Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadillas

Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadillas are this amazing dessert that combines crispy tortillas with creamy cheesecake filling. I make these sweet treats whenever I need something quick but impressive. You could easily customize them with different fruits depending on what’s in season. Its simplicity makes it great for beginners in the kitchen, but we still love it despite making it hundreds of times. You’ll be surprised how something this easy can taste so rich and decadent. Then, once you try them, it has a way of becoming a regular request in your household.

Some people think quesadillas are only for savory fillings, but these prove otherwise. Why not transform a simple tortilla into a dessert? We always debate whether to save some for later, but they usually disappear too quickly!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadillas

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 4 flour tortillas (6 inch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon sugar (for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Optional: strawberry sauce for serving

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadilla

1. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before starting to ensure it’s properly softened.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until completely smooth.
3. Wash and dice your strawberries into small pieces (about 1/4 inch cubes).
4. Gently fold the diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to crush them.
5. Lay out two tortillas on a flat surface and spread half of the strawberry cream cheese mixture onto each one, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
6. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of butter.
7. Once the butter has melted, place one prepared tortilla in the pan with the cream cheese side facing up.
8. Take another tortilla, spread 1 teaspoon of butter on one side, and place it on top of the cream cheese mixture with the buttered side facing up.
9. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
10. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
11. While it’s cooking, mix the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl.
12. Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and immediately sprinkle with some of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
13. Repeat steps 6-12 with the remaining ingredients to make the second quesadilla.
14. Let them rest for 2 minutes, then slice each quesadilla into quarters.
15. Serve warm, possibly with strawberry sauce for dipping if desired.

Substitutions for Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadilla

Can’t find some ingredients? No problem! Here are easy swaps I use:

For cream cheese, try mascarpone cheese for an even richer taste or Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option.

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries work well too. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry before adding to the mixture.

Brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor in the filling.

Corn tortillas can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer, though they might be a bit more challenging to fold without breaking.

For a dairy-free version, plant-based cream cheese alternatives and vegan butter work surprisingly well in this recipe.

Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadilla

I love playing around with this recipe! Here are my favorite twists:

Mixed Berry Version: Replace the strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a medley of flavors.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the filling or spread a thin layer of hazelnut spread on the inside of one tortilla before assembling.

Apple Pie Quesadilla: Swap strawberries for diced apples sautéed with cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar.

Tropical Twist: Use diced mango and pineapple instead of strawberries, and add a touch of coconut extract to the cream cheese.

Banana Split: Add sliced bananas alongside the strawberries and serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadillas

These sweet quesadillas pair wonderfully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates an amazing temperature contrast.
• Fresh whipped cream makes a simple but delicious topping.
• Additional fresh strawberries or a mixed berry salad complements the flavors nicely.
• A cup of coffee or hot chocolate makes this a complete dessert experience.
• For brunch, serve with a glass of mimosa or a fruit smoothie.

Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadilla

Though these taste best fresh off the pan, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute per side.

I don’t recommend freezing these quesadillas as the texture of the cream cheese filling changes and the tortillas tend to become soggy when thawed.

If you want to prep ahead, you can make the cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before spreading to make it easier to work with.

Top Tips

• Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas – it will make flipping much harder.
• Let the pan get hot before adding the quesadilla for the best crispy exterior.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking while the butter is still warm.
• Let the quesadillas rest briefly before cutting to prevent the filling from oozing out.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
The filling can be made ahead, but I recommend assembling and cooking them just before serving for the best texture.

How do I know when to flip the quesadilla?
When the bottom is golden brown and the edges start to look crispy, it’s time to flip.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even bananas work great.

Are these too sweet for breakfast?
They’re about as sweet as pancakes or waffles, so they work well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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