Colorful cereal dessert shells (Printable Format)

Crunchy, colorful cereal taco shells filled with fluffy no-bake cheesecake and topped with more cereal for a fun, kid-friendly dessert.

# What You'll Gather:

→ For the Fruity Pebbles Shells

01 - 3 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal (or any colorful fruit-flavored cereal)
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ For the Cheesecake Filling

03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)

→ For Garnish

07 - Extra Fruity Pebbles cereal for sprinkling
08 - Sprinkles (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Start by placing your Fruity Pebbles in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the cereal and stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with butter. Make sure to get all the cereal pieces nicely coated - this is what will help them stick together and form your taco shells.
02 - There are a few ways to shape your taco shells. If you have taco holders or stands, drape strips of parchment paper over them, then press the cereal mixture onto the paper to form taco shapes. Alternatively, you can use the back of a muffin tin: drape parchment paper over the spaces between cups and press the mixture over that to create curved shapes. You can also simply make flat circles on a baking sheet that you'll later fold slightly while still warm. Whichever method you choose, press the mixture firmly to ensure it holds together.
03 - Place your shaped shells in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until they feel firm and hold their shape when gently touched. This cooling time is important - it allows the butter to solidify, which helps bind the cereal pieces together into a sturdy shell.
04 - While the shells are chilling, make your filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it's light and fluffy - about 2 minutes. Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, continuing to beat until all the sugar is incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
05 - Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Fold carefully with an under-and-over motion rather than stirring, to maintain as much air as possible in the whipped cream. This keeps your filling light and fluffy. Continue folding until the mixture is uniform with no streaks of white remaining.
06 - Once your shells are firm, carefully remove them from the refrigerator. If you used parchment paper, gently peel it away from the shells. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each shell, filling them generously but leaving a little room at the top for your garnish.
07 - Sprinkle additional Fruity Pebbles over the filled shells for a pop of color and extra crunch. If you're feeling extra festive, add some sprinkles too! You can serve these immediately for a fun contrast between the slightly softened shells and the creamy filling, or return them to the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture.
08 - These treats are best enjoyed the same day they're made, as the shells will gradually soften from contact with the moist filling. Serve them on a colorful platter for a vibrant dessert that's sure to bring smiles!

# Important Tips:

01 - These whimsical dessert tacos are perfect for kids' parties, themed events, or anytime you want a colorful, fun treat that combines crunch and creaminess.
02 - If you don't have Fruity Pebbles specifically, any similar colorful, fruity cereal will work great for this recipe.

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