This post has been sponsored by Mission®. All opinions are entirely my own.
Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Taquitos: The Ultimate Sweet & Crunchy Treat for Cinco de Mayo
Churro Cheesecake Taquitos are a cinnamon-spiced dessert that offers the perfect harmony of crunch and creamy indulgence. These delightful two-bite treats are simply irresistible and are the ideal showstopper for your Cinco de Mayo celebration or any festive gathering!
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Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled! This vibrant holiday has always held a special place in my heart, not just for its cultural significance, but because it’s a fantastic excuse to dive headfirst into all my favorite Mexican-inspired foods. Much like St. Patrick’s Day calls for all things Irish, Cinco de Mayo beckons with an array of incredible flavors and festive dishes that I eagerly await each year.
From sizzling tacos and hearty burritos to cheesy enchiladas and refreshing margaritas, the culinary possibilities for Cinco de Mayo are endless. And while savory dishes often take center stage, no celebration is complete without a show-stopping dessert. This year, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly blends festive flair with irresistible sweetness: Churro Cheesecake Taquitos. These delightful little fried treats are guaranteed to be the star of your party!
Churro Cheesecake Taquitos: The Perfect Cinco de Mayo Dessert
Table of Contents
The Secret Ingredient: Mission® Street Tacos Corn Tortillas
The magic of these two-bite desserts begins with the foundation: Mission® Street Tacos Corn Tortillas. These tortillas are not just for savory dishes; their unique qualities make them absolutely ideal for creating these sweet, crispy taquitos. When rolled up and fried to a golden-brown crisp, they provide the perfect crunchy shell for our decadent filling.
What makes Mission Street Tacos Corn Tortillas so perfect for this dessert recipe? First, their size is simply unmatched. They are perfectly proportioned for individual, two-bite indulgences, making them excellent for snacks, appetizers, and especially these delightful desserts. Secondly, their flavor profile is exquisitely balanced. While they have a subtle savory note, it’s not overpowering. Instead, it provides just the right amount of counterpoint to the sweet, cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling, creating a complex and utterly addictive taste experience. This savory hint is far superior to overly sweet options like graham cracker crusts, which can make a dessert feel one-dimensional. My mouth is watering just thinking about that harmonious blend!
A Creamy, Luscious Churro Cheesecake Filling
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the churro cheesecake filling. This exquisite filling is incredibly creamy and luscious, delivering all the warm, comforting cinnamon-sugar flavor you adore in traditional churros. But there’s a delightful twist – a subtle tang from the cream cheese that elevates the richness and adds a sophisticated depth to each bite. This isn’t just a sweet filling; it’s a perfectly balanced concoction that will have everyone reaching for another taquito.
Beyond their incredible taste, these taquitos are wonderfully practical for parties. Their compact, two-bite size means no need for silverware, and they are delightfully mess-free. Guests can easily pick them up and enjoy without any fuss. A final touch of a small dollop of whipped cream on top transforms these into the best darn party dessert you’ll ever taste. The cool, light cream provides a perfect contrast to the warm, spicy filling and crispy shell, making every bite a multi-textured delight.
Make-Ahead Tips for Effortless Entertaining
Hosting a party can be stressful, but these Churro Cheesecake Taquitos are designed for convenience. You can easily prepare these little guys ahead of time, saving you precious minutes on the day of your event. Simply make the churro cheesecake filling and the taquito shells separately. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the fried, cinnamon-sugar-coated shells at room temperature in a dry place to maintain their crispiness. Right before your guests arrive, or when you’re ready to serve, simply fill the shells. This assembly-line approach ensures fresh, perfectly textured taquitos without any last-minute rush. For a final flourish, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar, if desired, just before serving.
A key advantage of Mission Street Tacos Corn Tortillas is their incredible versatility. While small in size, they are huge on flavor and can transition seamlessly from savory main courses to sweet desserts like these taquitos. They are also certified gluten-free, which is a fantastic bonus for guests with dietary restrictions. I always keep a pack (or two!) of these tortillas in my pantry because their applications are endless. Whether I’m crafting a quick weeknight dinner or experimenting with a unique dessert, they never disappoint.
Be warned: everyone is going to gobble these up as quickly as possible! So, if you’re planning a large Cinco de Mayo gathering, don’t hesitate to make double or even triple batches. They disappear fast, and you’ll want to ensure there are plenty for all your guests to enjoy. The compliments will be endless, and your friends will undoubtedly be asking for the recipe!
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These Churro Cheesecake Taquitos are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For an adult gathering, consider serving them alongside a refreshing margarita (perhaps a chili lime margarita for an extra kick!) or a crisp Mexican lager. The effervescence and subtle bitterness of a lager can beautifully cut through the sweetness of the taquitos, creating a balanced palate experience. For a family-friendly option, serve them with Mexican hot chocolate or even a glass of cold milk. The combination of warm cinnamon, creamy cheesecake, and a cool drink is pure bliss.
Don’t Waste a Drop: Leftover Filling Ideas!
PRO TIP: If you find yourself with some churro cheesecake filling leftover, absolutely do not discard it! This creamy, cinnamon-spiced delight is too good to waste. Instead, transform it into another fantastic dessert with the help of Mission® Thin & Crispy Tortilla Chips. These chips are not only gluten-free and perfectly crispy, but their ideal shape makes them excellent for dipping.
To enhance the experience, I like to sprinkle my Mission® Thin & Crispy Tortilla Chips with a little extra cinnamon and sugar. This subtle addition helps to balance the savory saltiness of the chips with a touch of sweet spice. Then, simply dip these seasoned chips into the extra churro cheesecake filling, and voilà! You have another incredibly delicious, easy-to-make dessert ready for round two. It’s a testament to the versatility of both the filling and Mission’s fantastic products!
What are your exciting plans for Cinco de Mayo this year? Will you be trying these Churro Cheesecake Taquitos? Tell me all about your festive ideas in the comments below! I love hearing how you celebrate.
Don’t forget to check out my chili lime margarita recipe for a perfectly festive sipper to accompany these sweet treats!
Essential Tools for Your Churro Cheesecake Taquitos
To ensure your Churro Cheesecake Taquitos turn out perfectly crunchy and creamy, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference. Here are the must-haves:
- **A reliable stand mixer:** For that impeccably fluffy and smooth cheesecake filling, a good stand mixer (like the KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer) is indispensable for beating the cream cheese to perfection.
- **Durable mixing bowls:** You’ll need a set of stainless steel mixing bowls for preparing your cinnamon-sugar coating and whisking together the other filling ingredients.
- **A sturdy saucepan for frying:** A good-quality saucepan is crucial for safely frying your taquitos to that ideal golden-brown crispness.
- **Pastry bag:** While not strictly essential, a pastry bag makes piping the filling into the taquito shells much easier and tidier, ensuring an even distribution.
Pin this Churro Cheesecake Taquitos recipe for later!
Churro Cheesecake Taquitos
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Equipment
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Saucepan
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KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Pastry Bag (Optional, but recommended for easy filling)
Ingredients
- 16 Mission® Street Tacos Corn Tortillas
- Canola oil for frying
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream optional, for serving
- Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
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Prepare for Frying: Heat about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for a steady 350˚F (175˚C).
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Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Stir until well combined, then set this mixture aside. This will be sprinkled on the taquitos immediately after frying.
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Warm and Roll Tortillas: Before frying, lightly warm the Mission® Street Tacos Corn Tortillas in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, or until they are soft and pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolled. Carefully roll each warm tortilla up into a tight tube shape and secure it in place with a toothpick.
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Fry the Taquitos: Fry the rolled tortillas in batches (3 to 4 at a time) in the hot oil. Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
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Drain and Coat: Carefully remove the fried tortilla shells from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the freshly fried, hot tortillas. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature; they will crisp up further as they cool. Once cool, carefully remove the toothpicks.
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Prepare Cinnamon Cream Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chilled heavy whipping cream until well-combined. This mixture will be thick and fragrant. Set aside.
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Whip Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until it is light, fluffy, and completely smooth, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Combine Filling Ingredients: Pour the prepared cinnamon cream mixture into the beaten cream cheese. Beat on low speed until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
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Fill the Taquitos: Transfer the creamy cheesecake mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a wide round tip (or simply snip off the corner of a sturdy Ziploc bag). Carefully pipe the filling into the cooled, cinnamon-sugar-coated fried tortillas. Fill from both ends until the filling comes to the edges, ensuring each taquito is generously filled.
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Garnish and Serve: Arrange the filled taquitos on a serving platter. Garnish each taquito with a small dollop of whipped cream and a final sprinkle of any remaining cinnamon sugar just before serving. Enjoy your delicious Churro Cheesecake Taquitos!