Chef Mitchell preparing Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered the idea of dessert tacos at a food festival. The combination of a crunchy shell filled with sweet flavors inspired me to create my version using strawberry cheesecake. After several trials, I perfected this recipe to share with my friends and family, and it has become a favorite ever since."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience specializing in American cuisine. He has created countless dessert recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists. His passion for cooking shines through in every dish he creates, especially in desserts that are both stunning and delicious.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos served on a plate

Why This Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it combines the beloved flavors of strawberry cheesecake with a playful taco format. The crispy taco shell complements the creamy filling, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness. It’s a unique dessert that is sure to impress your guests!

The technique of macerating the strawberries enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish. The balance between the rich cheesecake filling and the light strawberries creates a harmonious flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh strawberries that are in season. This will ensure maximum flavor and sweetness. Additionally, don't overmix the cream cheese filling; folding in the whipped cream gently maintains its light texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can prepare the cheesecake filling and macerate the strawberries a few hours in advance. However, it's best to assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the texture of the taco shells and prevent them from getting soggy.

If you want a lighter alternative, you can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. Both options will provide a creamy texture, though the flavor may vary slightly. Be sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

While there’s no baking involved, you’ll know your dessert tacos are ready when the taco shells are crispy and the cheesecake filling is smooth and well-combined. The assembly should be done right before serving for optimal freshness.

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled tacos as the textures will suffer. However, you can freeze the cheesecake filling and the strawberry mixture separately for up to one month, then assemble fresh tacos when you're ready to enjoy.

These dessert tacos are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra strawberry sauce for added indulgence. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish.

Assembled dessert tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain the taco shells' crispiness and avoid sogginess.

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and the strawberries ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the tacos right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Reheating is not recommended, as the integrity of the dessert will be compromised. Instead, enjoy them cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cheesecake filling is too dry, it may not have enough moisture.

Solution: To fix a dry cheesecake filling, add a little extra whipped cream or sour cream to achieve the desired creaminess.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the taco shells are not crispy, they may have been undercooked or not baked long enough.

Solution: Ensure you bake the taco shells in a preheated oven until they are golden brown. You can also broil them for a minute at the end for extra crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your taco shells are burnt or overly brown, they may taste bitter.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep a close eye on the shells while baking, and remove them as soon as they are golden brown.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the cheesecake filling is too runny, it may not have been mixed properly.

Recovery: Mix the filling thoroughly until smooth and adjust the ratios of cream cheese and whipped cream if necessary to achieve the right consistency.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the taco shells are burnt on the outside, they may have been exposed to too high heat.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature slightly and keep the shells in for a longer time to ensure even cooking without burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tacos are too sweet, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they're too salty, add a bit more sweetener to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavors are bland, enhance them with a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of citrus juice.

Fresh ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor in Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos. The strawberries should be ripe and sweet, while the cream cheese should be full-fat for a rich texture. Don't skimp on the toppings, as they elevate the overall experience.

Choosing the right taco shells is also important. You can either buy them pre-made or make your own from scratch. If making your own, ensure they are baked to a perfect golden brown for the best texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Strawberries: Look for strawberries that are bright red and plump. Avoid any with green patches or soft spots for the best flavor and quality.
  • Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling. Make sure it's at room temperature for easier blending.
  • Taco Shells: If making your own taco shells, experiment with different flours to find the one that gives you the crunchiness you desire. Corn flour is a popular choice for a traditional flavor.
Cooking process for Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by preparing your ingredients, making the filling, and then assembling the tacos. Each step is quick and requires minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

To achieve perfect results, pay attention to the texture of your fillings and the doneness of the taco shells. The combination of crispiness and creaminess is what makes this dish so delightful.

Key Technique for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

The key to perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos lies in the assembly. Fill the taco shells just before serving to keep them crispy, and ensure your cheesecake filling is light and airy for the best mouthfeel.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
    For thickness
  • 1/4 cup milk
    Whole milk preferred
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb strawberries
    Hulled and sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup whipped cream
    For lightness
  • 6 taco shells
    Store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
    For topping
  • 2 oz dark chocolate
    Melted for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup strawberry sauce
    Optional
  • Mint leaves
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries

    In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate.

  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

    In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Fold in whipped cream gently.

  3. Prepare Taco Shells

    If using homemade taco shells, bake them according to your recipe until golden brown and crispy. If using store-bought, warm them in the oven.

  4. Assemble the Tacos

    Fill each taco shell with a generous scoop of cheesecake filling, followed by the macerated strawberries.

  5. Add Toppings

    Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top of each filled taco and drizzle with melted dark chocolate.

  6. Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately with extra strawberry sauce on the side.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cheesecake filling and strawberries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh tacos when ready to serve to maintain the crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These dessert tacos can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.

Recipe Variations

You can customize your dessert tacos by adding different fruits such as blueberries or raspberries. Additionally, consider using flavored cream cheese or yogurt for a unique twist.