Cherry Cheesecake Taco Dessert

Ingredients

5 or 6 – 8 inch tortillas

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup butter, melted

1 cup chopped strawberries

¼ cup sugar

2 tbsp water

1 tbsp cornstarch

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup confectioner’s sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400*

Using a 4 inch cookie cutter, cut out as many rounds from the tortillas that you can, you want at least 20.

Dip each tortilla round that you cut, into melted butter and then coat with crushed graham crackers

Slightly fold the tortilla round and place it between two muffin cups (tip the muffin tray upside down and place between the underside of the cup)

Bake for 10 minutes, or just until they begin to brown

Set aside to cool still on the pan

While the shells are cooling, make the strawberry topping by adding the water, sugar and strawberries to a pot.

Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer to soften the strawberries

Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and add to the strawberries, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, lemon zest and heavy cream until it thickens.

Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Using a piping bag, fill each taco shell with the cream cheese filling then top with ½ tsp of strawberry topping

You could sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs to garnish

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different fruit toppings instead of strawberries?

Yes, you can definitely customize the recipe by using different fruit toppings. Feel free to substitute strawberries with fruits like cherries, blueberries, or raspberries to suit your preferences.

Can I use store-bought taco shells instead of making them from tortillas?

If you prefer convenience, you can use store-bought taco shells instead of making them from tortillas.

Simply follow the instructions on the package for baking or heating the taco shells before filling them with the cream cheese mixture and fruit topping.

Can I make the dessert in advance and refrigerate it?

Yes, you can prepare the dessert in advance and refrigerate it. The taco shells can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

The cream cheese filling and strawberry topping can also be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated.

Assemble the dessert by filling the taco shells with the cream cheese mixture and topping them with the strawberry topping just before serving.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version?

Certainly! If you follow a vegan diet or have dairy allergies, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in this recipe.

There are several brands available that offer vegan cream cheese substitutes made from ingredients like cashews or tofu.

Ensure that the substitute has a similar consistency to cream cheese to achieve the desired texture for the filling.

Can I add additional toppings to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests garnishing with graham cracker crumbs, you can add more toppings to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Consider sprinkling some chocolate shavings, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the filled taco shells for extra indulgence.

Be creative and experiment with different toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Can I use a different type of tortilla for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of tortillas for a unique twist. While the recipe calls for 8-inch tortillas, you can try using smaller or larger tortillas, or even flavored ones like whole wheat or spinach tortillas, to add variety to your dessert.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute for fresh strawberries in the recipe. Thaw the frozen strawberries before using them in the strawberry topping.

Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may release more liquid, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make the taco shells in advance and store them?

Yes, you can make the taco shells in advance and store them for later use. After baking the shells, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. This way, you can save time when preparing the dessert.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for the cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! A hand mixer can be used as an alternative to a stand mixer to prepare the cream cheese filling.

Make sure to use a large mixing bowl that allows easy movement of the mixer beaters. Beat the ingredients until the filling thickens and achieves a creamy consistency.

Can I substitute the lemon zest with another citrus fruit?

Certainly! If you don’t have lemon zest or prefer a different citrus flavor, you can substitute it with orange zest or lime zest.

Both options will add a delightful citrus aroma and taste to the cream cheese filling, complementing the cherry and graham cracker flavors in the dessert.

Adjust the amount of zest according to your preference.