Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Recipe

Sweet & Crispy Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Recipe

Sweet meets savory in these irresistible cherry cheesecake chimichangas that blend creamy textures with crispy golden edges.

Dessert lovers will fall head over heels for this unique fusion of Mexican and American flavors.

The crisp tortilla wraps around a luscious filling of tangy cream cheese and vibrant cherry compote.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements that dance on your palate.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that feels both comforting and exciting.

Drizzled with a light glaze and served warm, these chimichangas promise to become your new favorite indulgence.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Why Sweet Fried Cherry Cheesecake Is a Standout

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: These sweet fried cherry cheesecake bites deliver a delightful twist on traditional desserts, guaranteed to make everyone's taste buds dance with joy.
  • Conquer Quick Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing even beginners to create restaurant-worthy treats.
  • Customize Your Delight: Swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or strawberries, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to personal preferences and seasonal ingredients.
  • Party-Perfect Portions: Bite-sized and easy to share, these mini desserts are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, ensuring everyone gets a delicious taste without fuss.

Ingredients for Fried Cherry Cheesecake Magic

Main Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth, creamy base that provides a rich and tangy flavor to the cheesecake filling.
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps that serve as the outer shell for the fried cheesecake.
  • Cherries: Sweet, juicy fruits that add a burst of fruity flavor and moisture to the filling.
Sugar and Spice:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: A classic sweet and warm coating that creates a delightful crunchy exterior and adds depth of flavor.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds a subtle, sweet aroma to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for deep-frying the cheesecake rolls to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
  • Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks used to secure the tortilla rolls during preparation and cooking.

Making Sweet Fried Cherry Cheesecake Stepwise

Making Sweet Fried Cherry Cheesecake Stepwise

Step 1: Whip Creamy Filling

Blend the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.

Use an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 2: Spread Delicious Base

Take each tortilla and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture across the lower third of the tortilla, creating a rich and creamy foundation.

Step 3: Add Fresh Cherry Topping

Sprinkle fresh cherries evenly over the cream cheese layer, distributing them carefully to ensure each bite will have a burst of fruity flavor.

Step 4: Create Compact Bundles

Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll the tortilla tightly into a compact bundle.

Secure each chimichanga with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.

Step 5: Prepare Sweet Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly to create a fragrant and sweet coating.

Step 6: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour cooking oil into a deep pan, bringing it to medium-high heat.

The oil should be approximately 2.5 inches deep for optimal frying.

Step 7: Golden Fry

Gently place the prepared chimichangas into the hot oil.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Step 8: Drain And Coat

Remove the fried chimichangas and let them drain on paper towels for a minute to remove excess oil.

While still warm, roll each one in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 9: Final Presentation

Remove the toothpicks from the chimichangas before serving.

Plate and enjoy these delightful sweet treats immediately while they’re warm and crispy.

Cheesecake Frying Tips for Sweet Results

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a silky, lump-free mixture that spreads easily.
  • Use sweet, ripe cherries for maximum flavor and juiciness in the filling.
  • Roll tortillas tightly to prevent filling from leaking during frying and maintain a neat presentation.
  • Maintain consistent medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the chimichangas.
  • Let fried chimichangas rest briefly on paper towels to absorb excess oil before coating with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Cherry Cheesecake – Fun Twists and Additions

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace tortillas with gluten-free wraps or rice paper for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same creamy and sweet profile.
  • Low-Sugar Fruit Wrap: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use fresh cherries instead of canned for a reduced-calorie dessert option.
  • Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Roll: Add dark chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture and drizzle melted chocolate over the fried cheesecake rolls for a decadent chocolate-cherry combination.
  • Vegan Cherry Cream Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut oil for frying, and plant-based tortillas to create a completely vegan-friendly dessert that's equally delicious.

Serving Up Fried Cherry Cheesecake

  • Party Plate Perfection: Arrange golden-brown cheesecake chimichangas on a platter with fresh cherries scattered around for a pop of color.
  • Decadent Dipping Delight: Serve with warm chocolate sauce or vanilla bean whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Cool Companion Combo: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine to complement the rich, crispy texture.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle caramel sauce on top for a stunning presentation that makes these treats look as amazing as they taste.

Storage Tips for Fried Cherry Cheesecake

  • Store leftover cheesecake chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture and fresh flavor.
  • Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick dessert option later.
  • Warm refrigerated chimichangas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Allow frozen chimichangas to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve their delicate texture and prevent moisture buildup.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are in the cream cheese mixture?

The mixture contains cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, blended until smooth and creamy.

  • How do I prevent the cheesecake chimichangas from falling apart while frying?

Fold the tortilla sides in first, then roll tightly like a burrito and secure with a toothpick to keep the filling inside during frying.

  • What type of oil works best for frying these dessert chimichangas?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil, heated to medium-high temperature for even, golden-brown frying.

  • Can I prepare these chimichangas ahead of time?

You can assemble the chimichangas in advance and refrigerate them, but fry just before serving to maintain the crispy texture and warm filling.

Print
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Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Recipe

Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry cheesecake chimichangas bring Mexican and American cuisine together in one irresistible dessert. Crispy fried tortillas cradle creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry filling, creating a delightful fusion that will satisfy you with its perfect balance of textures and flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 (8-inch) soft flour tortillas
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) cherries from pie filling
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar (for coating)

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Ingredient:

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky and uniform, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Generously spread the velvety cream cheese mixture along the lower third of each tortilla, creating an even layer.
  3. Distribute fresh cherries evenly across the cream cheese surface, spacing them carefully.
  4. Carefully fold the tortilla edges inward, then roll tightly into compact bundles, securing each with a toothpick to prevent unraveling.
  5. Create a sweet coating by whisking sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish.
  6. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, monitoring temperature for optimal frying.
  7. Gently lower chimichangas into hot oil, frying until they achieve a rich golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Transfer fried dessert rolls onto paper towels to absorb excess oil for 60 seconds, then immediately coat thoroughly in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  9. Extract toothpicks and serve these delectable sweet treats warm for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Cream Cheese Consistency Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Tortilla Selection Use soft flour tortillas for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Cherry Distribution Spread cherries evenly to prevent uneven filling and potential bursting during frying.
  • Oil Temperature Maintain consistent oil heat around 350°F for crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap traditional tortillas with gluten-free versions for celiac-friendly option. Replace sugar with stevia for lower-calorie version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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