Apple Cheesecake Tacos

Introduction :

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake, look no further than Apple Cheesecake Tacos. These delightful treats are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this simple recipe to create a memorable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Shells:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• Oil for frying

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Homemade Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples, diced
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ cup cornstarch
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Shells:

1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
   • Mix ½ cup of brown sugar and 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Cut the Tortilla Circles:
   • Using a 3.5-4 inch circle cutter, cut circles from the 6 large flour tortillas.
3. Fry the Tortilla Circles:
   • Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Using tongs, place the tortilla circles in the hot oil and fry for about 10-15 seconds. Flip, fold in half, and continue frying until golden brown.
4. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
   • Remove the fried tortilla circles from the oil and let them drain for a few seconds.
   • Immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring some mixture gets inside the shells.
   • Place on an upside-down muffin tin to shape. Repeat with the remaining tortilla circles.

Make the Homemade Apple Pie Filling:

1. Cook the Filling Base:
   • In a medium dish, combine 1 cup water, ⅛ cup cornstarch, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Apples and Vanilla:
   • Add 2 diced large apples and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the mixture.
   • Cook for 10 minutes or until the apples soften. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Beat Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium speed for 2 minutes until thickened.
2. Transfer to Piping Bag:
   • Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and snip off the tip.

Assemble the Tacos:

1. Fill the Shells:
   • Fill each cinnamon sugar tortilla shell with the cream cheese filling.
2. Add Apple Pie Topping:
   • Top with the homemade apple pie filling.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cheesecake Tacos

1. Crispy Shells: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get crispy, golden shells.
2. Even Coating: Coat the shells in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still hot for the best adherence.
3. Cool Fillings: Allow the apple pie filling to cool completely to avoid melting the cream cheese filling.

Serving and Storage Tips for Apple Cheesecake Tacos

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: Arrange the Apple Cheesecake Tacos on a large serving platter, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
2. Garnishes: Add a dollop of whipped cream on each taco and sprinkle with a bit of extra cinnamon for an elegant touch.
3. Temperature: Serve the tacos slightly chilled for a refreshing treat. This also helps the cream cheese filling maintain its shape.
4. Serving Size: Depending on the occasion, consider serving smaller, bite-sized tacos for easy handling at parties or gatherings.
5. Accompaniments: Offer a side of caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream to complement the flavors of the tacos.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Short-Term Storage: Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the cream cheese filling fresh and the apple topping flavorful.
   • Separate Components: If you plan to make the tacos in advance, store the components separately. Keep the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells in an airtight container at room temperature, and the cream cheese filling and apple pie filling in the refrigerator.
2. Prevent Soggy Shells:
   • To prevent the tortilla shells from becoming soggy, fill them with the cream cheese and apple pie filling just before serving.
   • If you must store assembled tacos, place a paper towel at the bottom of the storage container to absorb any excess moisture.
3. Freezing:
   • Not Recommended: Freezing the assembled tacos is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese filling and the tortilla shells. However, you can freeze the apple pie filling separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
4. Reheating:
   • Tortilla Shells: If the tortilla shells have softened, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before assembling the tacos.
   • Apple Pie Filling: Reheat the apple pie filling on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm if desired.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple pie filling and cream cheese filling a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
2. Keep Cool: If serving outdoors or at a warm venue, keep the tacos chilled until just before serving to maintain the integrity of the cream cheese filling.
3. Portion Control: Use smaller tortillas or cut larger tortillas into smaller circles to create mini tacos, perfect for a dessert buffet or a light treat.

Delicious Variations of Apple Cheesecake Tacos

If you love the classic Apple Cheesecake Tacos, why not experiment with some delightful variations? Here are a few creative twists to take this dessert to the next level:

1. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients:

• Add ¼ cup of caramel sauce to the apple pie filling.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the assembled tacos before serving.

Instructions:

• Prepare the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells, cream cheese filling, and apple pie filling as per the original recipe.
• Mix ¼ cup of caramel sauce into the apple pie filling once it’s cooled.
• Assemble the tacos and drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for a rich, sweet finish.

2. Berry Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients:

• Substitute apples with a mix of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste).
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Replace the apple pie filling with a berry filling. Combine 2 cups of mixed berries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the berries soften and the mixture thickens.
• Follow the same steps for the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells and cream cheese filling.
• Fill the shells with the cream cheese filling and top with the berry mixture.

3. Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced.
• ¼ cup chocolate chips.
• 2 tablespoons of cream.

Instructions:

• Prepare the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells and cream cheese filling as per the original recipe.
• In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of cream to create a chocolate sauce.
• Assemble the tacos by filling the shells with the cream cheese filling, adding sliced bananas, and drizzling with the chocolate sauce.

4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

Instructions:

• Prepare the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells as per the original recipe.
• Mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar into the cream cheese filling.
• Fill the shells with this pumpkin cheesecake filling and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

5. Tropical Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced pineapple.
• 1 cup diced mango.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• 1 teaspoon lime juice.

Instructions:

• Replace the apple pie filling with a tropical fruit filling. Combine 1 cup of diced pineapple, 1 cup of diced mango, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens.
• Prepare the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells and cream cheese filling as per the original recipe.
• Assemble the tacos by filling the shells with the cream cheese filling and topping with the tropical fruit mixture.

6. Nutty Apple Cheesecake Tacos

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Honey or maple syrup for drizzling.

Instructions:

• Prepare the cinnamon sugar tortilla shells, cream cheese filling, and apple pie filling as per the original recipe.
• Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple pie filling.
• Assemble the tacos and drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving.

Tips for Variations

1. Mix and Match: Feel free to combine elements from different variations to create your own unique version.
2. Seasonal Fruits: Use seasonal fruits to keep the flavors fresh and exciting.
3. Extra Crunch: Add granola or crushed cookies to the filling for an extra layer of texture.

By trying these variations, you can enjoy a new and exciting take on the classic Apple Cheesecake Tacos every time you make them. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and combinations!

Conclusion

Apple Cheesecake Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining the best of apple pie and cheesecake in a fun and unique way. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a delicious treat for your family, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, creamy filling paired with the sweet and spiced apple topping, all encased in a crunchy cinnamon sugar shell. Happy cooking!