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Craving a dessert that’s both playful and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos are the perfect treat. Imagine creamy cheesecake filling nestled in a crispy taco shell, topped with a sweet strawberry crunch. These are perfect for parties, fun family desserts, or any time you want to add a little excitement to your day!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos
These aren’t your average tacos! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a stunning dessert.
- Unique and Fun: A creative twist on classic flavors.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: Adapt to your favorite flavors and dietary needs.
- Delicious Texture: Creamy, crunchy, and satisfying in every bite.
- Visually Appealing: A treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for easy assembly.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos. We’ve included measurements to make it super easy!
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (227g), softened to room temperature. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g). Use regular granulated sugar for the best texture and sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake filling.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml), whipped to stiff peaks. Make sure the heavy cream is cold before whipping for best results.
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- Golden Oreo Cookies: 1 cup (about 12 cookies), crushed into fine crumbs. The buttery flavor of Golden Oreos complements the strawberry perfectly.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: 1/4 cup (about 15g), crushed into a powder. Freeze-dried strawberries add intense strawberry flavor and a delightful crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g), melted. Melted butter binds the cookie and strawberry crumbs together.
For the Taco Shells:
- Flour Tortillas: 6 (6-inch). Smaller tortillas are easier to handle and create a perfect taco shape.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Any neutral oil works for frying the tortillas, adding a light crispness.
For the Strawberry Garnish:
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup (about 150g), sliced. Fresh strawberries add a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Essential Equipment List
Having the right tools makes all the difference in the kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to create these Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos:
- Large Bowl: For mixing the cheesecake filling.
- Medium Bowl: For preparing the strawberry crunch topping.
- Electric Mixer: Essential for creating a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. A hand mixer works great.
- Spatula: For gently folding in the whipped cream and combining ingredients.
- Large Skillet: For frying the tortillas to create taco shells.
- Tongs: To safely handle and shape the tortillas while frying.
Recipe Details
Quick stats for your convenience:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 tacos
- Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your own Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos!
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. This is crucial for a lump-free filling!
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until well combined, being careful not to deflate the cream. Set aside.
Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreo cookies and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture is moistened and crumbly. This creates the irresistible crunch.
Prepare the Taco Shells
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, until softened and pliable. This prevents them from cracking when folded.
- Fold each tortilla in half to create a taco shell shape. You may need to use tongs to hold the shape while they cool slightly.
Assemble the Tacos
- Fill each taco shell with the cheesecake filling.
- Sprinkle generously with the strawberry crunch topping.
- Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Serve
- Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill for later.
CHECK OUT: Strawberry Crunch Cookies – A delightful twist on classic cookies with a burst of strawberry flavor!
Tips for Success
Here are some insider tips to ensure your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos are a hit:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Over-Whip: Be careful not to over-whip the heavy cream, as it can become grainy.
- Gentle Folding: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to maintain its volume.
- Cooling Time: Allow the taco shells to cool slightly before filling to prevent the cheesecake filling from melting.
- Even Distribution: Distribute the strawberry crunch topping evenly for a consistent crunch in every bite.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and substitutions for your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos:
- Different Fruit: Substitute the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries.
- Cookie Crumbs: Use graham cracker crumbs or other flavored cookies for the crunch topping.
- Dietary Needs: Use gluten-free tortillas and cookies for a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished tacos for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos
Complete your dessert experience with these delicious pairings:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the creamy filling and crunchy topping.
- Chocolate Milk: The richness of chocolate milk pairs well with the sweet strawberry flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and healthy contrast to the decadent tacos.
- Coffee: A cup of hot coffee is perfect for enjoying these tacos as an afternoon treat.
Health Benefits
While these are a treat, they do offer some nutritional value! The fresh strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Dairy contributes calcium and protein. However, enjoy in moderation!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to store and reheat your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos:
- Storage: Store the assembled tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the assembled tacos, as the texture of the filling may change.
- Reheating: While not traditionally reheated, if desired, let the tacos sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and strawberry crunch topping ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble just before serving.
Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos?
Yes, regular Oreos will work, but the flavor will be slightly different. Golden Oreos provide a milder, buttery flavor that complements the strawberry better.
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a different flavor profile, but flour tortillas are recommended for the best texture.
How do I prevent the taco shells from getting soggy?
Make sure to fry the tortillas until they are slightly crispy and pliable. Also, assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent the filling from softening the shells.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other toppings like chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
More Delicious Dishes to Explore
Craving more strawberry goodness? Check out these delightful recipes:
- Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette – A refreshing salad with a sweet and crunchy twist!
- Strawberry Crunch Cookies – Perfectly sweet and crumbly cookies that are hard to resist.
- Sweet & Savory Strawberry Crunch Salad – Experience a unique blend of flavors in this intriguing salad!
Conclusion
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos are a fun, easy, and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress! Whip them up for your next gathering and watch them disappear. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs 1x
Description
Delicate, airy puffs filled with luscious pastry cream, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cream Puffs:
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, (1 stick)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Pastry Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- For the Cream Puffs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and quickly add the flour. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
- Let the dough cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag. Pipe mounds onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not open the oven door.
- Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Let the puffs cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Pastry Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
- Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
- For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Assembly:
- Cut the cooled cream puffs in half horizontally.
- Fill the bottom half of each puff with pastry cream.
- Top with the strawberry filling.
- Dollop or pipe whipped cream on top.
- Place the top half of the cream puff on top.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- Storage: Unfilled puffs can be stored at room temp for 2 days. Filled puffs should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
- Freezing: Baked and cooled puffs can be frozen. Thaw before filling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry cream puffs, cream puffs, dessert, strawberry dessert, pastry cream, whipped cream
