Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls Recipe

Hello, dessert enthusiasts! If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines crispy fried perfection with creamy and fruity goodness, you’re in for a treat. These Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a heavenly combination of tangy cherries and rich cream cheese wrapped in a golden, crunchy shell. Let’s dive into this indulgent dessert recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!

Introduction

Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a creative twist on classic desserts, blending sweet cherries with creamy, tangy filling in a crispy egg roll wrapper. This dessert is inspired by the irresistible flavors of cherry cheesecake, but with an added crunch. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply as a treat for yourself, these egg rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat. The recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers a dessert that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the ultimate Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cherry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 7 tablespoons water, divided
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • 2+ cups vegetable oil, for frying
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting

These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing.

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, letting the cherries release their natural juices. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of water with cornstarch until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the cherry mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens and takes on a glossy finish. Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the bowl, then beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling should be rich yet easy to spread.

Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each wrapper, spreading slightly but leaving enough space around the edges. Top the cream cheese with a generous spoonful of the cooled cherry filling. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water to help seal them. Fold the sides inward over the filling, then tightly roll the wrapper from front to back to form a neat, sealed egg roll. Repeat this process for all 12 egg rolls.

Fry the Egg Rolls

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan to 375°F. Test the oil by dipping a corner of an egg roll wrapper in—if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Fry the egg rolls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Turn the egg rolls occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook each egg roll for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve

Dust the warm egg rolls generously with powdered sugar just before serving. Serve them as is or pair with a dipping sauce like whipped cream or vanilla custard for an extra indulgence.

Helpful Tips for Success

  • Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen cherries can also be used when fresh ones aren’t available. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them before starting the recipe.
  • Prevent Overfilling: Avoid overfilling the wrappers to ensure they don’t burst during frying. A couple of tablespoons of filling per wrapper is just right.
  • Perfect Seal: Ensure the edges of the wrapper are properly sealed with water to prevent the filling from leaking out while frying.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 375°F is crucial for crispy, golden egg rolls. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if needed.

Cooking Tips

  • Alternative Cooking Method: For a healthier option, consider baking or air frying the egg rolls. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F, brush the egg rolls lightly with oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. For air frying, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Cheese Variations: Swap cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair these egg rolls with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an added twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown of Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls per serving:

  • Calories: 250
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Vitamin A: 6%
  • Vitamin C: 8%
  • Calcium: 4%
  • Iron: 6%

These egg rolls are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat: Reheat the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the egg rolls soggy.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls in advance and freeze them before frying. To cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other fruits for the filling? Yes! This recipe works well with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or apples. Adjust the sugar content based on the natural sweetness of the fruit.

What type of oil is best for frying? Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying as they have a high smoke point and don’t impart flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free? Substitute regular egg roll wrappers with gluten-free wrappers available at specialty stores or make your own at home.

What dipping sauces pair well with these egg rolls? Whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or melted chocolate make excellent dips for these dessert egg rolls.

Related Recipes

If you loved this recipe, try these other delicious treats:

Conclusion

Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings. Whether served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with your favorite dip, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try them out and let us know how they turned out for you!

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