Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
Start by making the strawberry compote to balance the creamy cheesecake. In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the sugar dissolves—about 5 minutes. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the strawberry mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Set the strawberry compote aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
While the strawberries cool, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, and continue mixing until combined. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can add a bit of heavy cream. Beat until the filling is light and fluffy, and set aside.

3. Assemble the Wonton Bites:
Lay the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface, making sure to keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Take about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling and place it in the center of each wonton wrapper. Add a small spoonful of the strawberry compote on top of the cheesecake mixture.

4. Seal the Wontons:
Carefully fold each wonton wrapper into a triangle shape, making sure to press the edges firmly to seal. You can also fold them into a small, square bundle, pinching the corners together. Use a little bit of water along the edges to help seal the wrappers if necessary. Repeat this process until all the wontons are filled and sealed.

5. Fry the Wonton Bites:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat. You can test the oil’s temperature by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper—if it bubbles and rises to the top, it’s ready for frying. Carefully drop in a few wonton bites at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the wonton bites are fried and cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm with extra strawberry compote or whipped cream for dipping if desired.

Tips for Perfect Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites:

• Wonton Wrapper Tip: If you can’t find square wonton wrappers, you can use egg roll wrappers, cutting them into smaller squares, though they might be a bit thicker.
• Strawberry Variations: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but if they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
• Fried, Not Baked: While baked versions of similar desserts exist, frying the wonton wrappers gives these bites the best texture—crispy and light on the outside while still creamy and luscious inside.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filled and sealed wonton wrappers in advance and store them in the fridge for a couple of hours before frying. Just be sure to cover them tightly so they don’t dry out.

Why These Bites Are a Hit:

These Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites are a fun and creative spin on traditional cheesecake. They combine the smooth richness of cheesecake filling with the tangy sweetness of strawberries, all encased in a crispy, golden wrapper. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, these bites will be sure to disappear in a hurry. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which makes them perfect for portion control or sharing (if you’re feeling generous!).

The contrast of warm, crispy exteriors with the cold, creamy interior makes for a delightful textural experience that will have everyone coming back for more. And with their combination of classic cheesecake and fried comfort food, these wonton bites are bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Final Thoughts:

This recipe is a showstopper, yet surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to try something new or you’ve been craving a unique sweet treat, Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Wonton Bites will hit all the right notes. Serve them fresh out of the fryer for a warm, crispy dessert that will have your guests raving!