Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites: Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert! Imagine the creamy, decadent delight of a classic strawberry cheesecake, perfectly portioned and encased in a crispy, golden-brown eggroll wrapper. These aren’t your average appetizers; they’re a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
While the exact origins of combining cheesecake and eggrolls remain a delicious mystery, the concept draws inspiration from the global trend of fusion cuisine. Think of it as a playful nod to both American dessert traditions and the crispy, savory delights found in Asian-inspired cuisine. The result? A surprisingly harmonious and utterly irresistible treat.
What makes these Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the satisfying crunch of the fried wrapper gives way to the smooth, rich cheesecake filling, punctuated by the sweet burst of fresh strawberries. They’re also incredibly convenient! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dessert, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and even easier to devour. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both familiar and excitingly new!
Ingredients:
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but adds a nice zing!)
- For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed, to adjust consistency)
- For the Eggrolls:
- 12 eggroll wrappers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for coating
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Preparing the Strawberry Sauce:
- Combine Strawberries, Sugar, and Lemon Juice: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavor and also acts as a natural preservative.
- Cook Over Medium Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the right consistency. Remember, it will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the strawberry sauce cool completely. You can transfer it to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator while you prepare the cheesecake filling and eggrolls. Cooling the sauce is crucial because you don’t want to add warm sauce to the cheesecake filling later.
Making the Cheesecake Filling:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. This is absolutely key to getting a smooth, lump-free filling. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t melt.
- Cream Together Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla Extract: Add the 1/4 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined. The sour cream adds a lovely tang and richness to the filling.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest (Optional): If you’re using lemon zest, now is the time to add it. Gently fold it into the cheesecake filling until it’s evenly distributed. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake filling for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling firm up slightly, making it easier to work with when filling the eggrolls.
Assembling the Eggrolls:
- Prepare Your Work Station: Lay out your eggroll wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Have a small bowl of water nearby – this will act as your “glue” to seal the eggrolls. Also, have your chilled cheesecake filling and cooled strawberry sauce ready to go.
- Fill the Eggroll Wrappers: Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling in the center of each eggroll wrapper. Top with about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry sauce. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can cause them to burst during frying.
- Fold the Eggrolls: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners towards the center. Finally, roll the eggroll tightly away from you, like you’re rolling a burrito.
- Seal the Edges: Dip your finger in the bowl of water and moisten the top corner of the wrapper. This will help seal the eggroll and prevent it from opening during frying. Press firmly to seal.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 until all the eggroll wrappers are filled and sealed.
Frying the Eggrolls:
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of eggroll wrapper into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place the eggrolls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them in batches of 3-4 at a time to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy eggrolls.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the eggrolls for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip them over halfway through frying.
- Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the fried eggrolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Coating and Serving:
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- Brush with Melted Butter: While the eggrolls are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. This will help the cinnamon sugar adhere to the surface.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after brushing with butter, roll the eggrolls in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the strawberry cheesecake eggroll bites immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
- Optional Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh sliced strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. You can also serve them with extra strawberry sauce for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the eggroll wrappers is a common mistake that can lead to bursting during frying. Be mindful of the amount of filling you use.
- Seal Properly: Make sure to seal the eggroll wrappers tightly with water to prevent them from opening up during frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy, golden-brown eggrolls. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying the eggrolls. Fry them in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Serve Warm: Strawberry cheesecake eggroll bites are best served warm, when the filling is still slightly gooey and the wrappers are crispy.
Variations:
- Different Fruit Fillings: Get creative with your fruit fillings! Try using blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even a combination of fruits.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutella Filling: Replace the cheesecake filling with Nutella for a decadent and indulgent treat.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the eggrolls instead of deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites are truly a must-try. The combination of crispy, golden-brown eggroll wrappers with the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and the burst of fresh strawberry flavor is simply irresistible. I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked! They’re the perfect party appetizer, a delightful dessert for a special occasion, or even just a fun weekend treat.
But what makes these little bites so special? It’s the ease of preparation combined with the impressive flavor profile. You get all the deliciousness of a classic strawberry cheesecake without the fuss of baking a whole cake. Plus, the individual portions make them incredibly convenient and easy to serve. Seriously, who can resist a perfectly portioned, handheld cheesecake delight?
Why You Need to Make These Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites:
* They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
* They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
* They offer a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert.
* They’re perfect for any occasion, big or small.
* And most importantly, they taste absolutely amazing!
Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites are fantastic on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts would also be a delicious addition.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could experiment with different fruit fillings. Blueberry, raspberry, or even peach cheesecake eggrolls would be equally delicious. You could also add a touch of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor. Or, for a richer, more indulgent treat, try adding a tablespoon of Nutella to the filling. The possibilities are endless!
Another fun variation is to use different types of wrappers. Wonton wrappers would work well in place of eggroll wrappers for a smaller, bite-sized treat. You could also try using spring roll wrappers for a lighter, crispier texture.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe that these Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crispy, and they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or get your fryer ready!), and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I’m confident that you’ll love these little bites as much as I do.
And finally, I’d love to hear about your experience making these Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own unique twist? Please share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking (or frying)!
Strawberry Cheesecake Eggroll Bites: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Crispy egg rolls filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry sauce. An easy and shareable dessert!
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Don’t overfill the eggroll wrappers.
- Seal the wrappers tightly with water.
- Maintain the correct oil temperature for crispy results.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Serve warm for the best taste.
- Variations: Try different fruit fillings, add chocolate chips to the cheesecake, use Nutella filling, or air fry for a healthier option (375°F/190°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway).