Tired of serving the same predictable desserts at your gatherings? That familiar feeling of watching guests politely nibble on ordinary treats can be disheartening. These Cherry Cheesecake Tacos deliver an explosion of creamy, fruity goodness wrapped in a crisp, cinnamon-sugar shell that will genuinely wow your family and friends.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and after perfecting this recipe through countless test batches (my family didn’t mind the “failures” one bit!), I’m thrilled to share this game-changing dessert. As someone who believes desserts should be both impressive and approachable, I’ve crafted these tacos to be surprisingly simple yet absolutely showstopping.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from selecting the perfect cherry filling to mastering the crispy taco shells, plus share storage tips and exciting variations to keep this recipe in your regular dessert rotation.
Why These Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Work
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
- Prep time under 30 minutes with make-ahead options
- Endlessly customizable for different flavor preferences
- Perfect balance of creamy filling and crispy shell
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Kid-friendly to make and eat
- Great for both casual family desserts and elegant entertaining
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
Best Cherries for Cheesecake Tacos
When making cherry cheesecake tacos, the cherry component deserves special attention. For convenience, premium canned cherry pie filling works beautifully. However, if you’re making these during cherry season, fresh cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch create an unmatched flavor profile. During winter months, frozen cherries can be thawed and prepared the same way as fresh.
Cheesecake Element Options
The classic cream cheese base delivers that authentic cheesecake flavor, but mascarpone creates a luxurious variation. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese reduces calories while maintaining creaminess. Whichever base you choose, ensure it’s properly softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Taco Shell Foundations
Traditional flour tortillas transform magically into dessert shells, but you can also use ready-made cinnamon sugar tortilla chips for convenience. For a more authentic cheesecake experience, consider graham cracker taco shells, though these require more delicate handling.
Ingredients & Prep for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
Cheesecake Filling Essentials
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Zest of one lemon (optional but recommended)
Taco Shell Components
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- Cooking spray
Cherry Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1/4 cup sugar (if using fresh cherries)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (if using fresh cherries)
Step-by-Step Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- If using fresh cherries, pit them and combine with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a muffin tin by turning it upside down.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish for coating tortillas.
Cooking Method for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
- Brush both sides of each tortilla with melted butter.
- Dip buttered tortillas into cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.
- Drape tortillas between the cups of the upside-down muffin tin to form taco shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until tortillas are crisp and golden brown.
- If using fresh cherries, cook the cherry mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Filling Preparation for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until just combined.
- Add lemon zest if using and gently mix.
Assembly for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
- Allow taco shells to cool completely before handling.
- Transfer cheesecake filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped.
- Pipe filling into cooled taco shells, filling about 2/3 full.
- Top with cherry filling, allowing some to drip decoratively over the sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the filling.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Don’t overfill the tacos – leave room for the cherries to sit on top
- Make shells and filling a day ahead, but assemble no more than 3 hours before serving
- If taco shells become soft in storage, recrisp them in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes
- Handle warm taco shells carefully as they’ll harden as they cool
- For picture-perfect presentation, reserve a few fresh cherries for garnish
Tool Recommendations
- Offset spatula for removing baked taco shells
- Piping bag with star tip for decorative cheesecake filling
- Cherry pitter if using fresh cherries
- Stand mixer for perfect whipped cream consistency
Storage & Make-Ahead Options
- Unfilled taco shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Cheesecake filling stays fresh refrigerated for up to 2 days
- Fully assembled tacos are best enjoyed within 3 hours of assembly
- For a make-ahead option, prepare components separately and assemble just before serving
Looking for more creative dessert ideas? Check out my Pinterest board where I’ve collected hundreds of sweet inspiration photos that will make your mouth water!
Flavor Variations for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
Fruit Alternatives
- Blueberry cheesecake tacos for a less sweet option
- Strawberry with chocolate drizzle for a classic pairing
- Mixed berry for a vibrant color and flavor profile
- Peach or apple for a warm, comforting fall version
Dietary Adaptations
- Reduced sugar by using Greek yogurt and fresh fruit with minimal added sugar
- Gluten-free by using corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas
- Dairy-free option using coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternative
- Keto-friendly with almond flour tortillas and sugar-free cherry topping
Decadent Add-Ins
- White chocolate chips folded into the cheesecake filling
- Crushed graham crackers sprinkled over the filling before adding cherries
- Drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel over completed tacos
- Mini chocolate chips for a cookies-and-cream inspired variation
| Flavor Variation | Cherry Option | Cheesecake Twist | Shell Enhancement | Garnish Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Cherry | Dark sweet cherries | Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder | Chocolate tortillas | Chocolate shavings |
| Almond Cherry | Amarena cherries | Add 1/4 tsp almond extract | Almond sliver coating | Toasted almonds |
| Cherry Cheesecake Churro | Traditional cherries | Cinnamon cream cheese | Extra cinnamon sugar | Churro crumbles |
| Cherry Cheesecake S’mores | Cherry preserves | Add marshmallow fluff | Graham cracker dust coating | Mini marshmallows |
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
- Arrange on a platter with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a snow-capped look
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an à la mode experience
- Create a dessert taco bar with various toppings for interactive entertaining
- Serve with chocolate dipping sauce for extra decadence
- Pair with coffee or tea for afternoon gatherings
- Consider champagne or sparkling rosé for adult celebrations
FAQs About Cherry Cheesecake Tacos
Can I make these cherry cheesecake tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare all components in advance, but I recommend assembling no more than 3 hours before serving to maintain the shell crispness.
How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
Make sure your cheesecake filling isn’t too wet, and consider adding a thin layer of melted white chocolate inside the shell as a moisture barrier.
Can I freeze cherry cheesecake tacos?
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos as the texture suffers significantly. However, you can freeze the unfilled taco shells for up to 1 month.
What’s the best way to transport these to a party?
Transport the components separately and assemble on site, or carefully arrange fully assembled tacos in a single layer in a shallow container with dividers.
Can I make mini versions for a dessert buffet?
Absolutely! Use 3-inch tortillas and reduce baking time to 5-7 minutes for bite-sized treats.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Tacos represent everything I love about creative desserts – they’re unexpected, delightful, and bring smiles to everyone who tries them. The contrast between the crisp, cinnamon-sugar shell and the creamy, cherry-topped filling creates a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Next time you want to elevate your dessert game without spending hours in the kitchen, give these cherry cheesecake tacos a try! They’ve become a signature request at my family gatherings, and I suspect they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too.
Join thousands of home bakers who’ve already fallen in love with this recipe, and be sure to tag @GusRecipes when you share your creations on social media I can’t wait to see your versions!
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How Cherry Cheesecake Tacos Will Change Your Dessert Game
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy cinnamon-sugar taco shells filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with sweet cherry pie filling these Cherry Cheesecake Tacos are a fun, festive dessert twist perfect for holidays or parties!
Ingredients
8 small flour tortillas (4–5 inch)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Crushed graham crackers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Using a 4–5 inch round cutter, cut circles from the tortillas.
3. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
4. Brush each tortilla circle with melted butter, then coat both sides with cinnamon sugar.
5. Drape the tortillas over the bars of an inverted muffin tin to create a taco shape.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
7. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
8. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
9. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into the cooled taco shells.
10. Top each with cherry pie filling and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers if desired.
11. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
You can make the taco shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
Try swapping cherry pie filling for blueberry or strawberry for variety.
For extra crunch, dip taco shell edges in melted white chocolate before adding filling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked and Assembled
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cherry cheesecake tacos, dessert tacos, no bake cheesecake filling, holiday desserts, party treats