If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than these Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups. Imagine golden, crisp bread wrapped around a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, dusted in cinnamon sugar, and ready to dip in chocolate or caramel sauce. This irresistible treat comes together quickly and is perfect for celebrations, late-night cravings, or impressing friends with something out-of-the-ordinary. Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups are a true crowd-pleaser, delivering the best of cheesecake flavor in a delightful, hand-held package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups lies in their simple yet purposeful ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and sweet. Don’t skip any of these essentials for the best flavor and texture!
- White sandwich bread: Soft and flexible, this bread flattens easily and crisps up beautifully while frying.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): The heart of the filling, it brings that signature cheesecake richness and tang.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Ensures a smooth, sweet filling that blends perfectly with the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the filling, making those cheesecake flavors pop.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Offers a bright, fresh note that lifts the whole dessert (highly recommended if you love a little zing!).
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Used for the cinnamon-sugar coating, it creates that classic crunchy exterior.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Pairs beautifully with the sugar, adding warm spice and a hint of nostalgia.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as the glue, sealing your roll-ups so they don’t unravel during frying.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral in flavor, it crisps the roll-ups to golden perfection without overpowering the dessert.
- Optional toppings: chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh berries: These take your Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups from delicious to unforgettable—don’t be afraid to get creative!
How to Make Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups
Step 1: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend everything until the filling is silky and lump-free. This creamy mixture is the soul of your Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups, so make sure it’s smooth and uniform for the best bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Lay out your slices of white sandwich bread and use a rolling pin to flatten each piece. Removing the crusts first gives you a perfect, pliable canvas. Aim for even, thin slices—this ensures the bread can roll tightly around the filling and crisp up evenly in the oil.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spread about a tablespoon of the cheesecake filling onto each flattened bread slice, taking care to leave a small border around the edges. Roll each slice up tightly, like a sushi roll, making sure the seam is at the bottom. Brush a little beaten egg along the edge to help seal each roll so it holds together during frying.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow dish, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mixture is what transforms your roll-ups into sweet, crunchy delights the moment they come out of the oil, so have it ready before you start frying.
Step 5: Fry the Roll-Ups
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium. To test if it’s ready, drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go. Fry your roll-ups in small batches, turning them with tongs every 30 seconds or so, until they’re deep golden brown—usually about 2 to 3 minutes total. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that can drop the oil temperature and make your roll-ups soggy.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as the Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups are out of the oil, place them on a paper towel to drain briefly, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps the sugar stick and creates that signature sparkle and crunch.
How to Serve Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, drizzle your Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups with chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a dusting of extra powdered sugar. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the rich filling. A little mint or lemon zest on top can also add a fresh, vibrant touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic twist, or serve alongside a bowl of mixed fruit for lighter balance. Hot coffee, chai, or a tall glass of cold milk are all excellent companions, turning your roll-ups into a memorable dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups onto skewers for a playful dessert kabob, or slice them into bite-sized rounds for a party platter. Set up a dipping bar with bowls of chocolate, caramel, and fruit sauces, letting everyone customize their treat. For a brunch spread, stack the roll-ups high and scatter with berries and whipped cream for irresistible flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (which is rare!), let the Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days, though the coating may lose a bit of its crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the un-fried, filled roll-ups on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the frying time. This makes it easy to have a batch ready for unexpected guests or sweet tooth emergencies.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crispiness, reheat your Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. A quick pass in the oven or even an air fryer works wonders for restoring their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or other bread instead of white sandwich bread?
White sandwich bread gives the softest, most pliable texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or brioche. Just make sure the bread is fresh and easy to roll, as drier or denser breads can crack when flattened.
What other fillings can I try in these roll-ups?
While classic cheesecake filling is heavenly, you can mix in mini chocolate chips, swirl in fruit preserves, or use flavored cream cheese for a twist. Just avoid very runny fillings, as they may leak during frying.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, brush the roll-ups with melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling during frying?
Sealing the edge with beaten egg is the key, and placing the seam side down in the oil for the first minute helps them set. Don’t overfill, as too much filling can cause the bread to burst open.
Are Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups good for making ahead for parties?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to fry. Fry just before serving for the best crispiness and wow factor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups—they’re nostalgic, playful, and outrageously delicious. Whether you’re new to frying or a seasoned dessert lover, I can’t recommend these enough. Give them a try, share them with friends, and prepare for smiles all around!
Print
Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups, a sweet and crispy treat featuring a creamy cream cheese filling wrapped in soft bread, fried to golden perfection and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, served warm with optional toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Roll-Ups
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 inch deep in skillet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined for a flavorful filling.
- Flatten the Bread: Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of white sandwich bread to make it thin and pliable, which helps in rolling without tearing.
- Fill and Roll: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll each slice tightly, then seal the edge by brushing with beaten egg to keep the roll secured during frying.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon evenly; this will be used to coat the fried roll-ups right after frying.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 1 inch and heat over medium until hot but not smoking, ensuring perfect frying temperature.
- Fry the Roll-Ups: Fry the roll-ups in batches, turning frequently for even browning, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Coat: Remove the fried roll-ups with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them generously.
- Serve: Serve the fried cheesecake roll-ups warm with optional toppings such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh berries for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh for a crispy texture but can be reheated in the oven to regain crunchiness.
- For variation, try flavored cream cheese or add fruit preserves inside for added sweetness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
