Apple Pie Cheesecake Tacos bring the best of both worlds with their sweet apple filling and creamy cheesecake blend, all wrapped in a tasty taco shell. It’s a fun treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Who wouldn’t want dessert in taco form? I love how easy they are to make and how they surprise everyone at gatherings. Grab a scoop of ice cream on the side, and you’re all set for a delicious time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Taco Shells: Cinnamon sugar-coated shells can easily be bought or made at home. If you want a healthier option, try using baked tortillas coated with cinnamon and a bit of sugar. They will still taste great!
Cream Cheese: Use regular cream cheese for the best texture. If you prefer to lighten it up, Neufchâtel cheese is a good substitute, as it has lower fat but keeps the creamy goodness.
Apples: I suggest Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the filling. Fuji apples can also work, or a mix of both adds great flavor. If out of apples, you can use canned pie filling.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a subtle caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, use white sugar with a bit of molasses for a similar taste.
Nutmeg: This spice adds warmth but can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand. You can use a little extra cinnamon instead for a similar flavor boost.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Apple Filling?
Cooking the apples properly is key to a great filling. You want them tender but not mushy. Here are the steps:
- Start with medium-high heat and melt the butter in your skillet.
- Add the diced apples quickly to avoid burning the butter.
- Cook and stir for about 8-10 minutes. If the apples start sticking, reduce the heat to medium.
- Keep an eye on them; you want them to soften just enough to be delicious without losing their shape!
Let the filling cool a bit before adding it to the tacos, as this will keep them crisp!
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Shells:
- 8 cinnamon sugar-coated taco shells (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
For the Finishing Touches:
- Honey or caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time. It includes about 10 minutes to cook the apple filling and about 20 minutes to assemble the tacos. You can enjoy them fresh right after making!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and lemon juice. Cook everything for about 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want the apples to be tender but still holding their shape. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will give you a delicious cheesecake-like filling!
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Take each cinnamon sugar taco shell and pipe or spoon a generous amount of the cheesecake filling into it. Be sure to fill it nicely but leave some room for the apple filling on top!
4. Add the Apple Filling:
Spoon the warm apple pie filling right on top of the cheesecake layer inside each taco shell. Don’t worry if a little spills over; that just makes them look extra delicious!
5. Finish and Serve:
If you’d like, drizzle some honey or caramel sauce over the filled tacos for an added sweetness. Finally, dust with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to make them even more appealing.
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and dig in! You’re now ready to enjoy these delicious Apple Pie Cheesecake Tacos, which are sure to impress friends and family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Filling?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought apple pie filling works perfectly. Just heat it up before adding it to the tacos for a quick and easy version!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the taco shells separately from the cheesecake and apple filling in airtight containers. This prevents the shells from getting soggy. The filling will last in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the taco shells can be kept at room temperature.
Can I Make the Fillings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple and cheesecake fillings up to 1 day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the shells crispy!
What If I Don’t Have Cinnamon Sugar Taco Shells?
No worries! You can make your own by brushing soft tortillas with butter, sprinkling them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, and baking them until they are crispy. Alternatively, you can use plain taco shells and dust them with cinnamon sugar after baking!
