Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas take the best elements of cheesecake and deep-fried desserts and combine them into one indulgent bite. The creamy, smooth cheesecake filling paired with the fresh, juicy strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavor. When fried to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a fun, delicious dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (1 cup)
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Chimichangas:

• 4 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
2. Fill the tortillas: Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling in the center of each tortilla, spreading it out slightly. Be careful not to overfill.
3. Roll the chimichangas: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom to seal in the filling. Make sure the seam is tucked underneath to prevent it from opening during frying.
4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the chimichangas: Carefully place the chimichangas in the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them and ensure they cook evenly. Remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Cinnamon sugar coating: While the chimichangas are still warm, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each chimichanga in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve: Allow the chimichangas to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or fresh strawberry sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 chimichangas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Berry Variations: Swap out the strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed-berry version.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After rolling the chimichangas in cinnamon sugar, drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel for extra sweetness.
• Nutty Crust: Add crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for an added crunch and flavor.
• Fried Fruit: You can add extra fruit inside the chimichangas, such as sliced bananas or peaches, for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The coating may lose its crispness, but the flavor will remain delicious.
• Freezing: You can freeze the un-fried chimichangas. Simply prepare and roll them, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can warm the chimichangas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or briefly microwave them, though they won’t stay as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the chimichangas ahead of time. Store the un-fried chimichangas in the fridge for up to 2 hours before frying them.

What if I don’t have flour tortillas?

Flour tortillas work best for this recipe because they’re soft and pliable, but you can use corn tortillas if preferred. Keep in mind that corn tortillas may not hold the filling as well and could break during frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these chimichangas instead of frying them. Brush them with a little butter or oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Can I use a different filling?

Definitely! You can swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone cheese, ricotta, or even a flavored yogurt for a lighter version. You can also experiment with different fruit fillings, like peach or blueberry, if you want to change things up.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas to make these chimichangas gluten-free. Just be sure to check the rest of your ingredients for gluten content.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

How can I prevent the chimichangas from opening while frying?

Make sure to roll the chimichangas tightly and secure the seam with a little water or by pressing the edges together. Fry with the seam side down first to help seal them.

Can I serve these with toppings?

Absolutely! These chimichangas are delicious with a variety of toppings. Try adding fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even some vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I make these without frying?

You can try a no-fry method by baking the filled tortillas, but the texture will differ. They will be less crispy and more like a baked pastry, so you may need to adjust the baking time and temperature.

How long do these chimichangas stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, these chimichangas will stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, they are best enjoyed immediately for that crispy exterior!

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas are a fun, indulgent treat that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the crisp, golden exterior of a fried tortilla. They’re perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something sweet and unique. With the juicy strawberries and cinnamon-sugar coating, these chimichangas are a delightful dessert everyone will love. Simple to make and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

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