Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas

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Embark on a delectable journey with our Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas recipe! These delightful dessert chimichangas feature soft flour tortillas filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberries. Fried until golden brown and crispy, then coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, these chimichangas are bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this indulgent dessert!

Ingredients:

For chimichangas:

  • 6 (8-inch) soft flour tortillas
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cups sliced strawberries
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For coating:

  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup sugar

For serving:

  • 1 cup sliced strawberries

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in ¾ cup of sliced fresh strawberries until evenly combined.
  3. Assemble Chimichangas: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between 6 tortillas. Spread the filling in the lower third of each tortilla, then fold the two sides toward the center and roll up like a burrito. Secure with toothpicks.
  4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine ⅓ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon and set aside.
  5. Drain Chimichangas: Line a large plate with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F.
  6. Fry Chimichangas: Carefully fry the chimichangas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the paper towel-lined plate to drain for a minute.
  7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the warm chimichangas in the cinnamon and sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  8. Serve: Remove all toothpicks from the chimichangas before serving. Serve warm with additional sliced strawberries on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Warm: These Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas are best enjoyed warm, straight from the frying pan. The crispy exterior and creamy filling are at their most delicious when served fresh.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: For an extra burst of flavor and a decorative touch, garnish the plated chimichangas with additional sliced strawberries before serving. The vibrant color and fresh taste complement the dessert beautifully.
  3. Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Enhance the indulgence of these chimichangas by serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy topping pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the chimichangas.
  4. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftover chimichangas, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure they are placed in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
  5. Reheat Before Serving: When ready to enjoy leftover chimichangas, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. This will help restore their crispiness and revive their delicious flavor.
  6. Avoid Microwaving: While it’s possible to reheat chimichangas in the microwave, it may result in a soggy texture. For the best results, opt for reheating in the oven for a crispier finish.
  7. Freeze for Later: If you want to enjoy these chimichangas at a later time, they can be frozen once cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
  8. Thaw Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen chimichangas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them in the oven as instructed above. This will ensure even heating and prevent them from becoming overly crispy.
  9. Serve at Parties or Gatherings: These Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas make a fantastic dessert option for parties or gatherings. Prepare them ahead of time and reheat just before serving for a crowd-pleasing treat.
  10. Customize with Toppings: Get creative with toppings such as chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture. Let guests customize their chimichangas to suit their taste preferences for a fun dessert experience.

Variations:

  1. Blueberry Cheesecake Chimichangas: Substitute sliced strawberries with fresh blueberries for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. The tartness of the blueberries pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.
  2. Banana Nutella Chimichangas: Spread a layer of Nutella on each tortilla before adding the cheesecake filling. Add sliced bananas along with the filling for a decadent combination of flavors. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
  3. Mixed Berry Chimichangas: Use a combination of sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a medley of berry flavors in the filling. The assorted berries add vibrant colors and a variety of tastes to the chimichangas.
  4. Peaches and Cream Chimichangas: Replace strawberries with diced fresh peaches mixed with a touch of sugar for sweetness. The juicy peaches add a summery flavor to the creamy cheesecake filling, creating a delightful dessert option.
  5. Chocolate Lovers Chimichangas: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks into the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey variation. Top the finished chimichangas with chocolate sauce and whipped cream for the ultimate chocolate lovers’ treat.
  6. Raspberry Lemon Chimichangas: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus flavor. Fold in fresh raspberries along with the filling to complement the tartness of the lemon.
  7. Apple Pie Chimichangas: Toss diced apples with cinnamon and sugar, then sauté until tender. Use the cinnamon-sugar apples as the filling for the chimichangas along with the cheesecake mixture. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a taste reminiscent of apple pie.
  8. Pumpkin Spice Chimichangas: Mix pumpkin puree with cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation. Spread the pumpkin mixture on the tortillas and add a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar before rolling them up. Serve with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.
  9. Coconut Mango Chimichangas: Incorporate diced mangoes and shredded coconut into the cheesecake filling for a tropical twist. The combination of creamy coconut and sweet mangoes adds a taste of the tropics to the dessert.
  10. Nutty Chocolate Chip Chimichangas: Mix chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts with chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for added crunch and flavor. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
    • While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries as a substitute. Just ensure to drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into the filling.
  2. Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?
    • While these chimichangas are best served fresh, you can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas up to a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to fry, then coat with cinnamon sugar and fry just before serving for optimal crispiness.
  3. Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying them?
    • While frying gives the chimichangas their signature crispy texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush the chimichangas with melted butter before baking for a golden finish.
  4. Can I omit the cinnamon sugar coating?
    • Yes, if you prefer less sweetness, you can skip the cinnamon sugar coating or reduce the amount according to your taste preferences. The chimichangas will still be delicious with just the creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries.

With their irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and crispy cinnamon-sugar coating, these Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas are a dessert lover’s dream come true. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or as a delightful treat for special occasions, these chimichangas are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and indulgent appeal. Try making them for your next dessert adventure and prepare to be delighted by the delicious results!