If there’s one dessert that can make anyone’s eyes light up, it’s Deep Fried Cheesecake. Imagine everything you love about creamy, dreamy cheesecake, then wrap it in a golden, cinnamon-sugar crust that practically shatters when you bite in. This recipe delivers all the festival fun right in your own kitchen, turning a simple handful of ingredients into the kind of treat that turns ordinary days into delicious occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or just feel like indulging, this Deep Fried Cheesecake promises to steal the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to an out-of-this-world Deep Fried Cheesecake is starting with high-quality basics. Each ingredient has a purpose: from building that lusciously rich center to achieving a crisp, golden shell nobody can resist.
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces (softened): This is the soul of your filling, bringing unmatched creaminess that stays rich even after frying.
- Powdered sugar, ¼ cup: Blends seamlessly into the cream cheese, sweetening the filling without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon: Just a hint adds warmth and that signature cheesecake aroma.
- Flour tortillas, 4 large: These become the crispy envelope that holds everything together and fries beautifully.
- Egg, 1 beaten (for sealing): This acts as edible glue, ensuring your cheesecake stays wrapped up tight during frying.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the crispiest, lightest crust.
- Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Provides that classic sweet crunch after frying.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Mixes with sugar to create the irresistible flavor and color on the outside.
- Optional toppings: chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh berries: Dress up your Deep Fried Cheesecake just the way you like!
How to Make Deep Fried Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is luxuriously smooth and fluffy, with no lumps left behind. This creamy base will be the star at the center of every bite.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly down the center of each tortilla, shaping it into a log or mound. Fold in the short sides first, then roll up tightly like a burrito, making sure to seal the edge with a little beaten egg. This step keeps all that goodness inside, even when things get hot and bubbly in the oil.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Add about 2 inches of vegetable oil to a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). If you have a thermometer, use it—maintaining the right temperature ensures the cheesecake crisps up fast without soaking up too much oil.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully place the cheesecake rolls in the hot oil seam-side down. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning as needed, until each roll is deeply golden and the crust is crinkly and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to gently lift them onto a paper towel–lined plate, draining off any excess oil.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
While the Deep Fried Cheesecake rolls are still warm, toss them in a bowl with your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The heat helps the coating stick evenly and infuses the crust with even more flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Serve each Deep Fried Cheesecake immediately, adorned with your favorite toppings—think drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce, fluffy whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh berries to cut through the richness.
How to Serve Deep Fried Cheesecake
Garnishes
The finishing touches are where you can really personalize your Deep Fried Cheesecake. Try a dusting of extra powdered sugar, a squiggle of your favorite chocolate or caramel syrup, or a dollop of pillowy whipped cream. Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a pop of color and a tart foil to all that sweetness.
Side Dishes
Since Deep Fried Cheesecake is so decadent, keep sides light and refreshing. Offer a bowl of fresh fruit salad, some crisp apple slices, or even a sprig of mint for a palate-cleansing bite between tastes. I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the plate for some extra wow factor. Slice the fried cheesecakes in halves or thirds and arrange them artfully on a platter. For parties, cut each into “cheesecake sticks” for easy sharing. Mini shot glasses of sauce on the side for dipping can turn dessert into an interactive experience that’s both fun and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Deep Fried Cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep for up to three days, although the signature crunch on the outside is best enjoyed fresh. Don’t worry though—the inside stays deli-ciously creamy!
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch in advance, assemble and roll the cheesecakes but don’t fry them yet. Wrap and freeze the uncooked rolls for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frying for fresh-from-the-oil magic, anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To bring back that golden crunch, reheat leftovers in an air fryer or a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Skip the microwave; it tends to make the crust soggy. Once warmed, quickly re-roll in a bit more cinnamon sugar if you like!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cheesecake instead of making the filling?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cut slices of store-bought cheesecake and wrap them in tortillas just as you would the homemade filling. The Deep Fried Cheesecake will turn out a little firmer but still completely irresistible.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
While you won’t get quite the same dramatic crunch, you can bake the wrapped cheesecakes in a 400°F oven until the tortillas are golden and crisp, about 15 minutes. Give them a quick brush with melted butter first to help the color along.
What oil is best for frying this dessert?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are your best bet. They’ll let the rich, creamy filling and cinnamon-sugar coating shine without adding any heavy flavors.
Can I make Deep Fried Cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour tortillas with your favorite gluten-free wraps. Just check that they’re sturdy and can handle rolling and frying without falling apart. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What’s the easiest way to check oil temperature if I don’t have a thermometer?
Drop in a tiny piece of tortilla—if it sizzles right away and turns golden in about 60 seconds, the oil’s ready. If it browns too quickly or too slowly, adjust the heat as needed before frying your rolls.
Final Thoughts
This Deep Fried Cheesecake is one of those show-stopping desserts that actually deliver on the fun and flavor they promise. Whether you enjoy them solo or decked out with all your favorite toppings, they guarantee big smiles with every bite. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making excuses to fry up cheesecake any chance you get!
Print
Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy, creamy goodness of these deep-fried cheesecake bites. A decadent dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with a crunchy shell, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- chocolate sauce
- caramel sauce
- whipped cream
- fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble: Divide mixture among tortillas, roll up tightly, and seal with beaten egg.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F, fry cheesecake rolls until golden brown, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- For a fun variation, add mini chocolate chips or fruit preserves before rolling.
- Prepare filled tortillas ahead and fry just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried cheesecake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
