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This strawberry crunch cheesecake taco recipe is a fun twist on classic desserts perfect for unexpected guests or a sweet weeknight treat. It combines crisp taco shells with creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy, fruity topping that brings both texture and flavor in every bite.
I remember making these tacos with my family on a warm afternoon and how everyone loved assembling their own with extra strawberries and topping. It quickly became a dessert we all looked forward to.
Ingredients
- Small flour tortillas: provide a soft base that crisps up nicely in the oven for taco shells
- Granulated sugar and melted butter mixture: adds sweetness and helps shells crisp evenly
- Fresh strawberries: bring brightness and balance to the rich filling
- Cream cheese: creates a smooth and creamy cheesecake texture
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling while keeping it silky
- Vanilla extract: deepens the flavor making the cheesecake more complex
- Heavy whipping cream: whips into airy peaks and lightens the cream cheese mixture
- Golden Oreos crushed: add color and a chocolate-free crunch
- Strawberry gelatin powder: boosts the strawberry flavor and helps the crunch topping stay crisp
- White chocolate chips melted: give a sweet shell coating that contrasts nicely with the tart topping
Instructions
- Build The Taco Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a muffin tin. Mix granulated sugar with melted butter then brush this mixture evenly over each small tortilla. Carefully drape each tortilla over the muffin tin cavities to form taco shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and crisp but still hold their shape.
- Prepare The Cheesecake Filling:
- In a mixing bowl beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl whip heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture making sure to keep it airy and light. Chill this filling in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help it firm up before assembling.
- Make The Crunch Topping:
- Crush the Golden Oreos finely and mix them with the strawberry gelatin powder in a bowl. Melt white chocolate chips gently until smooth. Dip each cooled taco shell in the white chocolate coating then immediately roll or sprinkle them with the strawberry Oreo crunch mixture so it sticks well.
- Assemble The Cheesecake Tacos:
- Pipe or spoon the chilled cheesecake filling into each crunchy shell filling them generously but carefully to avoid breaking. Top with fresh diced strawberries and a sprinkle of the reserved strawberry Oreo crunch topping for extra texture and sweetness. Serve the tacos immediately for the best contrast between creamy filling and crisp shell.
I adore how the white chocolate shell balances the tart strawberry topping It reminds me of sharing treats with my cousins during summer holidays when simple desserts felt so special.
Storage tips
Keep assembled tacos in the fridge but cover them well to prevent drying out. The shell will soften after a day so it is best to enjoy fresh if you want that crisp texture. Leftover filling can be stored separately and enjoyed like a rich dip.
Ingredient swaps
Use regular chocolate chips if you want a deeper chocolate flavor or skip the gelatin powder if unavailable but add freeze-dried strawberries crushed for a natural fruity crunch. Greek yogurt can replace some cream cheese for a lighter filling that still tastes creamy.
Serving ideas
Top with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness or a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing hint. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent summer dessert.
This recipe offers a creamy and crisp contrast that makes every bite interesting and is easy to customize with different fruits or toppings.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I get the tortillas crispy and shaped like tacos?
Brush small tortillas with a sugar and melted butter mixture, then drape them over a muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- → What makes the cheesecake filling light and smooth?
Beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then gently folding in whipped heavy cream, creates a fluffy and creamy texture.
- → How is the crunch topping prepared?
Crushed Golden Oreos are combined with strawberry gelatin powder, adding a fruity crunch that coats the shells after dipping them in melted white chocolate.
- → Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
It's best to chill the filling for about 20 minutes before piping into shells, and assemble shortly before serving to keep the shells crisp.
- → What role do the fresh strawberries play?
Diced fresh strawberries provide a juicy, fresh contrast to the creamy filling and crunchy shell, balancing sweetness and texture.