The Sweet Twist: Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Recipe

Crispy golden chimichangas stuffed with tangy cherry cheesecake filling will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Sweet cream cheese mingles perfectly with bright cherry flavors inside a warm, crunchy tortilla wrapper.

Mexican-inspired desserts rarely get more delightful than this playful fusion treat.

Unexpected combinations often create magical culinary moments that surprise and delight.

Creamy cheese and fruit fillings merge seamlessly within a delicate, crisp exterior.

Each bite promises a delectable balance between rich cheesecake and fruity cherry notes.

You won’t believe how simple these decadent dessert chimichangas are to prepare.

Dive into this recipe and experience a dessert that breaks all the traditional rules.

Why Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Are a Fun Treat

• Savor Unexpected Fusion: Combines classic cheesecake flavors with Mexican-inspired chimichanga technique, creating a delightful dessert that surprises taste buds.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights.
• Customize with Ease: Allows flexible variations like using different pie fillings or adding extra toppings, giving home cooks creative freedom to personalize the recipe.
• Crispy Decadent Treat: Delivers a satisfying crunch from frying, complemented by creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cherry center, offering a multi-textural dessert experience.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy base that provides a smooth texture for the filling.
• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that serve as the wrapper for the delicious cheesecake mixture.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and fruity filling that adds a burst of cherry flavor to the chimichangas.

• Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar: Sweet toppings that enhance the overall flavor and provide a delightful coating.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds depth and aroma to the cream cheese mixture.

• Vegetable Oil: The medium for frying that creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior for the chimichangas.

How to Prepare Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Wrap and Stuff

• Tortillas
• Cream cheese mixture
• Cherry pie filling

Spread the creamy mixture across each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Dollop cherry pie filling right in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly, folding in the sides to create a secure burrito-like package.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently place each chimichanga into the hot oil, cooking until they transform into crispy, golden-brown delights. Fry each side for approximately 2-3 minutes, ensuring an even, crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Dust with Sweet Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once the chimichangas are fried and slightly cooled, roll them generously in the fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a delectable sweet crust that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

• Smooth Cream Cheese Blend: Use room temperature cream cheese for a lump-free, silky mixture that spreads easily on tortillas.
• Tight Rolling Technique: Fold tortilla edges inward before rolling to prevent filling from leaking during frying, ensuring a perfect seal.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat and test oil readiness by dropping a small piece of tortilla – it should sizzle immediately without burning.
• Drain and Dust Carefully: Place fried chimichangas on paper towels to remove excess oil, then quickly roll in cinnamon-sugar while still warm for maximum coating.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with extra cherry pie filling or add a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert presentation.

Variation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this tasty treat.
• Berry Bonanza: Swap cherry pie filling with mixed berries or blueberry compote for a different fruity flavor profile that adds vibrant color and taste.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and bake the chimichangas instead of frying to reduce overall calorie and fat content while maintaining a crispy texture.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use plant-based tortillas, creating a completely dairy-free dessert option for those following vegan dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions for Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

• Pair Sweet Cherry Bliss: Complement the rich, crispy chimichangas with a chilled glass of sweet moscato wine, enhancing the dessert's fruity cherry notes and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm, crunchy chimichangas, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Coffee Caramel Connection: Brew a smooth caramel latte or cappuccino to accompany the dessert, as the coffee's warmth and subtle sweetness beautifully balance the cinnamon-sugar coating and cherry filling.
• Fruity Fizz Finale: Pour a chilled cherry spritzer or sparkling cherry soda to echo the dessert's cherry flavor while cutting through the richness of the fried, cream cheese-filled treat.

Storage Tips for Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the chimichangas separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chimichangas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F. Warm chimichangas for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispiness.

FAQs for Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

• What are chimichangas?

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, typically filled with meat, beans, or other savory ingredients. In this recipe, we’re creating a sweet dessert version with cream cheese and cherry filling.

• Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chimichangas in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. Brush with a little oil to help them crisp up.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking while rolling?

Use room temperature, soft tortillas and don’t overfill them. Leave space around the edges and roll them tightly but gently to prevent tearing.

Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 18-22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry cheesecake chimichangas blend Mexican street food with classic dessert charm. Crispy tortillas cradle a luscious filling of creamy cheese and sweet cherries, promising a delightful culinary adventure you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) cherry pie filling
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until velvety and uniform in texture, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Lay out tortillas and evenly distribute cream cheese mixture, leaving a small border around the edges for secure folding.
3. Spoon cherry pie filling precisely in the center of each tortilla, then fold and roll tightly into compact burrito-like parcels, tucking in sides to prevent filling from leaking.
4. Prepare a skillet with vegetable oil heated to 350°F, creating a consistent medium-high temperature for even frying.
5. Gently lower chimichangas into hot oil, frying each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
6. Remove fried chimichangas and immediately transfer to a cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating to coat completely for a sweet, aromatic finish.
7. Allow chimichangas to rest momentarily on a wire rack to drain excess oil before serving warm, ensuring a perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior.

Notes

• Opt for full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich, creamy filling that holds its shape during frying.
• Seal the tortilla edges with a bit of water to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
• Pat the chimichangas dry with paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and maintain a crispy texture.
• For a lighter version, consider baking the chimichangas at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of deep-frying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg