Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls with Lemon Glaze are a fun and decadent dessert that blends creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy golden wrapper. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of textures and flavors, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or a special treat at home.
These dessert egg rolls are surprisingly simple to make, yet they feel luxurious and impressive. Drizzling them with a tangy lemon glaze adds a zesty brightness that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and cream cheese.
Whether you serve them warm or slightly cooled, these egg rolls are perfect for entertaining, gifting, or indulging in a sweet snack. Their versatile nature makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they are easy to prepare in advance.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Egg Rolls:
- 8–10 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
Next, add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to ensure the flavor is evenly incorporated. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape inside the egg roll, but soft enough to bite into easily.
Finally, gently fold in the chopped strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to mash the strawberries too much to preserve their texture and juiciness.
Assembling the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the left and right sides inward to secure the filling. Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with a little water to prevent leakage.
Repeat this process with all remaining wrappers and filling. Make sure each egg roll is tightly sealed, as this will prevent the creamy filling from spilling during frying and ensure a crisp exterior.
Frying Instructions
Pour 1–2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for precision, as proper temperature ensures even frying and prevents soggy egg rolls.
Carefully place 2–3 egg rolls into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy all around.
Once fried, remove the egg rolls using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before adding the glaze, so it adheres without melting too quickly.
Detailed Instructions: Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls with Lemon Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by softening your cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until it reaches a creamy, silky consistency.
Next, add the vanilla extract to the mixture, blending thoroughly so the flavor is evenly distributed. The vanilla enhances the sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Finally, gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Mix carefully to avoid crushing them, as you want small, juicy pieces that create bursts of flavor in each bite. The filling should be thick but spreadable, holding its shape when placed in the egg roll wrapper.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape. Place about two tablespoons of the cheesecake-strawberry filling near the bottom corner, leaving a small edge around the sides to prevent spillage.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the left and right sides inward to secure it. Be careful to tuck the filling neatly and avoid overfilling, as this can cause the egg roll to burst while frying.
Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with a few drops of water. Press gently to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process for all remaining wrappers and filling, keeping your hands clean to prevent the dough from tearing.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
Pour 1–2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy; proper oil temperature ensures a crispy exterior without burning.
Test the oil by dropping a small piece of wrapper into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready. Avoid overheating the oil, as it can burn the delicate egg roll wrappers before the filling heats through.
Keep a slotted spoon or tongs nearby for safe handling. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels to drain the fried egg rolls and maintain crispiness.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Carefully place 2–3 egg rolls into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if needed to ensure even cooking. Turn the egg rolls occasionally with tongs for uniform golden brown color on all sides.
Fry each egg roll for 2–3 minutes per side, depending on their size. The wrappers should be crisp and lightly golden while the filling becomes warm and melty. Monitor them closely, as the sugar in the filling can caramelize quickly.
Once fried, remove the egg rolls and place them on the prepared paper towel-lined plate. Allow them to rest for a few minutes to drain excess oil and cool slightly before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is pourable but not too runny.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze. This enhances the aroma and adds a subtle, refreshing tang that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled egg rolls using a spoon, fork, or piping bag. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor in every bite. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to avoid it dripping excessively.
Step 6: Serving the Egg Rolls
Serve the egg rolls warm for a soft, melty cheesecake center, or slightly cooled for a firmer bite. The contrast between the crispy wrapper and creamy filling is the signature appeal of this dessert.
Consider pairing with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent presentation. Fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
For entertaining or parties, arrange the egg rolls on a platter with extra glaze on the side for dipping. They are bite-sized and easy to enjoy, making them perfect for dessert tables or family gatherings.
Step 7: Storage and Reheating
Uncooked egg rolls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep them covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Fried egg rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness without overcooking the filling.
Avoid microwaving leftover egg rolls, as this can make the wrappers soggy. Proper oven reheating maintains the crunch and keeps the cheesecake filling creamy and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls warm for a soft, melty filling or slightly cooled for a firmer bite. Either way, they maintain their crisp texture and delightful flavor.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. This makes them perfect for dessert tables, festive gatherings, or family celebrations.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and make the dessert visually appealing. They are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Uncooked egg rolls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out until ready to fry.
Fried egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving leftover egg rolls, as this tends to make the wrappers soggy. The oven method ensures the outer layer remains crunchy while the filling stays creamy and flavorful.
Flavor Variations
Try swapping strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced mango for a tropical twist. The cream cheese filling pairs well with a variety of fresh fruits.
Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for extra richness and a decadent dessert. The combination of chocolate and creamy cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Experiment with different glazes, such as raspberry, caramel, or chocolate, to match the season, occasion, or personal preference. This flexibility makes the recipe versatile and fun to adapt.
Tips for Perfect Frying
Ensure oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Oil that is too cool results in greasy egg rolls, while oil that is too hot may burn the wrappers before the filling is warmed.
Do not overcrowd the pan; frying in small batches ensures even cooking. Turn the egg rolls occasionally to achieve golden brown perfection on all sides.
Remove the egg rolls carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain. Proper draining maintains crispiness and prevents soggy desserts.
Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas
This dessert is perfect for making with children, allowing them to spoon filling and fold wrappers under supervision.
Create mini-sized egg rolls for small hands. They’re great for parties, snack time, or kid-friendly dessert tables.
Serve with a small cup of glaze or whipped cream for dipping. This interactive element makes dessert time fun and engaging for children.
Pairing Drinks
Serve with hot coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. The warmth complements the creamy filling and crispy wrapper.
Cold milk or a sparkling lemonade pairs well, balancing the sweetness of the dessert. These drinks are also excellent options for family gatherings or parties.
For adults, pair with a dessert wine like Moscato or a fruity sangria. The light and sweet beverage enhances the fruity, creamy notes of the egg rolls.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls with Lemon Glaze combine creamy filling, fresh fruit, and a crispy exterior for a truly indulgent dessert.
They are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and versatile, perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply treating yourself.
Follow these steps and tips to create a dessert that is both impressive and irresistible, delighting every bite with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
