A Golden, Crunchy Dessert with a Creamy Strawberry Center
Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake filling and a shatteringly crisp exterior. Inspired by fair-style desserts and restaurant favorites, these egg rolls deliver rich flavor, contrasting textures, and eye-catching presentation—all with surprisingly simple ingredients.
Inside each roll is a smooth cream cheese base lightly sweetened, brightened with vanilla, and studded with juicy strawberries. The filling is wrapped in thin egg roll wrappers, then fried, baked, or air-fried until golden brown. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, these dessert egg rolls are ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you want an indulgent treat that feels special but is easy to make at home.
This article walks you through the complete recipe, explains cooking methods, offers expert tips, variations, storage advice, and answers common questions.
Why Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls Are So Popular
These dessert egg rolls check all the boxes:
- Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside
- Sweet but not overwhelming
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for sharing
- Can be fried, baked, or air-fried
They combine the familiar comfort of cheesecake with the fun, handheld format of an egg roll, making them especially popular at gatherings and dessert tables.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, finely diced (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, if strawberries are not very sweet)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Egg Rolls
- 15–20 egg roll or spring roll wrappers
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for sealing)
- High-heat oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut)
or - Non-stick spray for baking or air frying
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. This step is crucial for achieving a silky filling.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully incorporated and creamy.
Gently fold in the diced strawberries, along with the optional granulated sugar and lemon zest. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the strawberries to release too much moisture.
For best results, cover and refrigerate the filling for 15–20 minutes. Chilling firms it slightly, making the egg rolls easier to fill and seal.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing toward you.
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling near the lower third of the wrapper. Do not overfill, as this can cause leaking during cooking.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it in gently. Fold in the left and right sides snugly toward the center.
Brush the top corner lightly with the egg wash, then roll the wrapper upward tightly to form a sealed egg roll. Press gently to ensure the seam sticks.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Place the assembled rolls seam-side down while you work.
Cooking Methods
You can cook these strawberry cheesecake egg rolls three different ways, depending on your preference.
Method 1: Frying (Classic Crispy Texture)
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add 3–4 egg rolls at a time, seam-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and crisp.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Method 2: Air Frying (Lighter Option)
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the egg rolls with non-stick spray on all sides.
Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each roll.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Method 3: Baking (Hands-Off Method)
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Place egg rolls seam-side down on the sheet and spray or brush lightly with oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the egg rolls cool slightly, prepare the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk amount to reach a pourable but thick consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over warm egg rolls or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry cheesecake egg rolls are best served warm, when the contrast between the crispy shell and creamy filling is most pronounced.
Serve them with:
- Extra vanilla glaze
- Strawberry sauce or coulis
- Chocolate drizzle
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
They pair well with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
- Dice strawberries finely to prevent tearing the wrappers
- Chill the filling briefly before rolling
- Seal edges tightly with egg wash
- Do not overfill
- Cook seam-side down first to prevent opening
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling
- Mixed Berry: Use raspberries or blueberries along with strawberries
- Lemon Cheesecake: Increase lemon zest and add a splash of lemon juice
- Cinnamon Sugar Finish: Skip glaze and roll warm egg rolls in cinnamon sugar
- Nutella Strawberry: Add a teaspoon of Nutella to each roll before sealing
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Uncooked egg rolls freeze well. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wrapper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before chopping to avoid a watery filling.
Why did my egg rolls burst while cooking?
Overfilling, loose sealing, or oil that is too hot can cause bursting.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze for longer storage.
What wrappers work best?
Egg roll wrappers produce the crispiest result, but spring roll wrappers also work with slightly thinner texture.
Do these need to be served warm?
They are best warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. Powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or plain serving all work well.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are a dessert that feels playful, indulgent, and impressive without being complicated. With their crunchy exterior, creamy cheesecake filling, and bursts of strawberry flavor, they offer a restaurant-quality experience you can easily recreate at home.
Whether fried for maximum crunch or air-fried for a lighter option, these egg rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast. They are proof that a few simple ingredients, combined with the right technique, can create a dessert that looks stunning and tastes unforgettable.