Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake stuffed wonton bites offer a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and crispy textures that make for an irresistible dessert or snack. With a creamy cheesecake center enhanced by fresh strawberries, wrapped in a crisp golden wonton shell, they bring a playful and elegant twist to classic flavors.

I first made these on a weekend when strawberries were perfectly ripe, and they vanished in minutes. Now they are a go-to for celebrations and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: softened provides the rich, smooth cheesecake base choose full-fat for best texture
• Granulated sugar: balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and strawberry
• Vanilla extract: adds warm aromatic notes enhancing overall flavor
• Fresh strawberries: diced for bursts of juicy sweetness pick firm and ripe berries to avoid sogginess
• Strawberry jam or preserves (optional): amps up the strawberry flavor making it more vibrant
• Wonton wrappers: thin and light, these become perfectly crispy when fried find fresh or frozen ones in Asian markets
• Vegetable oil: neutral flavor oil with high smoke point, perfect for deep frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This smooth base is crucial to avoid lumps and to ensure the strawberries fold in gently without breaking down too much. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries and strawberry jam if using. Be careful not to overmix so the fruit retains some texture and freshness.

Assemble the Wonton Bites:

Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape with a corner pointing at you. Place about 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the cheesecake filling into the center of each wrapper. Dip a finger in water and moisten all four edges of the wrapper with a light touch. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the bottom corner to meet the top and press edges firmly to seal, pressing out all air pockets. Optionally, bring the two side corners together and pinch to form a purse shape for a different look.

Heat the Oil:

Fill a deep skillet or pot with about two inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to avoid burning the wontons on the outside while leaving them raw inside or allowing them to absorb excess oil.

Fry the Wontons:

Carefully lower a few wontons into the hot oil, giving each enough space to float freely without touching. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy, turning halfway for even color. Remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

Dust the wontons with powdered sugar while still warm. These bites are fantastic on their own or served alongside strawberry sauce or melted chocolate for dipping.

Save

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the crispy exterior sneaks up on you and then the cool, creamy, fruity center delights every time. A memorable moment was sharing these with friends who immediately asked for the recipe after the first bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover fried wonton bites in an airtight container at room temperature to keep crisp for a few hours. For longer storage, place unfried assembled wontons in a single layer on a tray in the freezer and once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen for fresh results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a milder, creamier filling. Try blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different berry twist. To make it dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese alternatives and ensure your wonton wrappers are egg-free. Light brown sugar can be swapped for granulated sugar to add slight caramel notes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra indulgence. Pair with a cup of coffee or lightly sweetened tea to balance richness. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to create a dessert plate that impresses any guest.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prevent wontons from leaking during frying?

Ensure the wrappers are well sealed by moistening edges with water and pressing firmly. Removing air pockets before sealing helps avoid leaks.

→ What oil is best for frying these wonton bites?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to achieve a crispy exterior without burning.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, preparing the cream cheese and strawberry mixture ahead of time helps develop the flavors and makes assembly quicker.

→ How do I know when the wontons are perfectly fried?

They should turn golden brown on all sides and crisp up within 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the filling creamy.

→ What can I serve alongside these wonton bites?

They pair nicely with strawberry sauce, chocolate dip, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.