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Blueberry cheesecake tacos bring together creamy cheesecake filling and juicy blueberries all tucked inside a warm cinnamon graham tortilla shell. With their fun twist on classic cheesecake they are always a hit at family gatherings and make an impressive quick dessert.
When I made these for a backyard barbecue last summer they were gone in minutes. Even my non-dessert loving uncle asked for seconds after just one bite.
Ingredients
- Tortillas: look for soft eight inch flour tortillas that are fresh and pliable for easy cutting
- Graham cracker crumbs: bring classic cheesecake crust flavor check for fresh crumbs without off smells
- Cinnamon: adds a cozy warmth use true cinnamon for best aroma
- Butter: melted butter helps the crumbs stick and gives a crisp shell
- Heavy cream: gives the filling a rich airy finish use cold heavy cream for easiest whipping
- Cream cheese: at room temperature for a silky smooth filling always check the best by date
- Lemon zest: brightens the filling grate only the yellow part for fresh flavor
- Vanilla extract: deepens the cheesecake taste opt for real extract not imitation
- Powdered sugar: sweetens smoothly with no grittiness sift if lumpy
- Blueberry pie filling: adds a juicy fruity layer choose a filling with whole berries for best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the Tortilla Shells:
- Use a round cookie cutter or glass to punch out circles from each tortilla. Aim for circles about four inches across so they create a good taco shape when baked.
- Coat with Graham and Cinnamon:
- Dip each tortilla circle into melted butter to coat all sides. Next press both sides into the graham cracker cinnamon mixture until well covered. This gives each shell that classic cheesecake crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Taco Shells:
- Flip a muffin tin upside down and tuck each coated circle between the muffin cups to form taco shapes. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool fully on the pan to set their shape.
- Make the Creamy Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl whip the heavy cream and room temperature cream cheese together until completely smooth and fluffy. Take your time with this step as it builds the texture base.
- Flavor and Sweeten:
- Beat in lemon zest vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Continue mixing until smooth and you have a creamy light consistency that holds its shape.
- Chill the Filling:
- Place the bowl of filling in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. Chilling firms it up for easy piping and helps the flavors meld.
- Fill the Taco Shells:
- Once chilled spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each cooled taco shell. For a neat presentation use a piping bag with a large star tip.
- Top and Serve:
- Add a teaspoon of blueberry pie filling over the cheesecake layer for juicy sweetness. Sprinkle a few more graham cracker crumbs for crunch and color then serve right away.
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The graham cracker and cinnamon combination reminds me of childhood desserts made with my grandmother and nothing brings back those memories like making these with my own kids while the kitchen smells sweet
Storage Tips
Store any extra taco shells unfilled in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Once filled with cheesecake and blueberry topping they should be refrigerated and eaten within a day for best texture. Always keep the pie filling and whipped cream cheese mixture chilled until right before serving to maintain freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten free tortillas work well if you have allergies. Try swapping blueberry filling with cherry or strawberry if you prefer another flavor. For a lighter option lowfat cream cheese can be used though the filling will be less rich. You can also roll the edges of the shells in chopped nuts for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Set up a make your own taco bar with different fruit toppings like raspberries peaches or diced mango. Offer extra lemon zest or chocolate chips for sprinkling on top. These are great for birthdays potlucks or as a playful dessert after taco night.
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A Bit of History
While dessert tacos are a modern twist they blend American cheesecake traditions with the fun portability of tacos. The cinnamon graham flavor is a nod to classic American cheesecake crusts but with the easy eating style of Mexican street food.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create crisp taco shells?
Dip tortilla circles in melted butter and cinnamon-graham mixture, then bake over an upside-down muffin tin for a golden crunch.
- → Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, fresh blueberries can be used for a lighter topping or mixed with a little sugar for extra sweetness.
- → How long should the filling chill before piping?
Chill the cream cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure a firm, pipeable texture.
- → What’s the best way to serve these treats?
Serve chilled and sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for added crunch and presentation.
- → How far in advance can I prepare them?
You can bake the shells and mix the filling a day ahead. Assemble just before serving to keep them crisp.