Cherry Cheesecake Tacos with Crispy Dessert Shells

Table of Contents

1. Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
4. How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
5. Storage
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. More Recipes You’ll Love
8. Jump to Recipe

Cherry Cheesecake Tacos are a fun dessert taco with crisp cinnamon-sugar shells and a creamy cheesecake filling. Made with fried flour tortillas, sweetened cream cheese, whipped topping, and cherry pie filling, this easy dessert is rich, crunchy, fruity, and perfect for sharing.

If you enjoy creative cheesecake desserts, this recipe is a delicious way to serve classic cherry cheesecake flavors in a playful taco shape. The shells are golden and crisp, the filling is smooth and fluffy, and the cherry topping adds just the right amount of bright, sweet fruit flavor.

Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions

Fruit: Cherry pie filling gives these dessert tacos their classic cheesecake flavor, but you can also use blueberry pie filling, fresh strawberries, or another fresh fruit topping. Choose a fruit that pairs well with creamy cheesecake filling and crisp cinnamon-sugar tortillas.

Cinnamon sugar: The cinnamon-sugar coating adds warmth and sweetness to the fried shells. If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can coat the shells in plain granulated sugar or brown sugar instead.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Tacos

PRO TIP: If you are making cherry cheesecake tacos for a party or a larger group, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oil to 350°F in a deep stockpot or Dutch oven. Use enough oil to allow the tortillas to fry evenly while holding their taco shape.

STEP TWO: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

PRO TIP: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends more easily and helps create a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.

STEP THREE: Add the thawed Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and continue beating until the filling is light, creamy, and fluffy.

STEP FOUR: Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag fitted with a #1M tip, or use a gallon-sized zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Place the filling in the refrigerator to keep it cold while you prepare the taco shells.

STEP FIVE: Once the oil reaches 350°F, begin frying the tortilla shells. Keeping the oil at the correct temperature helps the tortillas cook quickly and evenly.

STEP SIX: Using long-handled tongs, pinch two sides of a tortilla together to form a folded taco shape. Carefully submerge the folded tortilla in the hot oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes.

STEP SEVEN: The tortilla will bubble as it fries. If it slips out of shape, use the tongs to fold it back into a taco form and keep it submerged so both the inside and outside brown evenly.

STEP EIGHT: When the tortilla is lightly golden, remove it from the oil and immediately place it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

STEP NINE: Use a spoon to sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the inside and outside of the fried tortilla. Then place the coated shell on a paper-towel-lined inverted muffin tin so it can cool while holding its taco shape.

PRO TIP: Coat each fried tortilla shell right after it comes out of the oil. The light coating of oil helps the sugar mixture stick to the shell.

STEP TEN: Once the taco shells are cooled, pipe a line of cheesecake filling down the center of each shell.

STEP ELEVEN: Spoon 3 to 4 cherries, along with some of the sauce, over the cheesecake filling.

STEP TWELVE: Serve the cherry cheesecake tacos right away for the best texture.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Tacos

Cherry Cheesecake Tacos are a fun dessert for taco night, parties, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or any time you want something sweet and memorable. They look impressive on a dessert table, yet they are made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

For the best results, assemble the tacos shortly before serving. The fried cinnamon-sugar shells are crispiest when fresh, and the chilled cheesecake filling gives a wonderful contrast to the crunchy shell. You can also set up a dessert taco bar by placing the shells, cheesecake filling, and fruit topping separately so guests can fill their own tacos.

Storage

In the fridge: Store leftover assembled tacos in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Keep in mind that the fried tortilla shells are best within a few hours, as they will soften over time once filled.

The cheesecake filling can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you want to prepare ahead, make the filling in advance and fry the shells closer to serving time.

In the freezer: The assembled tacos should not be frozen because the shells will lose their crisp texture. However, the cheesecake filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then pipe it into freshly fried taco shells when ready to serve.

Cherry Cheesecake Tacos are a crowd-pleasing dessert for anyone who loves tacos and cheesecake. With crunchy cinnamon-sugar shells, fluffy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping, every bite is creamy, crisp, and full of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these dessert tacos?

These dessert tacos are best enjoyed fresh. The fried tortilla shells do not freeze well and will not stay crisp after thawing. You can freeze the cheesecake filling separately, then make fresh shells when you are ready to serve them.

Can I use corn tortillas for cherry cheesecake tacos?

Flour tortillas work best for this recipe because they are soft, flexible, and easier to shape into taco shells. Corn tortillas are less pliable and may not give the same texture or shape.

What is the best oil for deep frying the shells?

Vegetable oil is a good choice for deep frying at home. It heats well, works with the required frying temperature, and does not add a strong flavor to the finished dessert tacos.

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• Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
• Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
• Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake