Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a delicious dessert featuring crispy, golden wrappers filled with sweet homemade cherry filling and creamy vanilla cream cheese. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these irresistible treats are perfect for parties, family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave a fruity dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 7 tablespoons water, divided
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly and Frying

• 12 egg roll wrappers
• 2 or more cups vegetable oil, for frying
• ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Add the cherries, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a small saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture boils.
3. Let the cherries cook for 3–4 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining 4 tablespoons of water with the cornstarch until smooth.
5. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while stirring.
6. Continue cooking until the cherry filling thickens.
7. Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Beat with a hand mixer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you.
2. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling into the center.
3. Add a generous spoonful of the cooled cherry filling on top.
4. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water.
5. Fold the side corners inward over the filling.
6. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and roll tightly toward the opposite corner.
7. Press the edges firmly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.

Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy saucepan to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
2. Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
3. Fry for a few minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Allow them to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
6. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy cherry filling.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve warm: These egg rolls taste best shortly after frying, when the wrappers are crisp and the filling is creamy.
• Add toppings: Drizzle with melted white chocolate, chocolate sauce, or a little cherry syrup for extra sweetness.
• Pair with ice cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
• Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooled egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat for crispness: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
• Avoid the microwave: Microwaving can make the wrappers soft and soggy.
• Make the fillings ahead: Prepare both fillings up to 1–2 days in advance and refrigerate them separately in airtight containers.
• Freeze before frying: Assemble the egg rolls, arrange them in a single layer, and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen over moderately controlled heat, allowing extra cooking time and ensuring the centers are thoroughly heated.
• Prevent leaks: Cool the cherry filling completely and seal the wrappers securely before frying.

Variations

1. Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling before assembling the egg rolls. The combination of tart cherries, smooth cream cheese, and melted chocolate creates a rich dessert that chocolate lovers will enjoy. Finish with a chocolate drizzle.

2. Cherry Cheesecake Egg Rolls

Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the cream cheese filling for a tangy cheesecake flavor. After frying, sprinkle the egg rolls with powdered sugar and serve with cherry sauce for a dessert inspired by classic cherry cheesecake.

3. White Chocolate Cherry Egg Rolls

Fold ¼ cup of white chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cherry filling. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished egg rolls for an elegant presentation.

4. Cherry Almond Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling and sprinkle sliced almonds over the finished egg rolls. Almond flavor complements cherries particularly well and gives this dessert a bakery-style taste.

5. Cherry Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Replace half the cherries with fresh blueberries. Cook the fruit with the sugar and lemon as directed, adding the cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture. The blueberries add extra sweetness and a beautiful deep-purple color.

6. Cherry Strawberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Combine 1 cup of chopped cherries with 1 cup of chopped strawberries for a fruity filling. Cook until the fruit softens, then thicken with the cornstarch mixture. Let the filling cool completely before assembling.

7. Cherry Coconut Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Add ¼ cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling. The coconut gives the dessert a tropical twist that works wonderfully with the sweet-tart cherries. Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top before serving.

8. Cinnamon Sugar Cherry Egg Rolls

Mix ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the cherry filling. Once the egg rolls are fried and drained, lightly brush them with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar instead of using only powdered sugar.

9. Cherry Lemon Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Increase the lemon zest in the cherry filling and add a little extra lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. The bright citrus flavor balances the sweetness and creates a refreshing dessert, especially for spring and summer gatherings.

10. Cherry Apple Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Replace 1 cup of the cherries with finely diced apples. Cook the apples and cherries together with the sugar, lemon, and a pinch of cinnamon until softened. Thicken the filling and cool completely before using.

11. Cherry Nutella Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Spread a small amount of Nutella over the cream cheese filling before adding the cherries. The chocolate-hazelnut flavor makes these egg rolls especially indulgent. Serve with extra Nutella drizzled over the top.

12. Cherry Raspberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Replace half the cherries with fresh raspberries. Cook the fruit gently and strain out some of the seeds if you prefer a smoother filling. The raspberries add a sharper berry flavor that complements the creamy filling.

13. Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Cut standard egg roll wrappers into smaller squares, or use smaller suitable wrappers. Add smaller amounts of each filling, seal tightly, and fry until golden. These bite-sized treats are perfect for dessert platters, potlucks, and parties. Check them frequently because smaller rolls cook faster.

14. Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Brush or spray the assembled egg rolls lightly with oil and arrange them in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Cooking time varies by appliance, so check for doneness.

15. Baked Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

For an oven-baked alternative, place the assembled egg rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter or oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning once if needed, until golden. They may not be quite as crisp as the deep-fried version, but they are still delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of homemade filling?

Yes. Canned cherry pie filling is a convenient shortcut. Use a thick filling and avoid adding too much liquid, which could cause the wrappers to become soggy or leak during frying.

2. Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes. Thaw the cherries and drain excess liquid before cooking. You may need to simmer the filling slightly longer to achieve the right thickness.

3. How do I keep the egg rolls from opening while frying?

Moisten the wrapper edges with water, fold the sides inward, and roll tightly. Press the final seam firmly to seal, and place each egg roll seam-side down briefly before frying.

4. Why are my egg rolls soggy?

The oil may not be hot enough, the pan may be overcrowded, or the filling may contain too much moisture. Maintain the oil temperature around 350–375°F (175–190°C) and fry in small batches.

5. Can I prepare cherry cream cheese egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the fillings in advance and refrigerate them separately. You can also assemble the egg rolls a few hours before cooking and keep them covered in the refrigerator.

6. Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them?

Yes. Brush them lightly with oil or melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning as needed. They will have a different texture from deep-fried egg rolls but will still be tasty.

7. Can I make these egg rolls in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Lightly coat the outside with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning halfway through. Adjust the timing to your air fryer and check that the wrappers are golden and crisp.

8. How should I store leftover egg rolls?

Allow them to cool, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispness.

9. Can I freeze cherry cream cheese egg rolls?

Yes. Freeze the assembled, unbaked egg rolls in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Cook them thoroughly, allowing additional time if cooking from frozen.

10. What can I serve with cherry cream cheese egg rolls?

They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or fresh berries. For a dessert platter, serve them alongside mini cheesecakes, brownies, and fresh fruit.

Cherry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a fun and irresistible dessert that combines crispy golden wrappers with creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cherries. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are perfect for family treats, celebrations, and parties. Try different fruit fillings or chocolate toppings to make this recipe your own, and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.

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