As a baker, I always look for creative ways to bring together flavors and textures that people love—especially when I can take a classic dessert and transform it into a fun, bite-sized treat. This recipe for Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites was inspired by my love for cheesecake and my curiosity about how to combine it with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried pastry. One evening, I found myself experimenting with leftover wonton wrappers and cheesecake filling, and the results were so delightful that I had to turn it into a regular recipe in my kitchen.
These bites are an absolute game-changer. The crispy shell gives way to a warm, creamy, tangy-sweet center filled with rich cheesecake and fresh strawberries. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears within minutes of hitting the table—everyone wants more. I’ve made these countless times for family gatherings, celebrations, and even just weekend treats, and they’ve always been met with the same joyful reaction. They’re indulgent without being overly heavy and can be served as a sweet snack, a fun dessert platter addition, or even an elegant party offering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. You don’t need to make an entire cheesecake from scratch to enjoy that rich, creamy flavor. With just a few ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can recreate that same delicious experience in handheld form. These wonton bites fry up quickly, turn golden in moments, and come out with a stunning texture that’s hard to resist.
They also have a great surprise factor. People don’t expect cheesecake in a crispy bite. That “wow” moment when someone takes their first bite is always worth the effort. Plus, they’re highly portable and easy to serve without forks or plates.
Versatile
These bites are incredibly adaptable. Don’t have strawberries? Try raspberries, blueberries, or even a fruit compote. You can swap the filling with chocolate chips, nut butters, or even a drizzle of caramel for different flavor profiles. You can also bake them instead of frying for a lighter version.
Affordable
This dessert uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Wonton wrappers are inexpensive, and the filling can be made with everyday kitchen staples like cream cheese, sugar, and fresh fruit. It’s a great way to stretch a few ingredients into a tray of sweet treats that feed a crowd.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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Cream cheese (softened)
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Powdered sugar
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Fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
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Vanilla extract
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Wonton wrappers
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Egg (for egg wash)
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
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Optional: Cinnamon sugar (for dusting)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing these Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites is incredibly simple. From the first step to the final golden bite, the entire process is smooth, quick, and full of satisfying results. Even if you’re not experienced with frying or folding wontons, you’ll find this method accessible and enjoyable. The prep work is minimal, and the rewards are exceptional.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
To begin, soften your cream cheese until smooth. This step is essential for achieving a creamy texture. Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and beat it with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and lump-free. Once it’s soft, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes creamy and slightly fluffy.
2. Fold in the Strawberries
Finely chop the strawberries into small, even pieces. It’s important to avoid large chunks so that the filling stays uniform and is easy to seal in the wrappers. Gently fold the strawberry pieces into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Mix just enough to distribute the berries evenly, being careful not to over-stir or break them down too much.
3. Set Up the Assembly Station
Arrange your wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Prepare a small bowl with a lightly beaten egg—this will act as your egg wash. Set a spoon nearby for scooping the filling. Keep a small dish of water nearby to help seal the edges if needed.
4. Assemble the Wonton Bites
Place one wrapper on the counter. Spoon about one teaspoon of the cheesecake-strawberry mixture into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this will make sealing difficult and may cause leaking during frying.
Brush the edges of the wrapper with egg wash. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. Then, press around the filling gently to remove any air bubbles.
Optionally, fold the corners inward or use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or heavy-bottomed skillet until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches around 350°F (175°C). To test the oil, drop in a small piece of wonton wrapper—it should sizzle and begin to brown within a few seconds.
6. Fry the Wontons
Carefully place a few filled wontons into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side or until the wrappers turn golden brown and crisp.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the wontons are fried.
7. Optional Finish
For an added touch, dust the warm wontons with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar right after frying. This gives them a sweet finish and extra crunch.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the bites cool slightly for a few minutes. The filling will still be warm and soft, while the wrapper remains crispy. These are best enjoyed freshly fried, but you can keep them warm in a low oven if preparing in advance.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is ideal when you need a last-minute dessert. With minimal prep and a fast cooking time, you can serve these in under 30 minutes. The hardest part is not eating them all before they hit the table.
Customizable
You can easily make these your own. Try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture, or replace strawberries with peaches or raspberries. Even the wrappers can be replaced with phyllo sheets if desired—though the crisp wontons are hard to beat.
Popular With Many People
These bites are universally loved. I’ve seen kids, adults, and even cheesecake skeptics devour them without hesitation. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you want to wow guests without a complicated dessert.
PrintDeep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites are a fun and indulgent twist on traditional cheesecake. Each bite is filled with smooth cream cheese and sweet strawberries, wrapped in a golden, crunchy wonton shell. Quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing, they’re perfect for parties, dessert platters, or anytime you crave a sweet treat in snackable form.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries using a spatula. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Prepare a clean surface for assembly. Lay out the wonton wrappers. In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture into the center of each wrapper. Do not overfill.
- Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with egg wash. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Press the edges tightly to seal. Optional: crimp edges with a fork.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Test the temperature by dropping in a small piece of wrapper—it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully fry 3–4 wontons at a time, about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Continue until all are fried.
- Optionally, dust with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar while still warm.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe strawberries that are firm and not overly juicy
Do not skip sealing the edges firmly—this prevents leaks during frying
Keep assembled wontons covered with a slightly damp cloth if preparing ahead
Always monitor oil temperature for consistent, golden results
FAQs
Can I make these wonton bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the wontons a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray, covered loosely with plastic wrap. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving to preserve their crispiness.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with a little vegetable oil or melted butter, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
What other fruits can I use besides strawberries?
You can substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, diced peaches, or a mix of berries. Just make sure the fruit is not too watery to avoid soggy filling.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but it’s important to thaw and drain the fruit well before using. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture that may cause the wontons to burst during frying.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the assembled, uncooked wontons in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or so to the frying time.
Is there a way to make them less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling, or skip the optional dusting with sugar after frying. The natural sweetness of the strawberries will still shine through.
Do I need a deep fryer to make these?
Not at all. A heavy-bottomed pan or skillet works perfectly. Just make sure to monitor the oil temperature and fry in small batches to keep the temperature stable.