Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet blueberries, all encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell. This dessert offers a unique twist on traditional egg rolls, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients
- For the Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
2. For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Additional Ingredients:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook until the blueberries release their juices. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining water until smooth. Add this mixture to the blueberries and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place a couple of tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center, followed by a heaping spoonful of the blueberry filling. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold in the sides over the filling, then roll tightly, ensuring the filling is sealed within the wrapper.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve:nDust the fried egg rolls with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 179
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 135mg
- Potassium: 57mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
- Vitamin A: 269IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 26mg
- Iron: 1mg
What Makes Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls Special?
The magic of Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls lies in their balance of textures and flavors. The crispy outer shell, created by deep-frying egg roll wrappers to a golden perfection, contrasts beautifully with the smooth and tangy cream cheese filling inside. The addition of fresh blueberries brings a natural sweetness and slight tartness that enhances the overall taste. Unlike traditional egg rolls that are usually savory, these are a delightful dessert variation that takes inspiration from classic cheesecake flavors while adding an element of crunch. This dessert is also incredibly versatile. It can be served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
The Origin of Dessert Egg Rolls
While egg rolls are traditionally associated with savory Chinese cuisine, dessert versions have gained popularity over the years, particularly in fusion cooking. Inspired by the crispy texture of classic egg rolls, chefs and home cooks started experimenting with sweet fillings, leading to the creation of dessert egg rolls featuring ingredients such as chocolate, fruit, cream cheese, and even Nutella. Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are one of the most popular variations, as they offer a rich, cheesecake-like experience with a crispy twist. The combination of blueberries and cream cheese is reminiscent of blueberry cheesecake, a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for decades.
Perfect Occasions to Enjoy This Dessert
Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make an excellent dessert for family gatherings, parties, and special celebrations. Their crispy exterior and creamy interior make them an instant hit at potlucks, where guests are always on the lookout for unique and delicious treats. These egg rolls also work well as a fun dessert to prepare with kids. The assembly process is simple, and children can have fun filling and rolling the egg rolls before an adult handles the frying.
How to Customize Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. While blueberries add a delightful burst of flavor, other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches can be used as an alternative. Mixed berries can also be used to create a more complex fruit flavor profile. For those who love extra crunch, adding crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar inside the filling can bring an added dimension of flavor. A drizzle of honey, chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of cinnamon powder on top can elevate the taste even further. For those looking to experiment, swapping out the cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta cheese can result in a slightly different but equally delicious texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, right after frying, while they are still warm and crispy. However, if you need to store leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, placing them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes will help restore their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make the wrappers soggy instead of crispy. If you want to make these egg rolls in advance, you can prepare and freeze them before frying. Simply assemble the egg rolls, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to a month. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.
Conclusion
Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a fantastic dessert option that combines the best of two worlds crunchy egg rolls and creamy cheesecake. The rich, smooth filling, combined with the crispy shell and the natural sweetness of blueberries, makes this treat irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, they are guaranteed to be a hit.