I still remember the excitement of hosting my first party in college. A small gathering at my apartment, but I knew I wanted to impress my friends with something special. After hours of scrolling through recipe blogs and Pinterest, I stumbled upon a dessert idea that instantly grabbed my attention – deep-fried cheesecake.
But I didn’t just want to make any ordinary cheesecake. I wanted to add a fun, unexpected twist that would have everyone talking. I took the plunge, and that night, a batch of crispy, golden wonton bites stuffed with creamy cheesecake and strawberries took center stage.
As soon as they hit the table, the room filled with excited chatter. People were reaching for them faster than I could take photos, and that’s when I knew I had found a dessert that would be a crowd-pleaser for years to come. The perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet made it the ultimate treat for any occasion.
Short Description
These Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites combine the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake with the crispy, golden crunch of fried wonton wrappers. Perfect for a sweet, shareable dessert that’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Fresh strawberries, diced (optional, for extra strawberry flavor)
For the Wontons:
- 20-24 wonton wrappers
- Water, for sealing the edges
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Extra strawberry jam or sauce
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Deep skillet or saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Small bowl of water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by softening the cream cheese—this ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, fold in some diced fresh strawberries or simply add a dollop of strawberry jam in the center of each wonton bite.
If you’re opting for a jam-filled center, ensure it’s well-mixed into the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Wonton Bites
Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface, making sure the corners are pointing up and down (like a diamond). Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the center of the wrapper.
To seal it, moisten the edges with a little water, then fold the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle or envelope shape. Press firmly to seal and ensure no air bubbles are trapped around the filling.
Repeat this process with the remaining wonton wrappers and cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Fry the Wonton Bites
In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat. Carefully place the wonton bites in the hot oil, frying them in batches.
Each batch should fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying. Once cooked, remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
Once your deep-fried wonton bites are golden and crispy, serve them while they’re warm. You can drizzle extra strawberry jam or sauce on top, garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, and serve with a side of whipped cream for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Creamy: The contrast between the crispy outer shell and the creamy cheesecake filling is absolutely irresistible.
Customizable: You can adjust the strawberry filling, swap in other fruits, or even try different jam flavors.
Fun and Shareable: These mini bites make for the perfect party or family dessert—everyone can grab a handful!
Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for a weekend treat.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcrowding the Frying Pan:
Solution: Fry the wontons in small batches. If you overcrowd the pan, the oil temperature will drop, leading to soggy wontons. Give them room to crisp up evenly.
Sealing the Wontons Incorrectly:
Solution: When sealing the wrappers, make sure there are no air pockets around the filling, as they can cause leaks during frying. Press the edges firmly to ensure they stay sealed.
Overfilling the Wontons:
Solution: Don’t overstuff the wontons, as this will make them hard to seal and may cause them to burst open in the oil. Stick to about 1 teaspoon of filling per wonton.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream is the perfect complement to the sweet, tangy cheesecake filling.
Pair with Fresh Strawberries: The addition of fresh strawberries will brighten up the flavors and give your bites an extra fruity kick.
Serve as a Party Dessert: These little bites are perfect for sharing! Serve them as part of a dessert platter, and watch everyone go back for seconds.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftover wonton bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for a short period.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them by placing them in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to get the outside crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with other fruit preserves like blueberry, raspberry, or even peach. Fresh diced fruits work well, too!
2. How do I prevent the wontons from bursting open while frying?
Ensure that the wonton wrappers are sealed tightly, and avoid overfilling them. Press the edges firmly to avoid leaks.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes! If you’d prefer a lighter version, bake the wontons in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and assemble the wontons when you’re ready to fry them.
5. Can I freeze the wonton bites before frying them?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked wonton bites on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to fry, cook directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.
Tips & Tricks
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is much easier to work with and results in a smoother filling.
Seal with Precision: When sealing the wontons, make sure there are no air pockets, as these could cause the filling to leak during frying.
Don’t Skip the Water: A bit of water on the edges helps the wonton wrappers stick together, preventing the filling from spilling out.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Wontons: Add a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After frying, toss the wonton bites in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spicy touch.
Peach Cheesecake Wontons: Swap the strawberry jam for peach preserves for a summery, sweet alternative.
Final Thoughts
Making Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites was a complete game-changer for me. It’s the kind of dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of cheesecake with a playful twist, making it feel new and exciting every time.
The warm, crispy wontons paired with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries are just the right balance of textures and flavors. I love how versatile this recipe is—you can easily switch up the fillings or toppings to suit your mood.
Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Fresh strawberries diced (optional, for extra strawberry flavor)
For the Wontons:
- 20-24 wonton wrappers
- Water for sealing the edges
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Extra strawberry jam or sauce
- Fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth. For extra flavor, add diced fresh strawberries or a dollop of strawberry jam into the mix.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface, corner pointing up. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold into a triangle or envelope shape, and press firmly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet. Fry the wontons in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve the warm wontons with whipped cream, extra strawberry jam, and fresh strawberry slices.
