Apple Cheesecake Tacos

Apple Cheesecake Tacos are the perfect handheld dessert — crispy taco shells coated in cinnamon sugar, filled with creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with warm spiced apples. Think apple pie meets churro meets cheesecake… in taco form! 🍎🌮🍰

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🍏 Apple Cheesecake Tacos

🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

❄️ Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes

🍽️ Makes: 10–12 dessert tacos

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📝 Ingredients

🥖 For the Taco Shells:

• 10–12 small flour tortillas (street taco size)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

• Oil, for frying (or use air fryer/bake method)

🍰 For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
  (or substitute with 1 cup Cool Whip)

🍎 For the Apple Topping:

• 2–3 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, to thicken)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 1. Make the Taco Shells

Option A – Fried:

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).

2. Use tongs to fold tortillas into a taco shape and fry for about 1 minute per side, until golden.

3. Drain on paper towels.

4. While warm, brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.

Option B – Oven or Air Fryer:

1. Brush both sides with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

2. Drape over an oven rack rung or taco shaper.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until crispy.

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🔹 2. Make Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Fold in whipped cream or Cool Whip until fluffy.

3. Chill while preparing apples.

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🔹 3. Make the Apple Topping

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

3. Cook until tender (5–7 minutes).

4. For a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 more minutes.

5. Let cool slightly.

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🔹 4. Assemble the Tacos

1. Pipe or spoon cheesecake filling into cooled taco shells.

2. Spoon warm or cooled apple mixture on top.

3. Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or pecans.

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🍂 Tips & Variations

• Make ahead? Prepare all components and assemble just before serving to keep shells crisp.

• No fry zone? Air fryer taco shells come out great in just 6–8 minutes at 375°F.

• Extra toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle of caramel, or dusting of powdered sugar.

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Would you like a pumpkin spice variation, printable recipe card, or a gluten-free shell option?