Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos are a fun and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats combine crispy tortilla shells with a creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry topping. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
- 5 8-inch tortillas (about 20 rounds)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Shells
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut Tortillas:
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out 4-inch rounds from the tortillas. You should get about 4 rounds from each tortilla.
- Brush with Butter:
- Brush both sides of the tortilla rounds with melted butter and coat them with graham cracker crumbs.
- Shape and Bake:
- Place each tortilla round over the grates of an inverted muffin tin to form a taco shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- Cook Strawberries:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and 2 tsp of water. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture starts to boil.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water. Add this mixture to the strawberries and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Whip the Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese:
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Fill the Shells:
- Spoon the cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the filling into each cooled tortilla shell.
- Top with Strawberries:
- Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over the cheesecake filling.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful and delicious mini treats with family and friends.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Tortilla Shells: Make sure the tortilla shells are completely cooled before filling them to prevent the cheesecake filling from melting.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Thaw and drain them before using.
Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle:
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the assembled tacos for an extra decadent touch.
- Berry Mix:
- Use a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for the topping instead of just strawberries.
- Lemon Cheesecake:
- Add 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice to the cheesecake filling for a tangy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the components (tortilla shells, cheesecake filling, and strawberry topping) ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover assembled tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tortilla shells may lose some of their crispiness.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
For the best results, stick with cream cheese. However, mascarpone can be used as a substitute for a different flavor and texture.
4. What can I serve with Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos?
These tacos are delicious on their own but pair well with a side of fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos are a delightful and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy tortilla shells, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry topping, these mini treats are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special dinner, or just because, this recipe is simple to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give these Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos a try and enjoy a fun and tasty dessert. Happy cooking!
