Cherry cheesecake tacos are the fun, crispy, and creamy dessert mashup I never expected to love so much. These bite-sized treats bring together the richness of a no-bake cheesecake filling with the tangy pop of cherry pie topping, all served inside a crunchy cinnamon-sugar taco shell. They’re a total crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to whip up for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet ending to dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe takes a classic dessert and transforms it into a playful handheld treat. The textures are unbeatable—crunchy, creamy, and juicy all in one bite. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, customizable, and doesn’t require baking the filling. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just treating myself, these tacos always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Flour tortillas
-
Granulated sugar
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Butter (melted)
-
Cream cheese (softened)
-
Powdered sugar
-
Vanilla extract
-
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
-
Cherry pie filling
Directions
-
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F and cutting small circles out of flour tortillas using a round cutter.
-
I dip each tortilla circle in melted butter, then coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
-
I fold the tortillas gently over the edge of a baking dish or use taco holders, then bake them until crispy and golden—about 8 to 10 minutes.
-
While the taco shells cool, I beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. I fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
-
I pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling into the cooled taco shells.
-
I top each taco with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 mini tacos. I usually prep them in 20 minutes, bake for 10 minutes, and chill for another 15–30 minutes, so I can have them ready in under an hour.
Variations
I sometimes swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or even apple for a fall twist. Chocolate drizzle or mini chocolate chips also make a delicious upgrade. If I want a lighter version, I use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar alternatives.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The shells will soften over time, but they still taste great. I don’t recommend reheating them—these are best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make the taco shells ahead of time?
Yes, I bake the shells up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until I’m ready to fill them.
What if I don’t have a round cutter for the tortillas?
I just use a cup or lid as a guide and cut around it with a knife.
Can I freeze cherry cheesecake tacos?
I don’t recommend freezing them—the texture of the filling changes, and the shells lose their crunch.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?
Absolutely, I just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form and use it as a substitute.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
I like to keep the shells and filling separate until right before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Conclusion
Cherry cheesecake tacos are a playful, delicious dessert that combines everything I love in a sweet treat: creamy filling, fruity topping, and a crispy shell. They’re quick, easy, and always a hit—whether I’m making them for a gathering or just craving something fun and indulgent.
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Tacos: The Sweet Crunch I Didn’t Know I Needed
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 mini tacos
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry cheesecake tacos are a fun, crispy, and creamy dessert that brings together a no-bake cheesecake filling with cherry pie topping, all served in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar taco shell. It’s a perfect handheld treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter (melted)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and cut small circles out of flour tortillas using a round cutter.
- Dip each tortilla circle in melted butter, then coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Fold the tortillas gently over the edge of a baking dish or use taco holders, then bake them until crispy and golden (about 8-10 minutes).
- While the taco shells cool, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
- Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling into the cooled taco shells.
- Top each taco with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.
Notes
- You can swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or apple for a different twist.
- Chocolate drizzle or mini chocolate chips can make a great upgrade.
- To make a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar alternatives.
- The taco shells can be baked up to a day ahead of time.
- Do not freeze these tacos, as the texture of the filling and the crunch of the shells will be compromised.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg