Get ready to experience a delightful twist on two beloved treats! These Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls combine the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the crispy, golden crunch of an egg roll, all brought to perfection in your air fryer. Bursting with sweet cherry pie filling and a luscious cream cheese mixture, these effortless yet impressive dessert rolls are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and charm your loved ones.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m constantly looking for creative ways to enjoy classic flavors in new and exciting formats, and these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a prime example. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how it delivers all the comforting elements of a cherry cheesecake – the sweet, tangy fruit and the rich, smooth cream cheese – but encases them in a surprisingly crispy, golden shell. Using egg roll wrappers and an air fryer makes this dessert incredibly quick and easy, achieving that satisfying crunch without deep-frying. It’s a fun, portable, and utterly decadent treat that’s perfect for a party, a special indulgence, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Plus, they look impressive but are remarkably simple to assemble!
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Swaps and Notes
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a perfectly smooth, lump-free filling.
- Cherry Pie Filling: While cherry pie filling is classic, you can experiment with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract makes a difference in the cream cheese filling’s flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for the cream cheese mixture. Powdered sugar is for dusting after frying.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: These are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the produce or tofu.
- Frying Method: This recipe is optimized for the air fryer for crispness with less oil. You can also deep fry them (at 350°F / 175°C) until golden, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden (though they may not be as crispy as air-fried or deep-fried).
- Oil Spray: Olive oil spray or any neutral cooking oil spray works well for air frying to achieve crispiness.
- Toppings: Beyond powdered sugar, consider a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for extra decadence.
Instructions
- Prepare Air Fryer: Begin by spraying your air fryer basket generously with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Set Up Assembly Station: Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Fill Egg Roll: Add one to two tablespoons of cherry pie filling in the center of the egg roll wrapper. The amount will depend on how full you like your rolls. Then, add about two tablespoons of the prepared cream cheese filling directly on top of the cherry pie filling.
- Seal the Egg Roll: Use a pastry brush (or your fingertip) and brush water along all four edges of the egg roll wrapper. This will help create a strong seal.
- Roll the Egg Roll: To roll, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Then, fold in both side corners towards the center. Roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom upward, forming a neat cylinder. Before sealing completely, brush the top corner (the last flap) with water again, and press firmly to seal the egg roll completely. Ensure all edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Once an egg roll is sealed, lightly spray the entire exterior of the egg roll wrapper with olive oil spray. This is key for achieving a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
- Air Fry: Place the prepared egg roll(s) into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the hot egg rolls from the air fryer basket. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set and prevents burns. Finally, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar using a sifter or fine-mesh sieve. Plate, serve, and enjoy your delicious, homemade Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls!
Tips for Success
- Chill Cheesecake Well: If using homemade cheesecake, ensure it’s very cold to make it easier to cut and handle without falling apart.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: For the filling, soft cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling the egg rolls can make them difficult to roll and more prone to bursting during cooking.
- Seal Tightly: A good seal is crucial to prevent the filling from oozing out. Water helps the wrapper stick firmly together.
- Don’t Overcrowd Air Fryer: Cook in a single layer with space between egg rolls for proper air circulation, ensuring they get evenly crispy.
- Spray with Oil: A light spray of oil is necessary for that golden-brown, crispy exterior in the air fryer.
- Cool Slightly: The filling will be very hot right out of the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before diving in to prevent burns.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a decadent treat perfect for any sweet craving. They make a fantastic:
- Party dessert or appetizer: Easy to pick up and enjoy.
- Movie night treat: Fun and satisfying.
- After-dinner indulgence: A unique twist on classic cheesecake.
- Serve them simply dusted with powdered sugar.
- Offer extra chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or raspberry coulis for dipping.
- A side of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be delightful.
For other fantastic dessert ideas, you might also enjoy:
- My Fried Cheesecake for a different take on crispy, creamy indulgence.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are truly best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the wrapper is at its crispiest and the filling is perfectly warm and creamy. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, placing them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or in a toaster oven, is the best way to try and regain some crispness. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the indulgent and creative nature of these Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic dessert recipes:
- For a fun and whimsical treat that’s always a hit, check out my How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
- Indulge your chocolate cravings with my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a brownie aficionado, you must try The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot!).
- And for a festive and delightful cookie, see The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About (And Asking the Recipe For!).
- For a refreshing, no-bake option that’s always a winner, try This Grasshopper Pie is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist.
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a brilliant fusion of flavors and textures, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and wonderfully exciting. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth in a fun, crispy package. Whether you’re making them for a party or just a delightful personal treat, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try – you’ll love this irresistible, unique dessert!
What are your favorite “fusion” desserts that combine unexpected elements? Do you have any go-to air fryer dessert recipes? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes!
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