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Ready to wow your dessert crowd with something totally unexpected This special Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos recipe transforms all the fun of a fair treat and the creamy satisfaction of cheesecake into hand-held crispy tacos with a fresh strawberry burst Each shell is coated in buttery graham cracker crunch then filled with fluffy cheesecake mousse and sweet berries Every bite is a clever contrast of crackly shell and cloud-like filling No forks required
Every time I make these at a barbecue or family night I watch the tacos vanish within minutes The combo of crunchy shell and cool filling gets everyone smiling and asking for seconds
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: bring classic cheesecake flavor and crunch for your taco shells For best results use freshly crushed crackers
- Melted butter: helps stick the crumb coating to the shells and adds delicious richness Choose quality unsalted butter for great flavor
- Granulated sugar: adds extra sweetness and helps the coating crisp up
- Cream cheese: makes the filling rich and tangy Let it soften for smooth mixing
- Powdered sugar: blends easily into the filling making it fluffy rather than gritty
- Vanilla extract: gives the cheesecake filling its signature warmth and aroma pick a pure vanilla for best taste
- Heavy cream: lets you whip the filling into a mousse-like texture Use heavy cream straight from the fridge for faster whipping
- Diced strawberries: bring fresh juicy sweetness choose ripe and fragrant berries for maximum impact
- Flour tortillas: become the taco shells Keep them small for easier frying and filling
- Oil for frying: gives the shells their signature crunch Choose a neutral high-heat oil like canola or vegetable
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crunch:
- Mix together graham cracker crumbs melted butter and granulated sugar in a bowl Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand and everything is evenly combined Set aside until ready to coat your shells
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl beat softened cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth No lumps should remain In another bowl whip the cold heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese base creating a light fluffy filling
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Lay out the tortillas Spoon a generous line of cheesecake filling down the center of each one Top with a scattering of diced strawberries Fold each tortilla into a taco shape and if needed use toothpicks to help them keep their form
- Fry the Taco Shells:
- Heat an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat Test with a drop of water to see if it sizzles Carefully place taco-shaped tortillas into the oil Fry for two to three minutes per side turning gently with tongs until golden brown and crispy Remove and drain on paper towels so they stay crisp
- Coat with Graham Cracker Crunch:
- While still warm roll each fried taco shell in the graham cracker crumb mixture pressing gently to coat every surface This step gives them their signature texture and flavor
- Final Assembly and Serving:
- Arrange tacos on a tray Serve warm with extra cheesecake filling or fresh strawberries on the side for dunking The contrast of the warm shell and cool filling is what makes these irresistible
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Sometimes I sneak a few extra strawberries into mine right before serving My kids love helping roll the warm shells in graham cracker crumbs and we have a little contest to see who gets the crunchiest taco
Storage Tips
Keep finished tacos in the fridge uncovered for a few hours if you need to make them ahead The shell is crispiest on day one But you can also fry and coat the shells up to a day ahead and then fill just before serving If you have leftover filling it makes a fantastic dip for extra fruit or cookies
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of strawberries Try raspberries or a mix of berries in the filling Neufchâtel can replace cream cheese for a lighter version If you don t have graham crackers vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits also work for coating
Serving Suggestions
For parties set up all the components taco bar style so everyone builds their own tacos Try topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a thin drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair
Cultural and Historical Context
This recipe is pure American fun A playful take on both the traditional American cheesecake and tacos which have deep roots in Mexican cuisine It is a creative modern dessert meant for sharing and delight and you will see it popping up at fairs and food festivals across the states
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Serve these Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos right away for the ultimate crispy creamy contrast and share the fun at your next gathering