Transform your favorite savory taco shell into a sweet, crispy dessert delight!
These dessert taco shells are perfect for filling with ice cream, whipped cream, fresh fruits, or chocolate spreads.
They’re a fun twist on a classic taco, ideal for parties, brunches, or a whimsical dessert buffet.
Taco Shells Dessert
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rolling pin optional, for shaping
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Small brush for butter application
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Neutral oil vegetable or canola
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- 2. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- 3. Shape the Tortillas: Using tongs, carefully fold each tortilla into a taco shell shape. Hold the folded shape in the hot oil for 20–30 seconds until it begins to set, then fry the entire shell until crispy, about 1–2 minutes.
- 4. Drain the Shells: Remove the shells from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5. Butter and Coat: While the shells are still warm, brush each one lightly with melted butter and immediately coat it in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- 6. Cool and Serve: Let the taco shells cool completely. Once cooled, fill them with your favorite dessert fillings like vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, sliced strawberries, or whipped cream.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Shell)
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
Cooking Tips
- Shape Control: Use a wooden spoon handle to help maintain the taco shell shape while frying.
- Air Fryer Option: For a lighter version, brush tortillas with butter, dust with cinnamon sugar, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Storage: Store fried taco shells in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
How about Alternatives?
If you’re looking for ingredient alternatives, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe!
Instead of flour tortillas, try corn tortillas for a slightly different texture and flavor, or opt for gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary needs.
Swap the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier option, and use dairy-free butter substitutes or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly twist.
If you don’t have cinnamon, other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice can add a unique flair. For frying, avocado oil or peanut oil can replace vegetable oil, as they handle high heat well and offer subtle flavor differences.
These substitutions ensure the dessert taco shells fit any preferences or dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
Learning about sweets from different cuisines is always interesting. If you’re interested in learning, you can start with Asian deserts.
The Bottom Line
Mastering taco shell dessert is an enjoyable and creative way to bring a touch of sweetness to your culinary repertoire.
By following these simple steps, you can transform basic tortillas into a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings.
Perfect for any occasion, these shells allow you to experiment with flavors and presentations, making every dessert feel fresh and exciting.
Try your hand at crafting these sweet tacos and bring a smile to the faces of friends and family with your delicious creations.