These Apple Cheesecake Tacos are a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert. They combine crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated tortillas with a creamy cheesecake filling and a warm apple pie topping. It’s a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cheesecake Tacos
- Unique and Delicious: These tacos are a fun and unexpected twist on a classic dessert.
- Crispy and Creamy: The combination of crispy cinnamon-sugar tortillas, creamy cheesecake filling, and warm apple pie topping is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Perfect for Sharing: These tacos are great for parties, potlucks, or any special occasion.
Ingredients for Apple Cheesecake Tacos
Here’s what I use to make these delightful tacos:
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Shells:
- Flour Tortillas: I use large flour tortillas for this recipe.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor to the tortilla shells.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- Oil for Frying: I use vegetable oil for frying the tortillas.
Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Cheese: I use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and creates a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
Homemade Apple Pie Filling:
- Apples: I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and a classic apple pie flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the apple pie filling.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
- Water: Helps to create the sauce for the apple pie filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the apple pie filling.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Different Fillings: Try using different types of pie filling, like cherry, blueberry, or pumpkin.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the tacos for an extra decadent treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the apple pie filling.
- Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each taco for an extra special treat.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Tacos
Step 1: Make the Tortilla Shells
I start by combining the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Then, I heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. I use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles from the tortillas. I fry the tortilla circles in the hot oil for a few seconds per side, then fold them in half and fry until golden brown. I immediately toss the fried tortillas in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place them in an upside-down muffin tin to hold their shape while they cool.
Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling
In a saucepan, I combine the water, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I cook this mixture over medium heat until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Then, I add the diced apples and vanilla extract and cook until the apples are softened. I remove the filling from the heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
I beat together the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Then, I transfer the mixture to a piping bag.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
I fill the cooled tortilla shells with the cheesecake filling and top with the apple pie filling.
Tips and Tricks
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tortillas. If it’s not hot enough, the tortillas will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Coating the Tortillas: Coat the tortillas in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after frying to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Muffin Tin: Using an upside-down muffin tin helps the tortilla shells hold their shape while they cool.
How to Serve
These Apple Cheesecake Tacos are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of richness.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing for apple pie.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the tacos for an extra layer of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make the tortilla shells and the fillings ahead of time.
- Storing: Store leftover tacos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas or even small flour tortillas.
2. Can I bake the tortilla shells instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven, but they may not be as crispy.
3. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time.
There you have it! A fun, festive, and delicious recipe for Apple Cheesecake Tacos. I hope you enjoy them!
PrintApple Cheesecake Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 tacos 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cheesecake Tacos are a unique and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla shells are filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with a homemade apple pie filling.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Shells:
- 3 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Homemade Apple Pie Filling:
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/16 cup cornstarch (or approximately 1 tablespoon for easier measurement)
- 2 2/3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/16 teaspoon nutmeg (or a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Shells:
- Cut Tortillas: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside. Using a 3.5-4 inch circle cutter, cut circles from tortillas.
- Fry Tortillas: Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry tortilla circles for about 10-15 seconds per side, then fold them in half and fry until golden brown.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after frying, toss the tortilla shells in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating completely. Place them on an upside-down muffin tin to hold their shape. Repeat with the remaining tortilla circles.
Make Homemade Apple Pie Filling:
- Cook Apples: In a medium-sized dish, combine water, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 2-3 minutes at medium heat, until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add apples and vanilla extract and cook for 10 minutes, or until the apples soften. Remove from heat and let cool at room temperature.
Make Cheesecake Filling:
- Whip Cream Cheese: Beat cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for 2 minutes using a mixer on medium speed, until thickened.
- Assemble Tacos: Put the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag and cut off the tip. Fill the cooled tortilla shells with cream cheese filling and top with apple pie filling.
Notes
- Air Bubbles: If you notice any air bubbles while frying tortilla shells, pierce them with a fork or knife before placing them in hot oil.
- Frying Time: Tortilla shells should be fried only until they get slightly brown. If you fry them too much, the sugar and cinnamon mixture won’t stick.
- Coating: It’s important to transfer the shells to the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after frying and coat them completely.
- Alternative Baking Method: You can bake the tortilla shells in the oven instead of frying them. Spread melted butter on both sides of tortilla circles and then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Fold tortilla circles in half and place them in a muffin tin turned upside down. Bake for 5-7 minutes at 400°F.
- Make Ahead: The tacos can be made the day before and kept in the fridge, but the tortillas won’t be as crunchy.
- Pie Filling: You can use other pie fillings, such as strawberry, cherry, or blueberry.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 200kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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