Desserts don’t always have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, a little creativity and a few simple ingredients are all you need to make something truly delightful. That’s exactly what Cheesecake Egg Rolls offer—an incredibly simple yet indulgent treat that will impress anyone, even if you’re just starting your cooking journey.
Cheesecake Egg Rolls: The Perfect Dessert for Beginners
The best recipes are often the simplest ones—those that combine easy-to-find ingredients with minimal effort, yet deliver a maximum amount of flavor. And when it comes to tasty desserts, this Cheesecake Egg Rolls recipe is a perfect example. Think of it as a fun twist on your favorite classic cheesecake—crispy on the outside, creamy and sweet on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking to treat your family, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this dessert is a quick and impressive way to end any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 3 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Egg Rolls:
- 8–10 egg roll wrappers (depending on the size)
- Water (for sealing the wrappers)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
For Frying:
- Oil (vegetable, canola, or any neutral oil will work)
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Chopped strawberries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by placing the softened cream cheese into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Add the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat everything on high speed for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined. You’ll want the filling to be smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This step ensures that the filling has the perfect texture to complement the crispy exterior.
Cream cheese is the base of this filling, and its rich, smooth texture is perfect for this dessert. The addition of lemon juice adds a slight tang, balancing out the richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor. The sugar adds sweetness without making the filling too heavy. The consistency should be thick enough to stay inside the wrapper but soft enough to pipe or spoon easily into the wrappers.
If you find that your cream cheese is too firm even after softening, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds or leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. This makes the blending process much smoother and easier.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place your egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface with one corner facing you (it should look like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff the egg rolls, as this will make them difficult to seal. If the filling overflows during frying, it can make a mess, so it’s important to stick to the recommended amount.
Now, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, tucking it in slightly. Next, fold the two side corners toward the middle to create a sealed pocket, similar to an envelope. Finally, brush a small amount of water along the top corner of the wrapper, then roll it up tightly to seal the egg roll. Water helps the wrapper stick and seals the egg roll without letting the filling spill out.
Repeat this process for all the egg rolls. If you notice any wrappers tearing, don’t worry! Just use a little extra water to help seal the edges. Be gentle when handling the wrappers, as they can tear if they’re too dry or handled too roughly. If you’re struggling to keep the egg rolls tightly sealed, it can help to seal the wrappers in advance, using a damp towel to cover them while you work to keep them from drying out.
Step 3: Prepare the Oil and Heat
In a large stockpot or deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into the pan—if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy, soggy egg rolls.
When the oil is heated to the right temperature, carefully lower the egg rolls one at a time into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them for about 2 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even frying. The high temperature of the oil creates a beautiful crispiness on the outside while keeping the creamy filling inside soft and smooth.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Carefully add 4 egg rolls at a time to the hot oil. Fry them for 2 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even frying. When the egg rolls are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step helps ensure that the egg rolls stay crispy, not greasy.
You may need to fry the egg rolls in batches depending on the size of your pan. It’s important not to overcrowd the oil, as this can cause the egg rolls to cook unevenly. Frying in small batches helps them cook to perfection every time.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the egg rolls are frying, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the egg rolls are done and drained, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This gives them that perfect, sweet coating that complements the creamy filling beautifully. The warm egg rolls absorb the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior that’s irresistible.
The sugar and cinnamon topping adds the final touch of sweetness, creating a delicious contrast to the rich, tangy cheesecake filling. You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon and sugar based on your preference, so feel free to experiment with the flavors to suit your taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesecake Egg Rolls warm with optional toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, chopped strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later.
If you plan to serve them right away, offer a variety of toppings to enhance the experience. Caramel and chocolate are classic choices, but fresh fruit, especially berries or sliced bananas, adds a nice refreshing balance to the richness of the cheesecake filling. Powdered sugar offers a lovely finishing touch that makes them feel even more indulgent.
Notes
- How do I know if the oil is hot enough? If you’re unsure, a thermometer is the most accurate way to check. However, if you don’t have one, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil to test the temperature. It should brown in about 60 seconds.
- What should I do if the egg rolls start to split open? If the wrapper is tearing or opening up, ensure you’re sealing it tightly and using enough water to seal the edges. If you’re working with egg roll wrappers that are particularly dry, you can lightly moisten the wrappers with a damp cloth to make them more pliable.
- How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can assemble the egg rolls in advance, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. Just make sure they’re covered well to prevent the wrappers from drying out.
- How do I keep the egg rolls crispy? If you need to store them, place the egg rolls on a cooling rack instead of a plate to allow air circulation, which helps maintain the crispiness.
I still remember the first time I made these Cheesecake Egg Rolls. It was a last-minute dessert for a family gathering, and I had no idea how they would turn out. As I served them up, their crisp, golden exterior and creamy, cheesecake filling left everyone in awe. They were a hit! The best part? It only took about 15 minutes to prep and 2 minutes to cook each batch. This recipe is ideal for beginners because it’s not only simple but also fun to make—just a few steps and you’re ready to enjoy a sweet and crispy treat that combines the best of both worlds.
These Cheesecake Egg Rolls are the perfect introduction to dessert-making for any beginner. They require minimal ingredients, no complicated techniques, and they come together in a flash. Plus, the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness, making them an irresistible dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just want a quick indulgence, these Cheesecake Egg Rolls are sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather everything we need. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple, and many of them are pantry staples, making this recipe an easy go-to whenever you’re craving something sweet.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 3 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Egg Rolls:
- 8-10 egg roll wrappers (depending on the size)
- Water (for sealing the wrappers)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
For Frying:
- Oil (vegetable, canola, or any neutral oil will work)
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Chopped strawberries
- Powdered sugar
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as an alternative for the filling. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative or coconut milk-based cream cheese. If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, you can swap out the vanilla for almond extract or even add a hint of cinnamon to the filling.
Egg roll wrappers are essential to the texture of this dessert, but if you can’t find them, you can use spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough for a different twist. Just keep in mind that phyllo dough will create a much flakier texture. While phyllo dough is crispier, it may not hold the cheesecake filling quite as well, so it’s essential to be cautious when assembling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cheesecake Egg Rolls is incredibly easy, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of crispy, cheesecake-filled egg rolls ready in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by placing the softened cream cheese into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Add the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat everything on high speed for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined. You’ll want the filling to be smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This step ensures that the filling has the perfect texture to complement the crispy exterior.
Cream cheese is the base of this filling, and its rich, smooth texture is perfect for this dessert. The addition of lemon juice adds a slight tang, balancing out the richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor. The sugar adds sweetness without making the filling too heavy. The consistency should be thick enough to stay inside the wrapper but soft enough to pipe or spoon easily into the wrappers.
If you find that your cream cheese is too firm even after softening, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds or leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. This makes the blending process much smoother and easier.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place your egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface with one corner facing you (it should look like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff the egg rolls, as this will make them difficult to seal. If the filling overflows during frying, it can make a mess, so it’s important to stick to the recommended amount.
Now, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, tucking it in slightly. Next, fold the two side corners toward the middle to create a sealed pocket, similar to an envelope. Finally, brush a small amount of water along the top corner of the wrapper, then roll it up tightly to seal the egg roll. Water helps the wrapper stick and seals the egg roll without letting the filling spill out.
Repeat this process for all the egg rolls. If you notice any wrappers tearing, don’t worry! Just use a little extra water to help seal the edges. Be gentle when handling the wrappers, as they can tear if they’re too dry or handled too roughly. If you’re struggling to keep the egg rolls tightly sealed, it can help to seal the wrappers in advance, using a damp towel to cover them while you work to keep them from drying out.
Step 3: Prepare the Oil and Heat
In a large stockpot or deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into the pan—if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy, soggy egg rolls.
When the oil is heated to the right temperature, carefully lower the egg rolls one at a time into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them for about 2 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even frying. The high temperature of the oil creates a beautiful crispiness on the outside while keeping the creamy filling inside soft and smooth.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Carefully add 4 egg rolls at a time to the hot oil. Fry them for 2 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even frying. When the egg rolls are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step helps ensure that the egg rolls stay crispy, not greasy.
You may need to fry the egg rolls in batches depending on the size of your pan. It’s important not to overcrowd the oil, as this can cause the egg rolls to cook unevenly. Frying in small batches helps them cook to perfection every time.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the egg rolls are frying, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the egg rolls are done and drained, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This gives them that perfect, sweet coating that complements the creamy filling beautifully. The warm egg rolls absorb the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior that’s irresistible.
The sugar and cinnamon topping adds the final touch of sweetness, creating a delicious contrast to the rich, tangy cheesecake filling. You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon and sugar based on your preference, so feel free to experiment with the flavors to suit your taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesecake Egg Rolls warm with optional toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, chopped strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later.
If you plan to serve them right away, offer a variety of toppings to enhance the experience. Caramel and chocolate are classic choices, but fresh fruit, especially berries or sliced bananas, adds a nice refreshing balance to the richness of the cheesecake filling. Powdered sugar offers a lovely finishing touch that makes them feel even more indulgent.
Beginner Tips and Notes
As a beginner, you may have some questions or concerns as you go along. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- How do I know if the oil is hot enough? If you’re unsure, a thermometer is the most accurate way to check. However, if you don’t have one, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil to test the temperature. It should brown in about 60 seconds.
- What should I do if the egg rolls start to split open? If the wrapper is tearing or opening up, ensure you’re sealing it tightly and using enough water to seal the edges. If you’re working with egg roll wrappers that are particularly dry, you can lightly moisten the wrappers with a damp cloth to make them more pliable.
- How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can assemble the egg rolls in advance, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. Just make sure they’re covered well to prevent the wrappers from drying out.
- How do I keep the egg rolls crispy? If you need to store them, place the egg rolls on a cooling rack instead of a plate to allow air circulation, which helps maintain the crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a delightful dessert on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few extra touches. Try serving them with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or garnish them with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a beautiful finishing touch.
If you’re looking for a way to balance out the richness of the egg rolls, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These options complement the crispy sweetness of the egg rolls and provide a refreshing contrast.
For an extra indulgence, why not try a dip? A rich chocolate ganache or a creamy vanilla custard would make the perfect dipping sauce.
Conclusion: Try It Today!
Now that you know how simple and delicious these Cheesecake Egg Rolls are, it’s time to give them a try yourself! Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for something new and fun, this recipe is a perfect way to bring a little joy to your dessert table. The crispy exterior and creamy cheesecake filling will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get started on these easy, fun, and absolutely delicious Cheesecake Egg Rolls! Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear how they turn out and any personal touches you added to make them your own. Happy cooking!
