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These deep fried strawberry cheesecakes are a delightful snack combining crispy wonton bites with creamy, fresh strawberry cheesecake filling. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat any time you want a bit of indulgence.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Uses simple ingredients you can find easily in your kitchen
- Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- The crispy outside contrasts beautifully with the creamy fruity filling
I first made these for a summer party, and they quickly became the hit of the night. Now whenever strawberries are in season, I find myself craving these little bites.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: eight ounces softened to ensure smooth filling texture
- Granulated sugar: one quarter cup adds sweetness without overpowering
- Vanilla extract: one half teaspoon enhances the cheesecake flavor
- Fresh strawberries: one half cup diced for natural fruitiness and texture
- Strawberry jam or preserves: one tablespoon optional for extra strawberry punch
- Wonton wrappers: twenty four for a crispy coating check for freshness and flexibility
- Water: small bowl for sealing the wonton edges effectively
- Vegetable oil for frying: choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil
- Powdered sugar for dusting: adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spoon the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Stir these together until completely smooth and creamy. Fold in the diced fresh strawberries and strawberry jam if using being gentle to keep the fruit pieces intact.
- Seal the Wontons:
- Place a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface arranged in a diamond shape. Spoon one to one and a half teaspoons of the cheesecake filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten all edges of the wrapper to help seal. Fold the wrapper into a triangle shape pressing the edges firmly to close tightly and to push out any air pockets. For an elegant look bring the two side corners together and pinch to form a small purse.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot until it is about two inches deep. Heat the oil over medium high heat until it reaches three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius.
- Fry the Wontons:
- Carefully place a few wontons at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for two to three minutes turning them halfway through to achieve an even golden brown and crispiness all around. Remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add the Finishing Touch:
- Dust the warm wontons with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Optionally serve with strawberry sauce or chocolate for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
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My favorite ingredient here has to be the fresh strawberries. Their juicy sweet tart bite combined with the rich cream cheese feels like a summer picnic every time. I remember making these with my niece who loved squishing the cream cheese mixture into the wontons almost as much as eating them.
Storage Tips
If you want to save leftovers keep unfried wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For cooked wontons place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate covered for one day. Reheat in a hot oven to crisp them up again but avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a slightly richer flavor. If you do not have fresh strawberries use frozen ones that are thawed but drain excess juice to prevent soggy filling. Instead of wonton wrappers spring roll wrappers can be used though they might be a bit thicker.
Serving Suggestions
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These bites go beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a side of strawberry coulis for dipping. You can also serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese is best for the filling?
Cream cheese softened at room temperature ensures a smooth and creamy filling that blends well with the strawberries.
- → How do I prevent wontons from bursting while frying?
Make sure to press the edges firmly to seal all air pockets and use water to moisten the wrappers before folding to create a tight seal.
- → What oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is ideal as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which helps achieve crispiness without overpowering the taste.
- → Can I add other fruit to the filling?
Yes, small diced fruits like blueberries or raspberries complement the cream cheese filling well and add variety to the flavor profile.
- → How should these bites be served?
They are best served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and can be paired with strawberry sauce or melted chocolate for dipping.
- → Is chilling the filling necessary before assembling?
While not required, chilling for 15 minutes helps the filling firm up, making it easier to spoon onto the wontons and seal.