Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I can’t get enough of the contrast between the crispy shell and the creamy filling—it’s dessert in taco form, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. The fresh strawberries add brightness, the crunch topping gives texture, and the cheesecake filling makes it rich and decadent. Plus, these tacos look stunning when served, making them just as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Large flour tortillas
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Granulated sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Cream cheese, softened
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Whipped topping or heavy cream (whipped)
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Fresh strawberries, diced
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Strawberry crunch topping (crushed golden sandwich cookies mixed with strawberry gelatin powder)
Directions
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Prepare the Tortilla Shells
I cut the tortillas into smaller circles (about 4–5 inches wide), brush them with melted butter, and coat them with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. I bake or air fry them over a taco rack or oven-safe form until golden and crisp. -
Make the Cheesecake Filling
I beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. I fold in whipped topping to make it light and fluffy. -
Prepare the Crunch Topping
I crush golden sandwich cookies and mix them with strawberry gelatin powder for that signature strawberry crunch. -
Assemble the Tacos
Once the shells are cool, I pipe or spoon in the cheesecake filling, top with diced strawberries, and sprinkle generously with the crunch topping. -
Serve Immediately
These are best eaten fresh so the shells stay crisp.
Servings and timing
Serves 6. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Variations
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Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries.
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Add a drizzle of white chocolate over the top for extra sweetness.
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Swap the crunch topping for crushed graham crackers for a classic cheesecake vibe.
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Make mini versions for bite-sized party desserts.
storage/reheating
I store the cheesecake filling separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assembled tacos should be eaten right away to prevent the shells from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the shells ahead of time?
Yes, I make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
How do I keep the shells from collapsing while baking?
I use a taco rack or shape them over oven-safe foil molds.
Can I use store-bought taco shells?
Yes, dessert taco shells or even waffle cones can work.
What if I can’t find strawberry gelatin powder?
I crush freeze-dried strawberries and mix them with sugar for a natural alternative.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes, I use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos are a creative and delicious dessert that combines the best parts of cheesecake, tacos, and strawberry shortcake. With their crisp shells, creamy filling, and fruity crunch, they’re guaranteed to impress—and disappear fast.
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos
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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos are a fun and decadent dessert made with crispy cinnamon-sugar taco shells, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and a nostalgic strawberry crunch topping. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or when you want a showstopping no-bake treat.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked / No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Taco Shells:
6 large flour tortillas
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
For the Toppings:
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
10 golden sandwich cookies, crushed
2 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder (or crushed freeze-dried strawberries + sugar)
Instructions
Cut flour tortillas into smaller rounds (about 4–5 inches). Brush with melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar. Drape over a taco rack or foil mold and bake at 375°F (190°C) or air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.
Mix crushed golden sandwich cookies with strawberry gelatin powder (or substitute with crushed freeze-dried strawberries and sugar).
Spoon or pipe cheesecake filling into cooled taco shells. Top with diced strawberries and generous strawberry crunch topping.
Enjoy right away for best texture.
Notes
Make taco shells up to 1 day in advance and store in an airtight container.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and whipped cream.
Freeze-dried strawberries make a great natural alternative to gelatin powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg