Name: Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 wonton wrappers; 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup diced fresh strawberries (or strawberry preserves); 1 egg, beaten (for sealing); Oil for frying; For Serving:; Powdered sugar (for dusting); Strawberry sauce or raspberry jam; Whipped cream

These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake stuffed wonton bites are a delightful fusion dessert that brings together the crispy texture of fried wontons with a creamy, fruity cheesecake filling. Each bite-sized treat delivers a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the crispy exterior of fried wontons with the luscious, sweet filling of strawberry cheesecake. They’re perfect for entertaining as they can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving. The contrast between the warm, crispy shell and the cool, creamy filling creates an explosion of texture and flavor that will impress your guests. Plus, they’re bite-sized, making them perfect for parties or as a special after-dinner treat that doesn’t feel too heavy.

Ingredients

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

Wonton wrappers are the thin dough sheets that create the crispy exterior shell. They’re typically found in the refrigerated section near tofu or other Asian ingredients in most supermarkets and provide the perfect vessel for holding the creamy filling.

Cream cheese forms the base of the filling, providing richness and tanginess that balances the sweetness. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the smoothest, most blendable texture.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling while dissolving completely, avoiding any graininess that might occur with granulated sugar. Its fine texture is ideal for creating a smooth filling.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the star ingredients.

Fresh strawberries bring a burst of fruity freshness and a beautiful pink hue to the filling. Their natural sweetness and slight acidity cut through the richness of the cream cheese perfectly. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, strawberry preserves make an excellent substitute.

Egg is used as a binding agent to seal the wonton wrappers closed. This prevents the filling from leaking during frying and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Oil for frying needs to be a neutral-flavored variety with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. This ensures clean-tasting wontons with the proper crispy texture.

Powdered sugar for dusting adds a sweet finish and visual appeal to the fried wontons, reminiscent of traditional pastries.

Strawberry sauce or raspberry jam provides an additional fruity element that complements the filling beautifully when served as a dipping option.

Whipped cream offers a light, airy contrast to the crispy wontons and works wonderfully as a garnish or dipping accompaniment.

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Gently fold in diced fresh strawberries or strawberry preserves until evenly distributed.
Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of each wonton wrapper.
Lightly brush the edges of each wrapper with beaten egg.
Fold the wrapper into a triangle or bring all corners together to form a pouch, pressing edges firmly to seal completely.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry wontons in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Dust warm wontons with powdered sugar and serve with strawberry sauce, raspberry jam, or whipped cream for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 20 wonton bites, serving approximately 5-7 people as a dessert (allowing 3-4 bites per person). The preparation takes about 20 minutes, while cooking time is around 10 minutes, bringing the total time to 30 minutes. Each wonton bite contains approximately 90 calories, making them a reasonably portioned sweet treat.

Variations

Chocolate Lovers Version: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture and use chocolate chips instead of strawberries. Serve with chocolate sauce for dipping.

Tropical Twist: Substitute the strawberries with finely diced mango or pineapple and add a pinch of lime zest to the filling for a tropical flavor profile.

Nutty Delight: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped toasted nuts (such as pecans or pistachios) to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Lemon Blueberry: Replace strawberries with blueberries and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy variation.

Baked Option: For a lighter version, brush the assembled wontons with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.

Savory-Sweet Fusion: Add a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of honey to the finished wontons for a savory-sweet combination.

Storage/Reheating

Uncooked Storage: Assembled but uncooked wontons can be stored in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Do not freeze uncooked filled wontons as they may become soggy.

Cooked Storage: Leftover fried wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh as they will lose their crispiness over time.

Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat refrigerated wontons in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid using a microwave as it will make them soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips: The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften slightly before assembling the wontons.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the wontons up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and covered with plastic wrap. Fry them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

My wontons are bursting open during frying. What am I doing wrong?

This typically happens when the wontons aren’t sealed properly or contain too much filling. Make sure to use just 1 teaspoon of filling, apply egg wash thoroughly around the edges, and press firmly to seal all seams. Also, ensure your oil isn’t too hot—maintain a steady 350°F.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before dicing and adding to the filling to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.

What’s the best oil for frying these wontons?

Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils won’t impart unwanted flavors and can withstand the high temperatures needed for proper frying.

Can these be made without dairy?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture may be slightly different, but the result will still be delicious.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil. It should sizzle gently and float to the surface, turning golden brown in about 30 seconds. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it barely bubbles, the oil needs to heat more.

Why did my wontons get soggy so quickly?

Soggy wontons usually result from being stacked while still hot or being placed on a non-absorbent surface. After frying, drain them on paper towels in a single layer and serve promptly for maximum crispiness.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or cherries work wonderfully. Just ensure the fruit is diced small and relatively dry to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.

Is there a way to make these less sweet?

You can reduce the powdered sugar in the filling to 1 tablespoon or omit the powdered sugar dusting at the end. The natural sweetness of the fruit will still provide a pleasant flavor profile.

Can I freeze these after frying?

While possible, it’s not recommended as the texture significantly deteriorates after freezing and thawing. These treats are best enjoyed fresh or within 2 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

These deep-fried strawberry cheesecake stuffed wonton bites offer a unique twist on traditional desserts, combining Eastern and Western culinary techniques to create something truly special. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy, fruity interior makes each bite an explosion of texture and flavor. Whether served as a show-stopping finale to a dinner party or as a sweet treat for a casual gathering, these wontons are sure to impress. With various possible variations and the ability to prepare components ahead of time, this recipe provides both flexibility and convenience without sacrificing taste or presentation. Try them once, and they might just become your new signature dessert!

Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites