Absolutely! Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Apple Cheesecake Tacos โ a fun, handheld dessert that combines crispy cinnamon-sugar taco shells, creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and warm apple pie topping. Itโs like apple pie meets cheesecake in a crunchy taco shell โ perfect for fall, parties, or anytime you need a wow-worthy dessert.
๐ Apple Cheesecake Tacos
๐ Total Time: 45 minutes
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings: 10โ12 dessert tacos
๐ Difficulty: Easy
๐ฐ Texture: Crispy, creamy, gooey
๐ Overview
Apple Cheesecake Tacos are made by frying (or baking) small tortilla rounds into taco shapes, coating them in cinnamon sugar, then filling them with a sweet cream cheese filling and apple pie topping. Itโs like a dessert taco version of your favorite fall treats!
๐ง Ingredients
๐ธ For the Taco Shells:
- 10โ12 small flour tortillas (use street taco-size or cut larger ones with a 4-inch round cutter)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable), or use a dry skillet for toasting
๐ธ For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
๐ธ For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
โ Step 1: Make Cinnamon Sugar Taco Shells
Option A: Frying Method (best for crunch)
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a shallow bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar.
- Use tongs to carefully fold tortillas in half and place them into the hot oil. Hold with tongs or a taco mold for a few seconds until it holds shape, then fry each side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels, then immediately brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Set upright in a muffin tin or taco rack to cool and hold shape.
Option B: Baking Method (healthier)
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Brush both sides of tortillas with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Drape over two bars of the oven rack or place between muffin tin cups to create a taco shape.
- Bake for 8โ10 minutes until golden and crisp.
โ Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined and fluffy.
- Chill in the fridge while you prepare apples.
โ Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Topping
- In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook 5โ8 minutes, until apples are softened but not mushy.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook another minute until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
โ Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into cooled taco shells (a piping bag or zip-top bag works best).
- Top with a generous spoonful of warm or room-temperature apple topping.
- Garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional).
๐ Optional Garnishes:
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Whipped cream
- Crushed graham crackers
โ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, partially.
- Make the taco shells and store at room temp (airtight) for 1โ2 days.
- Prepare filling and apples and refrigerate.
- Assemble just before serving to keep shells crisp.
Q2: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes!
- Use 1 can (about 20 oz) of apple pie filling as a shortcut.
- Chop the apples slightly for easier spooning into tacos.
Q3: Can I bake the shells instead of frying?
Absolutely.
- See baking method above. They wonโt be quite as crisp but still delicious and lighter.
Q4: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas work best for sweet dessert tacos due to their soft and neutral flavor. Corn tortillas tend to be too savory and donโt crisp up the same way.
Q5: How should leftovers be stored?
- Assembled tacos: Best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, refrigerate for up to 2 days, but note the shells will soften.
- Components separately: Shells (room temp), filling and apples (refrigerated), assemble just before serving.
Q6: Can I make a no-cook version?
Yes! Use:
- Pre-made taco shells (sweet dessert shells or waffle shells)
- No-cook cheesecake filling
- Canned apples
Assemble and serve immediately.
Q7: Can I use other fruit toppings?
Definitely! Try:
- Cherry pie filling
- Blueberry compote
- Sautรฉed peaches
- Pumpkin pie filling (for fall vibes)
Would you like:
- A printable recipe card?
- A mini version for party trays?
- A no-dairy or vegan version?
Let me know, and Iโll tailor it for you!