Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together two beloved foods—cheesecake and tacos—in a fun and creative way. The crunchy, sweet Fruity Pebbles cereal shells pair perfectly with the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Each bite is a balanced mix of textures: the crunch from the cereal, the smoothness from the cheesecake filling, and the burst of fruity flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an after-school treat, or for a unique dessert idea, these Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos will definitely stand out and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the shells:
- 3 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
For the garnish:
- Additional Fruity Pebbles cereal
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the cereal shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the Fruity Pebbles cereal with melted butter, stirring until the cereal is evenly coated with butter.
- Form the shells: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or place an oven-safe taco holder (if you have one). Press a spoonful of the cereal mixture into each muffin tin cup, gently pressing it down to form a shell shape. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cereal turns slightly golden and crispy. Let the cereal shells cool completely.
- Make the cheesecake filling: While the shells cool, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the tacos: Once the cereal shells have cooled, spoon the cheesecake filling into each shell. Top with a generous amount of additional Fruity Pebbles for added crunch and a pop of color.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your fruity, cheesecake-filled tacos!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 tacos and takes approximately 20-30 minutes of prep time, plus about 10 minutes for baking the shells. If you refrigerate them before serving, allow an additional 30 minutes for the filling to set.
Variations
- Chocolatey twist: Mix in some mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a chocolate cheesecake taco.
- Different cereals: Swap the Fruity Pebbles for other cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Cocoa Pebbles for a new flavor combination.
- Fruit topping: Add fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi on top for a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a dairy-free cheesecake filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These cheesecake tacos are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the cereal shells separate from the filling to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: These are best served cold or at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they will maintain their shape and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cereal shells in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
Can I use regular cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, regular cream cheese works perfectly fine. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the smoothest consistency.
Can I use a different cereal instead of Fruity Pebbles?
Absolutely! You can use other cereals, like Cocoa Pebbles, Rice Krispies, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe without whipped cream?
You can substitute the whipped cream with a little more cream cheese or use a non-dairy whipped topping for a lighter texture.
How do I make sure the cereal shells don’t fall apart?
The melted butter helps the cereal bind together, but make sure to press the mixture into the muffin tin firmly and bake until the edges are golden. Allow the shells to cool completely before filling.
Can I freeze these cheesecake tacos?
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cereal shells (without the filling) for up to a month. Fill them just before serving.
How can I make the filling more stable?
If you want a firmer filling, you can add a little more powdered sugar or chill the filled tacos in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make these without using an oven?
Yes, you can try shaping the cereal mixture into taco shells and setting them in the refrigerator to harden. While they may not be as crispy as baked shells, they will still hold their shape.
Can I top these tacos with something else besides cereal?
Yes! You can add whipped cream, sprinkles, or drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to let the cereal shells cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling. You can also refrigerate the filled tacos to help maintain the crispness of the shells.
Conclusion
Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos are a fun, colorful, and delicious dessert that brings a playful twist to traditional cheesecake. With their crispy cereal shells and creamy filling, these tacos are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for anyone looking for a fun and vibrant treat. Whether you’re serving them for a birthday, party, or just because, these fruity cheesecake tacos are guaranteed to be a showstopper!
Print
Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos
Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos are a fun, whimsical dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the crunch of colorful, sugary cereal. These crispy, sweet taco shells are filled with a smooth cheesecake filling and topped with more Fruity Pebbles for an irresistible treat.
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
Ingredients
3 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream
Additional Fruity Pebbles cereal for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cereal shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the Fruity Pebbles cereal with melted butter, stirring until the cereal is evenly coated with butter.
- Form the shells: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or use an oven-safe taco holder. Press a spoonful of the cereal mixture into each muffin tin cup, gently pressing it down to form a shell shape. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cereal turns slightly golden and crispy. Let the shells cool completely.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the tacos: Once the cereal shells have cooled, spoon the cheesecake filling into each shell. Top with a generous amount of additional Fruity Pebbles for added crunch and color.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your fruity, cheesecake-filled tacos!
Notes
Best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep shells separate from the filling to prevent sogginess.
Feel free to swap out the Fruity Pebbles for other cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Cocoa Pebbles for a different flavor.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping.
To prevent sogginess, ensure the cereal shells cool completely before adding the filling.
If you’re in a pinch, you can freeze the cereal shells (without the filling) for up to a month and fill them just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg