Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichanga Recipe

The Crunchy-Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichanga Recipe

Sweet meets savory in this delightful strawberry cheesecake chimichanga that blends classic dessert flavors with a crispy Mexican-inspired twist.

The unexpected combination creates a mouthwatering treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Warm, golden-brown tortillas encase a creamy cheesecake filling bursting with fresh strawberry goodness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crisp exterior and luscious interior that melts in your mouth.

The dessert transforms a traditional chimichanga into a decadent sweet sensation that breaks all culinary rules.

Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce to elevate this already irresistible dessert.

You won’t be able to resist this unique and indulgent treat that combines the best of two incredible culinary worlds.

Storing Cheesecake Chimichangas for Later

  • Store leftover strawberry cheesecake chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between each chimichanga to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw frozen chimichangas in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat air fryer to 350F and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • For quick reheating, microwave from refrigerated state for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the crispy exterior, so air fryer is preferred for maintaining texture.

FAQs

  • What are the main ingredients for the strawberry cheesecake chimichanga?

The main ingredients include cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, fresh strawberries, tortillas, butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

  • Is this a baked or fried dessert?

This is an air-fried dessert, which makes it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chimichangas while still achieving a crispy exterior.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. Just air fry them right before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichanga: Why You’ll Crave It

  • Transform traditional cheesecake into a crispy, handheld treat that surprises and delights with its unique fusion of textures and flavors.
  • Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe demands basic mixing and rolling techniques that anyone can master without professional training.
  • Prepare and cook these strawberry cheesecake chimichangas in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal spontaneous dessert for unexpected cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the crispy excitement of a chimichanga, creating a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its playful, indulgent charm.

Ingredients for Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas

Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and rich base that provides the classic cheesecake flavor and creamy texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, velvety filling.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tangy flavors.
  • Strawberries: Fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and bright color to the filling.
Wrapper Ingredients:
  • Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that create the crispy exterior of the chimichanga.
Coating and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick to the chimichangas and adds richness.
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and aromatic coating that gives a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the dessert.

Must-Have Tools for Chimichanga Perfection

  • Large bowl: Essential for mixing cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar smoothly.
  • Spatula or whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients until they're creamy and well combined.
  • Cutting board and knife: Needed for chopping fresh strawberries into small pieces.
  • Air fryer: Critical for cooking chimichangas to crispy golden perfection at 350F.
  • Pastry brush: Helps evenly coat chimichangas with melted butter.
  • Shallow plate: Used for rolling chimichangas in cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • Tongs: Convenient for handling hot chimichangas safely from air fryer.

Cooking Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas at Home

Step 1: Whip Creamy Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until completely smooth.

Gently incorporate chopped strawberries, creating a luscious, fruity filling that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Wrap Delightful Bundles

Spread a soft tortilla on a clean surface.

Scoop a generous portion of the strawberry cream cheese mixture right in the center.

Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll tightly like a cozy burrito.

Pro tip: Dab a bit of cream cheese mixture along the tortilla’s edge to create a perfect seal.

Step 3: Crisp in Hot Air

Carefully place your strawberry cheesecake burritos into the air fryer basket.

Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, transforming them into golden, crispy delights with a beautiful crunch.

Step 4: Dust With Sweet Coating

After cooking, gently brush each chimichanga with melted butter.

Roll them in a heavenly mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, ensuring every inch is covered in sweet, sparkling goodness.

Tips for Crispy, Creamy Dessert Chimichangas

  • Use a small amount of cream cheese mixture along the tortilla edge to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Pat strawberries dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture that could make the filling runny.
  • Roll chimichangas in cinnamon sugar while still warm for better sugar adherence and more intense flavor.
  • Let air fryer chimichangas rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
  • Prepare and assemble chimichangas in advance, then refrigerate until ready to air fry for convenient entertaining.

Fun Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichanga Fans

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce wraps for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Transformation: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese, use plant-based sour cream, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use fresh berries with fewer natural sugars like raspberries or blackberries.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished chimichangas for an indulgent twist.

Plating and Serving Dessert Chimichangas

  • Sweet Drizzle Delight: Drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the crispy chimichangas for an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Berry Fresh Topping: Sprinkle fresh sliced strawberries or a quick strawberry compote on top to enhance the fruity flavor profile.
  • Creamy Companion: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm, crispy texture of the chimichangas.
  • Garnish Glamour: Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle toasted almond slivers for an elegant and crunchy finishing touch.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichanga Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichanga Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy strawberry cheesecake chimichangas blend Mexican and American dessert traditions into one indulgent treat. Golden-fried pastry wraps silky cream cheese and fresh strawberries, offering you a delightful culinary surprise with each crispy bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 4 medium-sized tortillas
  • 1 cup (150 grams) chopped strawberries

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar

Coating and Spice:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety filling by blending cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until silky smooth. Delicately incorporate chopped strawberries, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
  2. Position a tortilla on a clean surface and deposit a generous dollop of strawberry cream cheese blend directly in its center. Carefully fold the sides inward, creating a compact envelope. Apply a thin layer of cream cheese mixture along the tortilla’s edge to secure the seal.
  3. Arrange the assembled chimichanga packets inside the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing between each. Activate the air fryer and program to 350F (175C), allowing the chimichangas to crisp and golden for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Upon completion, extract the chimichangas and delicately brush each with melted butter. Prepare a shallow plate with a blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently tumble each chimichanga through the aromatic sugar mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coating.

Notes

  • Choose full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more decadent filling that provides a smooth and luxurious texture.
  • Ensure strawberries are fresh and ripe to maximize natural sweetness and prevent excess moisture in the filling.
  • Pat strawberries dry with paper towels before chopping to prevent soggy chimichangas and maintain crispy exterior.
  • Seal tortilla edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during air frying, creating a perfect golden-brown wrap.
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas and confirm all ingredients meet dietary requirements.
  • Experiment with alternative fruits like blueberries or peaches for unique flavor variations of this dessert chimichanga.
  • Cool chimichangas slightly before coating in cinnamon sugar to help sugar adhere better and prevent burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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