This fun and irresistible dessert takes a classic treat and turns it into an unforgettable experience: Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos are crunchy, sweet cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips topped with clouds of creamy cheesecake filling and juicy strawberries. Every bite is a playful mix of textures and flavors, making it the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to bring an instant smile to anyone at your table. Whether you serve it for a summer gathering, girls’ night in, or as a surprise weeknight treat, this nacho-style dessert is pure joy served on a platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your essentials—each and every ingredient has a delicious role to play, from the golden chips to the luscious cheesecake topping. The best part? Most of these are pantry basics, coming together to create magic in minutes.
- Flour Tortillas (8 small): These become your crispy, edible nacho “chips” and hold up perfectly under layers of toppings.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Brings just the right sweetness to coat your tortilla chips and balances the dessert flavor.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy warmth to the sugar mixture, giving the chips a churro-like twist.
- Butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Ensures your chips bake up golden, crisp, and totally irresistible when brushed on before the sugar coating.
- Cream Cheese, softened (8 ounces): The creamy base of your “cheesecake” layer—make sure it’s room temperature for the fluffiest texture.
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake topping while dissolving smoothly for silkiness.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way for depth and that signature cheesecake flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): Whips into the cream cheese to create a cloud-like, spreadable topping.
- Fresh Strawberries, diced (1 1/2 cups): The fruity crown—choose ripe, juicy berries for color and brightness.
- Strawberry Jam (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the berries for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Whipped Cream & Extra Strawberries (optional): For those who love to go over the top (and don’t we all?), pile these on before serving!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos
Step 1: Prep the Tortilla Chips
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the flour tortillas and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice each one into triangle wedges—think classic nacho size. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Brush both sides of each tortilla wedge generously with melted butter. Then, toss the buttery wedges in the cinnamon sugar mixture until every piece is coated in sparkling, sweet goodness. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap, and bake for 10–12 minutes. They’ll come out golden, crisp, and perfect for scooping.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Topping
While the chips bake and cool, grab a mixing bowl for your dreamy cheesecake topping. Blend together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Use an electric mixer if you can—it creates a fluffy, ultra-creamy consistency. This is your luscious, tangy-sweet cheesecake layer, ready to dollop generously on your nachos.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
For the fruity finale, add your diced strawberries to a bowl and spoon in the strawberry jam. Gently combine the two, letting the berries sit for a few minutes. This quick “maceration” step draws out the natural juices in the berries and blends them with the jam, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
When your chips have cooled to room temperature, arrange them artfully on a large platter. Drop spoonfuls or piping swirls of the cheesecake mixture across the chips, then spoon your strawberries and their syrupy juices over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, crown everything with whipped cream and a few extra strawberry slices. Serve immediately and watch the nachos disappear!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos
Garnishes
Top your Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos with soft clouds of whipped cream, a handful of extra diced strawberries, a drizzle of more strawberry jam, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence. A scattering of powdered sugar or a kiss of grated lemon zest brightens things up even more.
Side Dishes
Since these nachos are a showstopper all on their own, keep sides light and fresh. Pair with a big pitcher of lemonade, a sparkling rosé, or serve after a barbecue meal to make dessert the highlight of your feast. Fresh mint or a side of vanilla ice cream is always a winning move.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, try layering everything nacho-bar style and let everyone build their own plate. Arrange the chips in a big circle on a wooden board, swirl the cheesecake dip in the center, and set bowls of toppings around for customizing. You can even make mini individual portions in small bowls or mason jars for a super cute, portable treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but possible!), store each component separately if possible. Keep chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and refrigerate the cheesecake and strawberry toppings for up to three days. Assembled nachos are best eaten fresh since the chips can soften.
Freezing
While the cinnamon-sugar chips aren’t great for freezing (they lose their crunch), you can freeze the cheesecake topping for up to one month. Place it in an airtight container, then thaw in the fridge overnight and whip again briefly to restore creaminess. The strawberry mixture is best made fresh for maximum juiciness.
Reheating
To crisp up leftover chips, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes. Watch closely—they’ll re-crisp quickly. The toppings don’t require reheating, but be sure to stir the cheesecake layer after chilling for smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for the chips?
Flour tortillas are preferred for their soft texture that bakes into a delightfully crisp chip, but you can absolutely use corn tortillas for a slightly different flavor and crunch. Just follow the same prep steps.
Is there a way to make Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute with your favorite gluten-free tortillas—most main grocery stores carry them. The rest of the ingredients in Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos are naturally gluten-free, making this a simple switch.
What other fruits could I use besides strawberries?
Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work beautifully. Mango or peaches are also delicious when diced and mixed with a little jam. Feel free to mix and match for a colorful fruit medley!
Can I make the chips ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cinnamon-sugar chips a day in advance. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and keep away from humidity so they stay nice and crisp until you’re ready to serve.
Are Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love dipping and building their own desserts, and these nachos make for a fantastic, hands-on treat. Let them help with assembling for added fun in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos are the answer. With every layer bursting with flavor and joy, it’s a recipe I come back to again and again. So grab those tortillas and strawberries, and treat the people you love (including yourself) to a platter full of happiness!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Nachos Recipe
Indulge in the sweet and creamy delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos. This unique dessert combines crispy cinnamon sugar tortilla chips with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberry topping, creating a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Chips:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
- Whipped cream and extra strawberries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chips: Cut tortillas into triangle wedges. Mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush tortilla wedges with melted butter, coat in cinnamon sugar, bake until golden and crisp.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Combine diced strawberries with strawberry jam; let sit to macerate.
- Assemble the Nachos: Arrange cooled chips on a platter, top with cheesecake mixture, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and extra strawberries.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use pre-made cinnamon sugar chips for convenience.
- Add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 platter
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg