If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and fruity in every bite, look no further than this Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe. These delightful treats combine the smooth richness of cream cheese with the satisfying crunch of a golden fried tortilla, all perfectly paired with a vibrant, homemade strawberry sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is a total game-changer that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an irresistible balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy filling to the crispy, buttery exterior, and of course, the fresh strawberry sauce that adds brightness and sweetness.
- Cream Cheese (24 oz.): Provides the creamy and tangy base for the filling, essential for that classic cheesecake flavor.
- Sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (3 1/2 cups): For frying the roll-ups to a crisp, golden shell.
- Butter (1 stick, melted): Brushed on the fried roll-ups for a rich, glossy finish.
- Small Flour Tortillas (15-20): The perfect canvas to encase the luscious cheesecake filling.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Combined with cinnamon for a delightful coating after frying.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic contrast to the sweet sugar coating.
- Strawberries (1 lb, diced): The fresh fruit star of the strawberry sauce.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the strawberry sauce as it simmers.
- Berry-Flavored Vodka (1/8 cup): Infuses the sauce with a lovely, subtle boozy note (optional, but highly recommended!).
- Lemon Juice (1/2 tbsp): Brightens the sauce with a splash of acidity.
- Water (1/8 cup): Helps to create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
- Strawberry Preserves (1/8 cup): Boosts the strawberry flavor and thickens the sauce for dipping.
How to Make Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
Start by adding diced strawberries, sugar, vodka, water, and lemon juice into a saucepan over low to medium heat. Let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the strawberries to soften. Then, mash the strawberries with a potato masher right in the pan to create a luscious sauce. Stir in the strawberry preserves, and continue simmering for another 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to the perfect dipping consistency. Remove from heat and set aside; this sauce is going to elevate your dessert to a whole new level.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
While the sauce is simmering, grab a large bowl and use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until the mixture is perfectly smooth and sweetened. This creamy, dreamy filling will melt in your mouth once enveloped in the crispy tortilla shell.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spoon a generous amount—about a heaping one and a half tablespoons—of the cheesecake mixture into the center. Spread it evenly but leave space around the edges. Start rolling the tortilla away from you, folding in the sides midway to secure the filling inside, and continue rolling tightly until you have a neat little cheesecake roll-up. Repeat this for all tortillas, then pop them on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. This step is key to keeping the filling intact during frying.
Step 4: Fry the Roll-Ups
Heat your vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer on medium heat. Carefully add a few roll-ups seam side up using a slotted spoon. Fry each side for about one minute, turning until all sides are beautifully golden and crispy. If you like, you can skewer them with toothpicks to prevent unrolling. Once fried, transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
While the roll-ups are still warm, brush each one with melted butter and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the surface. Let them cool just enough so the sugar coating sets but the roll-ups remain warm. Serve alongside your homemade strawberry sauce for dipping – it’s a dreamy combo you’ll want to dive into immediately!
How to Serve Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make these Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe stand out even more, garnish them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snow-kissed look. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can add elegance and extra flavor contrast. The colors and textures bring the whole dish to life, making it irresistible to both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
While these roll-ups are fantastic on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit salad enhances the experience. The cold cream from the ice cream beautifully complements the warm, crispy roll-ups, while a burst of seasonal fruit adds freshness and balance to this rich dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual brunch, slice the roll-ups diagonally and arrange them on a platter with small ramekins of strawberry sauce for dipping. You can also serve the roll-ups on skewers for a fun finger-food twist. Layering them with colorful berries and edible flowers adds a whimsical touch sure to impress your guests and get everyone talking about your amazing Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They still taste delicious when reheated, making them a perfect next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to prep these roll-ups ahead of time, freeze them after assembling but before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to one month. When ready, fry them straight from frozen, adjusting frying time slightly to ensure they heat through thoroughly.
Reheating
To reheat leftover roll-ups, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the tortillas soggy, losing that beautiful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit for the sauce?
Absolutely! While strawberry sauce pairs wonderfully with these roll-ups, you can experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry sauce. Just follow the same simmer-and-thicken steps, and adjust sweetness to taste.
Is it necessary to freeze the roll-ups before frying?
Freezing the roll-ups before frying helps the filling firm up and prevents it from oozing out during cooking. It also makes handling and frying easier, so I highly recommend this step for the best texture and presentation.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This makes assembly quicker and gives the flavors more time to meld.
What if I don’t want to use alcohol in the sauce?
Feel free to omit the vodka from the strawberry sauce if you prefer to keep things alcohol-free. The sauce will still be delicious and flavorful with the lemon juice and preserves adding brightness and sweetness.
Are these roll-ups suitable for kids?
Yes, they are! For younger kids or those sensitive to alcohol, just skip the vodka in the sauce. The roll-ups themselves are a wonderful treat, and the homemade strawberry sauce adds a fresh fruity touch everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love every moment of making and savoring these Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe. They’re fun to prepare, crowd-pleasers, and a supreme way to elevate simple ingredients into an unforgettable dessert. So gather your ingredients, warm up your skillet, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic sweet indulgence. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for festive gatherings or whenever a little special treat is needed!
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Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with Strawberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these crispy Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups, featuring a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling wrapped in warm tortillas, fried golden, and finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating. Served with a luscious homemade strawberry sauce infused with a hint of vodka and lemon, these roll-ups make an irresistible dessert or snack perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz. Cream Cheese
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Frying
- 3 1/2 cups Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (for frying)
- 1 stick Butter, melted (for brushing)
- 15–20 Small Flour Tortillas
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 lb. Strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/8 cup Vodka (berry flavored if available)
- 1/2 tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 1/8 cup Water
- 1/8 cup Strawberry Preserves
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine diced strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, vodka, water, and lemon juice over low to medium heat. Allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Use a potato masher to crush the strawberries directly in the saucepan. Stir in the strawberry preserves and continue simmering for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add 2/3 cup sugar and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: On a clean surface, lay out a flour tortilla. Spoon a generous 1.5 heaping spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture in the center. Spread evenly, then roll the tortilla away from you, folding in the sides halfway through to form a secure roll. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Place the assembled roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour to firm up.
- Fry the Roll-Ups: Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium heat—ensure the temperature is moderate to prevent burning. Carefully place a few cheesecake roll-ups seam side up into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use toothpicks to secure the rolls if needed during frying. Remove and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat for all rolls.
- Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the warm fried roll-ups with melted butter using a pastry brush. Immediately sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture (1/2 cup sugar combined with 1 tsp cinnamon). Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Plate the cheesecake roll-ups alongside the strawberry dipping sauce and enjoy warm as a decadent dessert treat.
Notes
- Freezing the roll-ups before frying helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Use moderate heat when frying to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning the tortillas.
- You can substitute vodka with orange juice or omit it for a non-alcoholic version of the sauce.
- Ensure to drain fried roll-ups well to keep them crisp and not greasy.
- Leftover strawberry sauce can be refrigerated and used within 3 days.
