Introduction
Sometimes, the best recipes come from unexpected moments. That’s exactly how these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls came to life in my kitchen. I had some leftover cheesecake filling, a pack of egg roll wrappers, and a craving for something sweet and crispy. After some experimenting, these little bites of heaven were born. They combine the creamy, tangy sweetness of cheesecake with the crispiness of an egg roll wrapper, and of course, the bright, tart sweetness of cherries on top.
The first time I made them, I couldn’t stop at just one. The crispy exterior gives way to a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet cherry topping adds a pop of flavor that balances everything perfectly. These egg rolls are a fantastic dessert to share at parties, gatherings, or even as a quick treat for yourself.
What I love most about these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls is how simple they are to make but how impressive they look when you serve them. They’re like a mini cheesecake with a twist. The cherry topping can easily be swapped for other fruits or even drizzled with chocolate sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Versatile
You can customize the filling with different fruits or even a chocolate ganache for variety.
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, making it a great dessert to whip up on a budget.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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8 egg roll wrappers
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup heavy cream or milk
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1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if preferred)
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Vegetable oil for frying
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for dusting)
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Optional: Whipped cream for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cheesecake filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the heavy cream (or milk) and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create the rich, smooth cheesecake filling that will go inside your egg roll wrappers.
Step 2: Assemble the egg rolls
Place the egg roll wrappers on a flat surface, positioning each wrapper so that it looks like a diamond. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling into the center of each wrapper, then fold the sides of the wrapper inwards to cover the filling. Roll the wrapper tightly from the bottom upwards, ensuring the filling is secure inside. Use a small amount of water to seal the top flap of the egg roll wrapper.
Step 3: Heat the oil
In a deep frying pan or a pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the egg rolls about halfway. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 4: Fry the egg rolls
Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil, one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure they fry evenly. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Add the cherry topping
While the egg rolls are cooling slightly, heat the cherry pie filling in a small saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, just to warm it up. If you prefer, you can also use fresh cherries by simply chopping them up and tossing them in a little sugar to sweeten. Spoon a generous amount of the warm cherry pie filling over each egg roll, letting the syrup drizzle down the sides.
Step 6: Dust with sugar
Once the egg rolls are cool enough to handle, dust them lightly with granulated sugar to give them a little extra sweetness and shine. For an added touch, you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Serve your Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls warm, with a drizzle of extra cherry topping or whipped cream. These crispy, creamy, sweet bites are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party, making a fun dessert for the family, or just treating yourself after a long day.
Quick and Easy
This dessert comes together quickly, especially with store-bought cherry pie filling. You can have these egg rolls fried and ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.
Customizable
Feel free to swap out the cherry pie filling for your favorite fruit topping! Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries all work wonderfully. If you want to make them even richer, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the top. The cheesecake filling is also flexible—mix in a little lemon zest for a tangy twist, or a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Perfect for Parties and Gatherings
These Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are not only delicious but they’re also visually stunning. When served warm and dusted with sugar, they’re sure to impress your guests. You can even prepare the filling and wrappers in advance, and fry them right before your event to keep things simple and stress-free.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheesecake filling and wrap the egg rolls in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so it’s recommended to fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is delicious, you can swap it for other fruit toppings like blueberry, strawberry, or even a combination of berries. Fresh fruit can also be used—just toss them in a little sugar to bring out their sweetness before topping the egg rolls.
Can I use a different filling for the egg rolls?
Yes, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can make variations using chocolate ganache, caramel, or even a peanut butter filling. Simply follow the same wrapping technique to create a variety of flavors.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free egg roll wrappers to make these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls gluten-free. Check your local grocery store for gluten-free options in the frozen or specialty foods section.