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Bring a festive twist to your dessert table with these delightful Dessert Nachos! Featuring homemade cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips, these nachos are layered with luscious dulce de leche, fresh strawberries, and a cloud of homemade fresh whipped cream. This dish is not only a joy to assemble but also a major crowd-pleaser, the perfect dessert for parties, family game nights, or when you want to indulge in a unique and easy dessert. It is my personal favorite dessert to make on Cinco De Mayo, I love setting up a dessert nacho bar with a variety of toppings, it is so much fun!
What is nice about this dessert is, that you can customize it with your favorite toppings. You can add chocolate sauce, hot fudge sauce, melted chocolate, vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, mini marshmallows, fresh fruit, or whatever your sweet tooth desires!
The Chemistry of Dessert Nachos
The delightful crispiness of the tortilla chips in this recipe comes from the caramelization of sugar and the Maillard reaction, which occur when the cinnamon-sugar coated tortillas are baked. The heat causes the sugars to caramelize, providing a golden color and rich flavor, while the proteins in the flour reacts to form complex flavor compounds. Meanwhile, whipping the cream introduces air into the fat-rich liquid, creating a stable foam that holds its shape due to the fat molecules that partially coalesce around the air bubbles.
What is in dessert nachos?
Raw Flour Tortillas
The base of the homemade chip
Cinnamon & Sugar
Provides a sweet and warm flavor to the chips.
Dulce de Leche
It offers a creamy, caramel-like topping that adds a luxurious texture and taste.
Strawberries
Add a fresh, juicy element that contrasts beautifully with the other components.
Homemade Whipped Cream
It brings a light, airy texture and sweet creaminess that balances the richness of the dulce de leche.
How do you make dessert nachos?
Tortilla Chips
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
- Cut the raw tortillas with a pizza cutter into eight chips each. Sliced like a pizza.
- Place the tortilla pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a pastry brush to coat the top side of each chip with melted butter.
- Spoon sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each buttered piece
- Place in the oven for 10 minutes and bake until slightly golden brown.
Toppings
- Add the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip until it reaches a stiff peak.
- Wash and slice strawberries
- Place the dulce de leche in a microwave-safe small bowl and cook in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat.
Assembly
- Once the cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them on a plate. Drizzle the warm dulce de leche on top of the chips. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries on top & scoop a large dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Place the leftover whipped cream and dulce de leche in small dipping bowls & serve!
Storage Tips
Assembled dessert nachos are best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store the individual components separately. Keep the whipped cream and sliced strawberries in the refrigerator and the baked chips in an airtight container at room temperature.
The baked tortilla chips can last up to 2 days when stored properly, but once assembled with toppings, dessert nachos should be consumed within a few hours for the best taste and texture.
Making Ahead
Prepare the tortilla chips and other components beforehand, but assemble the nachos just before serving to ensure the chips remain crisp and the toppings fresh.
Recommended Products
Why make dessert nachos?
It’s a sweet twist on a classic favorite! Dive into these easy dessert nachos. These are a guaranteed showstopper, blending the comfort of cinnamon with the decadence of dulce de leche and the freshness of strawberries in a delightful, shareable treat.
Inspired by my love for traditional savory nachos, I wanted to create a dessert version that could capture the fun and communal joy of sharing a nacho platter. Experimenting in the kitchen led to the creation of these sweet nachos, where the contrast of crispy chips with creamy and fruity toppings makes for an irresistible treat. It’s a playful dessert that everyone digs into, and watching it disappear within minutes is always a highlight!
FAQs
Do you think I can make dessert nachos ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the dessert nachos just before serving to maintain the crispness of the tortilla chips. However, you can prepare the toppings, such as whipped cream and strawberries, in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
What other toppings can I use for dessert nachos?
The possibilities are endless! You can try other fruits like bananas or raspberries, sprinkle with chocolate chips, or add a dash of nutmeg or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
How do I ensure my whipped cream stays stiff?
Make sure to start with cold cream and use a cold bowl and beaters. This helps keep the fat in the cream solid, essential for forming stable, stiff peaks. Also, adding a stabilizer like powdered sugar during whipping can help maintain its structure.
Is there a vegan alternative to this dessert?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the whipped topping, and opt for vegan butter and tortillas. Agave syrup or a vegan caramel sauce can substitute for dulce de leche.
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Dessert Nachos
Ingredients
Tortilla Chips
- 5 raw flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter **melted
- cinnamon & sugar
Toppings
- 1 can dulce de leche
- 10 strawberries
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Tortilla Chips
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
- Cut the raw tortillas with a pizza cutter into eight chips each. Sliced like a pizza.
- Place the tortilla pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each chip with melted butter.
- Spoon sprinkle cinnamon & sugar on top of each buttered piece
- Place in the oven for 10 minutes
Toppings
- Add the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip until it reaches a stiff peak.
- Wash and slice strawberries
- Place the dulce de leche in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat.
Assembly
- Once the chips are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them on a plate. Drizzle the warm dulce de leche on top of the chips. Sprinkle the strawberries on top & scoop a large dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Place the leftover whipped cream and dulce de leche in small dipping bowls & serve!
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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