I can still remember the county fair, the flashing lights, the smell of popcorn, and that one food stall. It wasn’t just any stall; it was the one that always had the longest line, the one everyone was buzzing about because they sold deep-fried everything! But among the corn dogs and the french fries, there was one item that truly captured my heart and taste buds – something similar to a deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton.
The combination of crispy, golden-brown dough and the creamy, sweet filling was pure bliss. It was a little bite of heaven that I looked forward to all year long. I’ve spent years trying to recreate that magic, and I think I’ve finally nailed it with this recipe.
Why you’ll love this Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites
- They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
- The crispy wonton shell perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
- The burst of strawberry flavor adds a delightful sweetness and tang.
- These strawberry cheesecake wonton bites are a fun and unexpected dessert that will impress your friends and family.
- They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or a special treat any time of the year.
- You can customize the filling with other fruits or flavors to create your own unique wonton dessert.
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup diced fresh strawberries
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Strawberry cheesecake wonton makes every moment feel velvety. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is the base of our delicious filling, so make sure it’s perfectly smooth.
Step 2
Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla brings out the sweetness of the strawberry and balances the cream cheese tang.
Step 3
Gently fold in the strawberry jam and diced fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep some texture from the strawberries.
Step 4
Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the strawberry cheesecake filling in the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill them, or they might burst during frying.
Step 5
Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with a little water. Fold the wonton wrapper over to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Ensure there are no air bubbles trapped inside; otherwise, they could explode in the hot oil.
Step 6
Repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling. This part can be a little time-consuming, but it’s worth it for those perfect little bites!
Step 7
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the oil at the right temperature for that perfect golden-brown crisp.
Step 8
Carefully add the wonton bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons.
Step 9
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them; they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Step 10
Remove the wonton bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This helps to keep them crispy and not greasy.
Step 11
Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of extra sweetness and makes them look even more appealing.
Step 12
Serve immediately and enjoy these deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites while they are warm and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh, when the contrast between the crispy shell and creamy filling is at its peak!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Get creative with your fillings! Instead of strawberry, try using other jams like raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot. You could also add chocolate chips or a swirl of caramel to the cream cheese mixture for an even more decadent treat.
Another fun twist is to experiment with different spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese filling can add warmth and depth of flavor. You can also try adding a little lemon or orange zest for a citrusy zing.
For a savory-sweet option, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese to the cream cheese mixture before folding in the fruit. The tangy cheese will provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the jam and berries. Or, for a chocolatey version, consider dipping the finished deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites in melted chocolate.
Pairings
These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that always hits the spot. The cold ice cream complements the warm, crispy wontons perfectly.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. A small bowl of fresh berries on the side can also be a nice addition. To get inspiration for other delicious treats, check out this Scotcharoo popcorn recipe from Cook Reel.
For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving them with a glass of dessert grape juice or a cup of coffee. The grape juice’s sweetness will complement the wontons’ flavors, while the coffee’s bitterness will provide a nice contrast. Or, you could try a non-alcoholic sparkling cider for a festive touch.
Serving ideas
Presentation is key when serving these delightful treats! Arrange the deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites on a platter in a visually appealing way. You can create a pyramid shape or simply scatter them artfully across the plate.
Dusting them generously with powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel for an extra touch of indulgence. Consider adding a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
For a more casual presentation, serve them in small paper cones or cups. This makes them easy to eat and perfect for parties or events. Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins – these little bites can be a bit messy, but they are worth it! To elevate your presentation skills further, Cook Reel offers some great tips on food styling; see here: Scotcharoo Popcorn Recipe. It’s always a good idea to enhance not just the taste, but the look of your culinary creations.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites are best enjoyed immediately, as the wonton wrappers tend to lose their crispiness over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will keep for up to 2 days, but the texture will be softer. To reheat them, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or briefly air fry them. This will help to restore some of the crispness.
Freezing is not recommended, as the filling may become watery and the wrappers will become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to make only as many as you plan to eat fresh.
Make-ahead
If you want to get ahead of the game, you can assemble the wontons up to 2 hours before frying. Simply fill and seal the wontons, then store them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator.
This will save you time on the day you plan to serve them. Be sure to keep them covered so they don’t dry out. When you’re ready to fry, simply remove them from the refrigerator and proceed with the frying instructions.
You can also prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in an even more delicious filling.
Common mistakes when making Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites
- Overfilling the wontons: This can cause them to burst during frying, resulting in a messy and oily outcome. Use only a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of filling per wonton.
- Not sealing the edges properly: If the edges are not sealed tightly, the filling can leak out during frying. Make sure to moisten the edges with water and press firmly to seal.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the wontons will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If the oil is too hot, they will burn quickly on the outside while remaining uncooked on the inside. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C).
- Overcrowding the fryer: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons. Fry the wontons in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
- Not draining the wontons properly: After frying, place the wontons on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help to keep them crispy and not greasy.
Final notes
These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites are a delightful treat that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your guests with a unique and delicious dessert.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature wonton bites. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some deep-fried magic. I promise you won’t regret it!
Loved this Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites? Try these next
- External: Scotcharoo popcorn recipe
- External: Filipino beef tocino recipe
Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites
These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites are the ultimate indulgence! Crispy wonton wrappers filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry filling, then deep-fried to golden perfection. A perfect appetizer or dessert!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 wonton bites 1x
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup diced fresh strawberries
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the strawberry jam and diced fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
- Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the strawberry cheesecake filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with a little water. Fold the wonton wrapper over to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Ensure there are no air bubbles trapped inside.
- Repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the wonton bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the wonton bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy these deep-fried strawberry cheesecake wonton bites while they are warm and crispy.
Notes
These are best served immediately. If you need to make them ahead, you can assemble the wontons and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before frying. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. To avoid oil splatter, make sure the wonton wrappers are not overly wet before frying. Don’t overcrowd the fryer, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wonton bites
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg