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These dazzling Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos turn ordinary breakfast cereal into a fun, whimsical dessert that brings smiles all around. The mix of crunchy, rainbow-colored shells paired with smooth cheesecake filling makes an unexpected sweet treat that wins over kids and grown-ups too.
I whipped these up during a stormy day when my nieces came over and we needed something fun to do. Now they ask for these "rainbow tacos" whenever they visit because they enjoy both creating and munching on them.
Ingredients
- Fruity cereal: these bright colors make stunning shells and the fruity taste works amazingly with the creamy filling. Go for new boxes to get that perfect crunch
- Unsalted butter: helps stick the cereal together and adds richness. Better butter really makes the flavor pop
- Cream cheese: creates the foundation of our filling. Try using Philadelphia for the creamiest texture and just the right tang
- Powdered sugar: adds sweetness without any gritty feel. Make sure to sift it for the smoothest filling possible
- Pure vanilla extract: brings out all the other flavors. Skip the fake stuff and go for genuine extract for the best taste
- Whipped cream: makes the filling incredibly fluffy. Whip it yourself rather than using the canned type for better structure
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form the Shells:
- Push the mixture strongly onto taco molds or into muffin tins with a spoon back or your fingertips. Keep thickness even throughout to stop breaking. Press gently until the shells stay in shape. Chill for at least 30 minutes until they're totally firm.
- Prepare the Cereal Mixture:
- Mix fruity cereal with fully melted butter in a big bowl. Move fast but carefully to cover each piece evenly before the butter cools and gets hard. You want the mix looking shiny and stuck together with no dry bits.
- Add Final Touches:
- Throw some extra fruity cereal on top of the filled tacos right before you serve them. For the prettiest look, add this crunchy topping at the very last minute to keep it crisp and brightly colored.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Gently take the shells from their molds once they're completely solid. Put plenty of cheesecake mixture in each shell using a spoon or piping bag for a tidier finish. Leave a tiny edge at the top for your toppings.
- Incorporate the Whipped Cream:
- With a rubber spatula, softly fold in the whipped cream using a lift-and-turn motion instead of stirring. Go slowly to keep as many air bubbles as possible in the mix. When done right, the filling should feel airy and mousse-like.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Whip room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium for 2-3 minutes until it's totally smooth and puffy. Scrape the bowl sides often. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low first to avoid sugar puffs, then speed up to medium until it's all mixed and silky.
When I brought these colorful goodies to my last birthday bash, everybody instantly grabbed their phones to take pictures before digging in. The fruity cereal brings back such childhood memories that even my fanciest adult friends couldn't help falling for their charm.
Make-Ahead Options
Though these dessert tacos taste best when put together just before eating, you can get parts ready ahead of time. You can shape the shells and keep them in the fridge up to two days if stored in a sealed container. The cheesecake filling stays good for up to three days when kept covered in the fridge. Just put everything together when you're ready to serve so they stay crunchy and look their best.
Creative Variations
This flexible recipe lets you make it your own. Give Cocoa Pebbles a try for a chocolatey version or go with Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a warm, spicy flavor. Beyond switching cereals, think about adding fresh fruit pieces, crushed cookies or a stream of chocolate sauce on top. For fancy occasions, toss on some edible sparkles or gold dust to make them extra special.
Serving Suggestions
These fun treats deserve an equally exciting presentation. Set them up standing tall on a platter with bright napkins and small dishes of extra toppings for a build-your-own dessert station. They go great with cold milk for the kids or coffee for grown-ups. For an extra treat, serve them alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I make the cereal shells firm?
Pack the cereal mix tightly when shaping it in your molds or muffin tins and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to get properly hardened.
- → Can I prepare the shells ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can make your shells up to a day before and keep them in the fridge in a sealed container until you're ready to use them.
- → What other toppings can I use besides fruity cereal?
Try tiny marshmallows, bits of chocolate, sliced fresh fruit, or colorful sprinkles to mix things up.
- → Can I substitute whipped cream with another ingredient?
Sure, you can swap in store-bought whipped topping or whip some heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks instead.
- → How long can these tacos be stored?
You can keep your filled tacos in the fridge for up to 2 days if you wrap them well to stay fresh.