Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos: Crispy, Creamy & Ready in 30 Mins!

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what happens when two of the most beloved foods on the planet, tacos and cheesecake, decide to throw a party? Recent search trends show a massive spike in dessert mashups, with home cooks everywhere looking for the next great hybrid treat to surprise their families. It got me thinking about my own crew. My kids, Adams and Jana, could live on tacos, and my wife Emily has a soft spot for a good cheesecake. Standing in the kitchen one Saturday, I saw a pack of tortillas and a block of cream cheese on the counter, and a lightbulb went off. What if I could create a dessert that had the fun, handheld appeal of a taco but with the creamy, dreamy soul of a strawberry cheesecake? That’s how these incredible Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos were born. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a story of kitchen creativity, a truly fun dessert that embodies everything I love about cooking: taking simple ingredients and turning them into a moment of pure joy for the people you love. This is the kind of sweet treat that gets everyone talking, a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and fresh that will become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

This recipe is about to become your go to for parties, special occasions, or just a Tuesday night when you need a little something special. It’s a game changer, and I’m so excited to share it with you. The feedback from friends and family has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m confident you’ll fall in love with these dessert tacos for so many reasons. My friend over at Blogghetti has a wonderful version as well, but I think the secret cinnamon sugar coating here really takes it to the next level.

• A Perfect Mashup of Textures and Flavors: The magic of this dessert lies in its contrasts. You have the warm, crispy taco shells coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture, which gives way to a cool, velvety smooth no bake cheesecake filling. Then, you get a burst of freshness from the juicy strawberries. It’s a symphony in every single bite that is both exciting and comforting at the same time. It’s a truly unique experience that goes beyond a standard slice of cheesecake.
• Incredibly Fun and Interactive: This isn’t just a dessert you serve; it’s an activity. You can set up a dessert taco bar and let everyone build their own. Lay out the shells, bowls of the cheesecake filling, sliced strawberries, and other toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or sprinkles. It’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and makes for a memorable, family friendly dessert that’s perfect for birthday parties or summer barbecues.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: While they look gourmet, these Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos are deceptively easy to assemble. The taco shells are made from standard flour tortillas, and the rich, creamy cheesecake filling is a simple no bake mixture that comes together in minutes. There’s no need for a fancy oven or complicated techniques. It’s an approachable recipe for cooks of all skill levels, proving you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create something spectacular.
• A Show Stopping Party Dessert: If you’re looking for a dessert that will have everyone reaching for their phones to take a picture, this is it. They are visually stunning and something most people have never seen before. Bringing a platter of these to a potluck or gathering guarantees you’ll be the star of the show. They are the ultimate crowd pleaser and a fantastic conversation starter.
• Customizable for Any Occasion: While this recipe calls for strawberries, you can easily adapt it to any season or preference. Imagine these with a blueberry filling, reminiscent of my Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies, or perhaps a decadent chocolate filling with a sprinkle of sea salt. The possibilities are endless, making this a versatile recipe you can return to again and again.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Dessert Taco Shells:

• 8 small flour tortillas (6 inch)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Substitutions:

• Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can try using Neufchâtel cheese.
• Strawberries: Feel free to substitute with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped peaches. For more strawberry inspiration, check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies recipe!
• Flour Tortillas: While flour tortillas provide the best soft but crispy texture, you could experiment with gluten free tortillas if needed. Be sure to watch them closely as they bake, as cooking times may vary.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Step by Step Instructions

Making these dessert tacos is a fun process, and I’ve broken it down into simple, easy to follow steps. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the journey. So put on some music, grab your apron, and let’s make something delicious together. We’ll start by making the shells, then the filling, and finally, we’ll put it all together. It’s so much simpler than you think!

1. Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a medium bowl, gently mix the diced strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the lemon juice. The sugar will draw out the juices from the berries, creating a light syrup. Set this aside to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the other components. This process is called macerating and it really deepens the strawberry flavor.
2. Prepare Your Baking Setup: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To create the taco shape, you’ll need to drape the tortillas over the rungs of your oven rack. If you prefer, you can also use a muffin tin flipped upside down, placing the tortillas in the crevices between the cups. This is a neat little trick to get that perfect taco shape.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the tablespoon of ground cinnamon until they are evenly combined. This aromatic mixture will give our taco shells their signature crunchy and flavorful crust.
4. Coat the Tortillas: Brush both sides of each flour tortilla with the melted butter. Be generous here, as the butter is what helps the cinnamon sugar stick and makes the shells wonderfully crispy and golden brown. Once a tortilla is buttered, immediately press each side into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
5. Bake the Taco Shells: Carefully drape the coated tortillas over two rungs of your oven rack or place them in your upside down muffin tin. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they are stiff, crispy, and beautifully golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overly browned very quickly. Once baked, let them cool completely on the rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
6. Whip Up the No Bake Cheesecake Filling: While the shells are cooling, let’s make the creamy heart of our dessert. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. This is key to a velvety filling, so don’t rush this step.
7. Finish the Filling: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat on low speed at first (to avoid a sugar cloud!), then increase to medium high and beat until smooth and combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. This will make the filling light and airy. Try not to overmix.
8. Assemble Your Dessert Tacos: Now for the fun part! Transfer your cheesecake filling to a piping bag or a zip top bag with the corner snipped off. This makes filling the shells much neater and easier. Pipe the delicious filling evenly into each cooled taco shell.
9. Add the Topping and Serve: Spoon the macerated strawberry topping over the cheesecake filling in each taco. Serve them immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of the cold filling and the crispy shell. Prepare for applause!

Pro Tips & Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, there are so many ways to get creative. Here are a few of my favorite pro tips and variations to help you make these Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos your own.

Pro Tips:

• Achieving the Perfect Taco Shell: The trick to a great dessert taco is the shell. If you don’t want to drape them over your oven rack, a cannoli form or even some carefully shaped aluminum foil can work in a pinch to help them hold their shape while baking. Don’t overcrowd the oven rack to ensure air circulates for maximum crispiness.
• Make Ahead Components: To save time, especially for a party, you can make the components ahead of time. The cheesecake filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The taco shells can also be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to assemble everything right before serving to keep the shells from getting soggy.
• Getting the Creamiest Filling: The absolute most important tip for a lump free cheesecake filling is to make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. If it’s even slightly cold, it won’t blend smoothly. I recommend taking it out of the fridge at least 2 hours before you start.

Variations:

• Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Tacos: Swap the strawberries for fresh blueberries and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. It’s a bright and zesty combination that is perfect for summer. This is a great way to use up summer berries.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tacos: For the ultimate indulgence, add a 1/4 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella) to the cheesecake filling. Top with chopped toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of melted chocolate instead of fruit. It’s a truly decadent twist.
• Gluten Free Option: You can find gluten free flour tortillas at most grocery stores these days. Follow the same baking instructions, but watch them carefully as their cook time might be slightly different. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten free as needed. For another delicious party treat, you could serve these alongside some No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos are a spectacular dessert all on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even more. Whether you’re planning a quiet family dessert night or a big celebration, here are a few ideas for serving them.

One of my favorite ways to serve these is to create a full blown Dessert Taco Bar. This is especially fun for parties. Prepare a big batch of the crispy taco shells and lay them out on a platter. Then, set out bowls of the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping, alongside a variety of other fun toppings. Think outside the box! A bowl of rich chocolate ganache, a jar of warm caramel sauce, different kinds of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds, toasted coconut shavings, mini chocolate chips, and a can of whipped cream. This interactive setup not only looks impressive but allows guests to customize their dessert, which is always a huge hit. It becomes a central point of the party, where guests can mingle and have fun creating their own sweet treat. You can even add other fruit options like raspberries or peaches.

For a more classic dessert plating, serve two tacos on a plate with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on the side. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the plate adds a touch of elegance. For a holiday theme, like Valentine’s Day, you could even serve these with some beautiful XOXO Chocolate Covered Strawberries on the side. You can also pair them with a scoop of high quality vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the crispy, creamy taco is absolutely divine. For drinks, a simple glass of cold milk is a classic pairing that kids will love. For the adults, a freshly brewed coffee or a sweet dessert wine would complement the rich cheesecake flavors beautifully. For another wonderful take on this style of dessert, check out this recipe from Sugar Apron.

Storage & Reheating for Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

While these tacos are definitely best enjoyed fresh to get that magical contrast of crispy shell and creamy filling, you might have leftovers. Storing them properly is key!

To Store: If you have already assembled the tacos, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the crispy shells will soften over time as they absorb moisture from the filling. If you have leftover components that have not been assembled, you can store them separately for much better results. The shells will stay crispy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and the cheesecake filling will last in the fridge for about 4 days.

Reheating: Reheating assembled dessert tacos is not recommended as it will melt the filling and make the shells soggy. This dessert is best served with the filling cold and the shells at room temperature. If you’ve stored the shells separately and they’ve lost some of their crispiness, you can refresh them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for just 2 to 3 minutes until they are crisp again. Let them cool completely before filling.

FAQ about Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Can I make these with corn tortillas?
While you can experiment, I highly recommend using flour tortillas for this recipe. They have a softer, more pliable texture that bakes into a sturdy yet tender shell, perfect for holding the creamy filling. Corn tortillas have a stronger flavor and a grainier texture that might not pair as well with the sweet cheesecake, and they tend to crack more easily when folded.

How do I keep my taco shells from getting soggy?
The best way to prevent soggy shells is to assemble the tacos right before you plan to serve them. The moisture from the cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries will naturally soften the crispy shells over time. If you’re making them for a party, create a taco bar where guests can assemble their own! This keeps everything fresh and crispy.

Can I use a premade cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a store bought no bake cheesecake filling is a great shortcut. However, I encourage you to try the homemade version when you have a moment. It uses simple ingredients and the flavor is so much richer and fresher. My recipe for the filling is quick, easy, and will make your dessert tacos recipe taste truly gourmet.

What other fruits can I use?
This is a very versatile recipe! You can substitute the strawberries with almost any fruit you love. A mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries works beautifully. In the summer, diced peaches or mangoes are delicious. In the fall, you could even try a cooked down apple cinnamon topping. Have fun and be creative!

Final Thoughts on Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Food, for me, is all about connection, and this recipe is the perfect example of that. It’s more than just a fun dessert; it’s an experience waiting to happen. It’s the laughter from your kids as they try to build their own taco without making a mess. It’s the look of pleasant surprise on your friends’ faces when they take their first bite. These Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos are a celebration of fun, flavor, and family.

I hope you have as much fun making and eating these as my family and I do. Every meal made with love is a memory in the making.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how they turned out. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it again. For more family friendly recipes and kitchen inspiration, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!