Switch up your dessert game with these Berrylicious Cheesecake Tacos! A fun and creative twist on traditional tacos, these dessert tacos are filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, topped with fruity blueberry and strawberry jams, and served in a graham cracker-coated taco shell. Perfect for summer, parties, or any time you want a sweet, unique treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Taco Shells:
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5 8-inch tortillas
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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9 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
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1 cup heavy cream
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⅓ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
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Blueberry jam
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Strawberry jam
Directions
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Prepare the Taco Shells:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Stack the tortillas and cut 5 circles using a 1.5-inch cookie cutter. Pierce each tortilla on both sides with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
Dip each tortilla circle into melted butter, then coat with graham cracker crumbs. Flip a cupcake pan upside down and place the tortillas between the cups to form taco shells. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool completely. -
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. -
Assemble the Tacos:
Spoon the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag and pipe the filling into the cooled taco shells. Top each taco with blueberry and strawberry jam. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrients
Estimated per serving (5 tacos total):
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Calories: 210 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 12g
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Sodium: 160mg
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Sugar: 18g
A Fun Twist on a Classic
Tacos are beloved for their versatility and ability to adapt to nearly every flavor profile, from savory to sweet. While we’re accustomed to taco shells being filled with spicy meats, cheese, and veggies, dessert tacos are a playful variation that transforms the idea of a taco into something delightfully sweet. Berrylicious Cheesecake Tacos combine the best elements of a classic cheesecake with the fun presentation of a taco, making it a show-stopping treat at any gathering.
The taco shell, traditionally made with corn or flour tortillas, is reimagined here with graham cracker crumbs to mimic the crust of a cheesecake. The filling is a luscious blend of cream cheese and heavy cream, creating the rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy taco shell. Topped with blueberry and strawberry jam, these tacos have a fruity, refreshing finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
The Taco Shell: Sweet and Crunchy
The taco shell is where the magic starts, as it’s what makes these desserts so unique. Instead of using the typical tortilla, you’re transforming regular flour tortillas into sweet, graham cracker-coated taco shells. This gives the tacos the flavor and texture of a cheesecake crust without the need for baking an entire cheesecake.
To create the shells, you start by cutting tortillas into small circles and lightly piercing them with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Next, the tortillas are dipped in melted butter and then coated in graham cracker crumbs, which gives them their signature crunch and rich flavor. To form the taco shape, the tortillas are baked in an inverted cupcake pan, which helps them hold their shape while they cook. After about 10-12 minutes, you’re left with golden-brown taco shells that are ready to be filled with your delicious cheesecake mixture.
This unconventional taco shell is not only a fun twist on the traditional, but it also adds an extra layer of sweetness to the dish. The graham cracker crumbs provide a crunchy texture and a warm, caramelized flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy cheesecake filling.
The Cheesecake Filling: Creamy and Decadent
The star of any cheesecake is its filling, and in these Berrylicious Cheesecake Tacos, the filling is rich, smooth, and deliciously creamy. The base is made from cream cheese, which gives the mixture a tangy, velvety texture. The addition of heavy cream ensures the filling is light and airy, creating the perfect contrast to the crispy taco shell.
To make the filling, start by beating the cream cheese with lemon juice and vanilla extract to create a smooth, creamy base. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring that it stays light and fluffy. The whipped cream helps to add volume and makes the filling melt in your mouth. The lemon juice adds a subtle tartness that balances the richness of the cream cheese, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
This cheesecake filling is so good you might be tempted to eat it straight from the bowl, but it’s even better when piped into the graham cracker taco shells, where its rich and creamy texture takes center stage.
Toppings: Fruity and Refreshing
The toppings for these cheesecake tacos are where you get to showcase some beautiful fruit flavors. Blueberry jam and strawberry jam bring a burst of sweetness and fruitiness that perfectly balances the richness of the cheesecake filling. You can use store-bought jams, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own fruit preserves for an even fresher taste.
The vibrant blueberries and strawberries not only add flavor but also give the tacos a pop of color, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. You can also garnish the tacos with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
If you like a bit of crunch, you can even sprinkle some chopped nuts on top, such as almonds or pecans, to add an extra texture. The creamy cheesecake filling, paired with the sweet jams, creates a harmonious flavor combination that feels luxurious while remaining light and refreshing.
Perfect for Summer or Any Occasion
These Berrylicious Cheesecake Tacos are ideal for warm weather when fresh berries are in season, making them perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or casual parties. The colorful presentation and unique twist on a classic taco make them a conversation starter, while the combination of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors will satisfy anyone’s dessert cravings.
They’re also a fantastic option for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, where you want to serve something visually stunning and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The bite-sized tacos are easy to share and serve, and the combination of cheesecake and jam is universally loved, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
A Fun and Creative Dessert for Kids and Adults
Not only are these cheesecake tacos a hit with adults, but they’re also a great dessert to make with kids. The assembly process is fun, and it’s a great way to get children involved in the kitchen. They’ll love helping to fill the taco shells with the cheesecake mixture and topping them with fruity jam. The simplicity of the recipe allows kids to customize their tacos with their favorite fruits and toppings.
Plus, since they’re made with no-bake ingredients and don’t require any complicated techniques, they’re a perfect option for beginners or those who are short on time.
Why This Recipe Works
This dessert is the perfect balance of creativity, flavor, and ease. It’s a unique twist on the traditional taco, with the combination of graham cracker taco shells and creamy cheesecake filling offering something new and exciting. The toppings of blueberry and strawberry jams add a refreshing burst of sweetness that ties everything together. The recipe is easy to customize with different jams, fruits, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a decadent touch.
The dish is also highly versatile. If you want to turn it into a more sophisticated dessert, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache for an extra indulgence. You can also make the shells ahead of time and store them, making assembly quick and easy when it’s time to serve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Berrylicious Cheesecake Tacos are a fun, creative, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for summer, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with something unique. The crunchy graham cracker taco shell, creamy cheesecake filling, and fruity jam toppings create a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make, customizable, and visually appealing, these dessert tacos are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you enjoy them on their own or turn them into a more elaborate dessert, these cheesecake tacos are guaranteed to be a hit!