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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
For the taco shells:
  • 8 small flour tortillas street taco size, about 4–5 inches
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional but recommended
For the cheesecake filling:
  • 12 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • Pinch of salt
For the strawberry crunch topping:
  • 16 golden sandwich cookies like Golden Oreos
  • 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder or crushed freeze-dried strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder optional for color and flavor
For the strawberry layer:
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional garnish:
  • Melted white chocolate for drizzling
  • Fresh mint leaves

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prep the strawberries: In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes to get juicy. Set aside.
  3. Make the strawberry crunch: Add the sandwich cookies to a zip-top bag and crush into small crumbs with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor. Mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder and gelatin powder (if using).
  4. Stir in melted butter until the crumbs are lightly moistened and clump slightly. Set aside.
  5. Shape the taco shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of each tortilla with melted butter.
  6. Stir sugar and cinnamon together, then coat tortillas lightly on both sides.
  7. Bake the shells: Drape tortillas over the bars of an oven rack to form a taco shape (leave space between so air can circulate). Bake 7–9 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove carefully and let cool completely on a wire rack so they hold their shape.
  8. Whip the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
  9. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until silky and fully combined.
  10. Chill for structure: Transfer filling to a piping bag or large zip-top bag and chill for 20–30 minutes. This helps it pipe neatly and hold its shape.
  11. Assemble the tacos: Pipe the cheesecake filling into each cooled tortilla shell, filling generously.
  12. Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries on top, allowing some juices to drip for that pretty, glossy look.
  13. Add the crunch: Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the fruit and cream. Press gently so it adheres.
  14. Finish with flair: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add a small mint leaf if you like. Serve immediately for maximum crispness.

Notes

Storage Instructions
Unassembled: Store shells at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep the cheesecake filling covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The strawberry crunch can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Assembled: Best eaten right away. If needed, refrigerate for up to 6 hours, but the shells will soften slightly.
Freezing: Not recommended for assembled tacos.
You can freeze the cheesecake filling for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge and re-whip briefly if needed.