessert staple for decades but turning it into a fun handheld treat makes it ideal for potlucks and parties where guests mingle. The cinnamon sugar taco is a nod to churro flavors making each bite taste nostalgic and new at the same time.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh in season berries instead of canned topping in summer Swap in apple pie filling and sprinkle a little nutmeg for a cozy autumn version Try mini chocolate chips mixed into the filling for a winter holiday twist
Success Stories
This recipe is a regular at school bake sales because kids get excited seeing taco desserts. I have also made it for baby showers where people enjoyed how easy it was to grab and eat. It is the first thing gone at summer picnics and my neighbor who hates baking now makes it for every family birthday.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Taco shells can be baked and frozen in a single layer in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw on the counter then fill with freshly whipped cream cheese mixture and cherries. You can pipe and freeze unfilled shells for a make ahead emergency dessert.
These tacos are sure to be the hit of your next party. They are the perfect blend of fun and indulgence for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep taco shells crisp?
Let the baked shells cool fully on a rack before filling. Fill and serve immediately for best crunch.
- → Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cheesecake filling can be made and refrigerated a day in advance. Pipe just before serving.
- → What's the best way to shape taco shells?
Use an upside-down cupcake pan to drape tortillas for perfect taco shapes as they bake.
- → Can I substitute fruit topping?
Absolutely! Use blueberry, strawberry, or any favorite fruit pie filling or compote.
- → How long will assembled tacos stay fresh?
For best texture, enjoy right after assembling. The shells may soften after a few hours.