If you’re in the mood for a dessert that feels like a carnival treat but is easy to make at home, this Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a crispy, golden shell hiding a luscious, creamy cheesecake center that’s sweetened just right and dusted with cinnamon sugar—each bite is a perfect balance of crunchy and silky. This dessert feels indulgent yet approachable, making it a standout for gatherings or whenever you want to spoil yourself with something truly memorable and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe is in its simplicity—with just a handful of ingredients, you get every element needed for a perfect, crowd-pleasing treat. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the warm hint of cinnamon that clings to every bite.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, providing a smooth and creamy texture essential for that cheesecake feel.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without any graininess, making the filling silky.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth with its sweet and fragrant notes.
- 4 large egg roll wrappers or flour tortillas: These form the crispy outer layer that encases the luscious filling perfectly.
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola): Neutral oil that heats well and crisps up the wrappers beautifully.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Used for the final coating to add a sweet crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and a slight spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Optional toppings: Chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries—each adds a special final flourish if you like to dress up desserts.
How to Make Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
This is where the magic begins. Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes silky smooth. This creamy blend will be the luscious center of your fried cheesecake, so make sure it’s well mixed but still light and airy.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Lay out your egg roll wrappers or tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon an even amount of the cheesecake mixture into the center of each wrapper, spreading it into a small rectangle. Be careful to leave enough space at the edges to fold properly. If you’re using egg roll wrappers, lightly moisten the edges with water to help seal the rolls tightly, preventing leaks during frying.
Step 3: Fold and Seal the Wrappers
Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from one end to the other, sealing the wrapper around the cheesecake filling. The goal is to create a neat, secure package that will fry up into a beautiful golden crust without spilling out any filling.
Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry
Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place one or two cheesecake rolls into the hot oil—don’t crowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the rolls are still warm, gently toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This adds a sweet, crunchy, and aromatic coating that perfectly complements the creamy interior and crispy exterior.
How to Serve Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving is where you can truly make this recipe your own. Drizzling chocolate syrup or caramel sauce adds a tempting gooey touch, whipped cream lends a fluffy counterpoint, and if you want freshness, scatter some bright fresh berries on top. Each garnish option enhances the richness and gives extra layers of flavor and texture to this indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
Though decadent on its own, this deep fried cheesecake pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad. These sides provide contrast in temperature and freshness, balancing the richness and creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try stacking the deep fried cheesecake rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of various sauces and toppings. Another fun idea is to serve bite-sized versions on skewers for a playful party treat. Presentation can elevate this simple dessert into a memorable centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
It’s best to enjoy your deep fried cheesecake fresh for optimal crispness and creaminess. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the exterior will soften once chilled, but careful reheating can help regain some crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but uncooked rolls before frying. Place them on a tray without touching and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, adding a little extra frying time. This is a fantastic way to prep in advance for a spontaneous dessert craving.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave as it makes the shell soggy. Instead, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes or use an air fryer to crisp them back up without drying out the filling. This brings back much of the original texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular tortillas instead of egg roll wrappers?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas work just as well and provide a slightly different texture but still deliciously crispy results. Just be sure they are large enough to enclose the filling completely.
Is it necessary to deep fry the cheesecake rolls?
Deep frying is key to achieving the signature crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheesecake filling. Pan-frying or baking won’t deliver quite the same texture, but you can experiment if you prefer a less oily version.
Can I add other fillings besides cream cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix in fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even a bit of crushed nuts into your filling to customize flavors and textures. Just keep the filling firm enough to roll without leaking.
What oil is best for frying this dessert?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil to get a perfect crispy crust without imparting any strong flavors. Avoid oils like olive oil which can burn quickly.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
Using a thermometer is ideal; aim for about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small piece of wrapper into the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly without burning, it’s ready.
Final Thoughts
This Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe is one of those luscious treats that feels like a special occasion no matter the time or place. With its golden crunch on the outside and silky sweetness inside, making these at home is almost too much fun. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl and enjoy every bite as much as I do—it’s a wonderful way to bring that fair food excitement right into your kitchen.
Print
Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Deep Fried Cheesecake recipe offers a decadent twist on classic cheesecake by encasing a creamy, sweet filling in crispy fried wrappers. Wrapped in egg roll wrappers or flour tortillas, these golden treats are fried to perfection, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and served with optional toppings like chocolate syrup, caramel, or fresh berries, making for an indulgent dessert favorite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Wrappers & Frying
- 4 large egg roll wrappers or flour tortillas
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola), enough to fill 2–3 inches in pan
Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into the center of each egg roll wrapper or tortilla, spreading it into a small rectangle while leaving enough space around the edges to fold and seal.
- Seal the Wrappers: Fold the sides over the filling and then roll tightly to enclose. If using egg roll wrappers, lightly moisten the edges with water to help seal them securely.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Cheesecake Rolls: Carefully place one or two rolls at a time into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn a golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. While the fried cheesecake rolls are still warm, roll each one in this mixture until coated evenly.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm with optional toppings such as chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Best served fresh for the crispiest experience, but you can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and keep it chilled until use.
- For variation, consider adding fruit preserves or chocolate chips inside the filling before rolling and frying.
- If using flour tortillas instead of egg roll wrappers, ensure they are well sealed to prevent leakage during frying.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to avoid burning the rolls while ensuring thorough cooking.
