Cherry Cheesecake Egg Roll

Cherry cheesecake egg rolls are a unique, fun dessert that brings together the creamy, tangy flavors of classic cherry cheesecake with the crispiness of a golden-brown egg roll wrapper. These handheld treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making cherry cheesecake egg rolls, plus share some handy tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls

Cherry cheesecake egg rolls have all the richness of cheesecake, the bright sweetness of cherries, and the irresistible crunch of a fried treat. Here are a few reasons why these egg rolls are bound to become your new favorite dessert:

• Perfect Texture Combination: Creamy cheesecake filling meets a crisp, crunchy exterior for a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
• Handheld Treat: No forks or plates needed! Cherry cheesecake egg rolls are easy to grab, making them ideal for parties or snacks on the go.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe can be adapted with different fillings, toppings, and cooking methods to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cherry cheesecake egg rolls, you’ll need:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• 8-10 egg roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. If it’s not soft enough, you can microwave it for 10 seconds.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Lay Out the Egg Roll Wrappers: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing toward you, so it resembles a diamond shape.
2. Add the Filling: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of each egg roll wrapper. Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling, being careful not to overfill as this can make wrapping difficult.
3. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the left and right corners toward the center, like an envelope. Roll up the wrapper, tucking the sides in as you go. To seal, moisten the top corner with a dab of water or a light egg wash.

Fry the Egg Rolls

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully place 2-3 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs to turn the egg rolls as needed to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the cherry cheesecake egg rolls with powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finishing touch.
2. Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Cherry cheesecake egg rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. For a bit of extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: While it’s tempting to pack the egg rolls with filling, overstuffing can cause the egg rolls to burst during frying. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling for the best results.
• Seal the Wrappers Well: Use water or egg wash to seal the edges tightly. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out while frying.
• Control Oil Temperature: Too-hot oil can cause the egg rolls to burn before the filling is fully heated, while oil that’s too cool will make them greasy. Aim for a consistent 350°F for the best results.
• Drain Properly: Let the egg rolls drain on paper towels to avoid excess grease, which helps keep them crispy.

Variations

1. Bake Instead of Fry: If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the egg rolls. Preheat your oven to 400°F, spray the egg rolls with cooking spray, and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, place the egg rolls in an air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
3. Switch Up the Filling: Try different fruit fillings, like blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling, for a fun twist. You could even add a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a richer dessert.
4. Top with Different Toppings: Serve with caramel or chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry cheesecake egg rolls make a fantastic dessert on their own, but you can also pair them with other treats to create a memorable dessert spread:

• Serve with a Side of Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the warm, crispy egg rolls perfectly.
• Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a touch of decadence.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness and balance the richness of the cheesecake filling.
• Add a Whipped Cream Dip: Offer a small dish of whipped cream as a dip for each egg roll, adding a fun and interactive element for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make cherry cheesecake egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before frying. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

2. Can I freeze cherry cheesecake egg rolls?

Absolutely. Assemble the egg rolls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

3. How do I reheat leftover egg rolls?

To reheat, place the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness.

4. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Definitely! Homemade cherry pie filling will work beautifully and can give a fresher, fruitier flavor. Just make sure it’s thick enough to stay in the egg roll without seeping out.

5. Can I substitute egg roll wrappers with something else?

If you can’t find egg roll wrappers, you could use spring roll wrappers, but they’re thinner and may cook a bit faster. Alternatively, phyllo dough sheets can work, but they’ll have a more delicate, flaky texture.

6. Can I make these egg rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can find gluten-free egg roll wrappers in some specialty stores or online. Make sure any other ingredients (like pie filling) are also certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cherry cheesecake egg rolls are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the indulgent flavors of cheesecake with the crispiness of fried egg rolls. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion. You can customize them with different fruit fillings, try alternative cooking methods like baking or air frying, and serve them with fun toppings for an added treat.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique dessert idea, or simply craving something sweet, cherry cheesecake egg rolls are sure to impress. Try this recipe for a fun twist on cheesecake, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crispy in every bite.