Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls offer a delicious fusion of crispy and creamy textures, making them a perfect sweet snack or dessert. With a rich cream cheese filling combined with juicy blueberries, wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers and fried to golden perfection, these treats are both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a party, or enjoying them on your own, they provide a delightful balance of tangy cream cheese and the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries. Best of all, they are simple to make and sure to impress with their unique twist on a classic dessert.
The History of Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls
Egg rolls, a traditional Chinese appetizer, are typically filled with savory ingredients, but over the years, they’ve been adapted into various forms, including sweet versions. This twist on the classic egg roll started gaining popularity in the United States, where the concept of using egg roll wrappers for desserts was born. Combining cream cheese with fruit filling has long been a favorite, from cheesecake to fruit-filled pastries. The fusion of blueberries and cream cheese inside crispy egg rolls offers a new way to enjoy this concept. These egg rolls are often made for special occasions or as a fun, easy-to-prepare dessert option.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin, square wrappers are typically used for savory spring rolls, but they also serve as the perfect crispy vessel for sweet fillings. They are available in most grocery stores and can be found in both regular and gluten-free varieties.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, cream cheese gives the egg rolls a smooth, rich texture and mild tanginess that pairs perfectly with fruit.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, blueberries provide a burst of natural sweetness and a slight tartness to balance the cream cheese.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds to the overall sweetness of the egg rolls.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the blueberry and cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
- Oil for Frying: Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil works best for frying the egg rolls, providing a crispy texture without overwhelming the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting the fried egg rolls, adding a finishing touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Begin by preparing your filling. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and blueberries. If using fresh blueberries, mash them slightly to release some of the juice. Set aside.
- Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface, and place a spoonful of the cream cheese and blueberry mixture in the center of each wrapper.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then fold the bottom edge up and roll tightly. Wet the top edge with a little water to seal the egg roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully add the egg rolls, cooking a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once the egg rolls have cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls
- Be careful not to overstuff the egg rolls, as they can burst open during frying. A little filling goes a long way!
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the blueberries with the cream cheese filling, although leaving them whole adds a nice burst of flavor.
- For extra crispiness, use a high smoke point oil like peanut or vegetable oil.
- Serve these egg rolls with a side of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an added indulgence.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; work in batches for the crispiest results.
- If you prefer to bake them instead of frying, brush the egg rolls with butter and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Variations and Customizations
- Fruit Combinations: Experiment with other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for different flavor profiles.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream cheese or coconut-based cream cheese.
- Add Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, add a few chocolate chips to the filling along with the blueberries.
- Lemon Zest: A small amount of lemon zest can be added to the filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free egg roll wrappers and double-check that the ingredients in your cream cheese and other fillings are gluten-free.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While these egg rolls are a sweet treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation. The use of fresh fruit, such as blueberries, provides antioxidants and vitamins, while the cream cheese offers a creamy, rich texture. However, since these egg rolls are fried, they can be high in fat and calories. If you’re looking to make them healthier, you can opt to bake the egg rolls instead of frying them, or use low-fat cream cheese. To reduce sugar content, you could also substitute the sugar in the filling with a natural sweetener like stevia or honey.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and wrap the egg rolls in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and fry or bake them just before serving.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Absolutely! Brush them with butter and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- How long can I store leftovers? These egg rolls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore some crispness.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls
Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls offer a sweet, creamy, and crispy treat that's perfect for any occasion. With a simple preparation and delicious flavor, these egg rolls are sure to become a favorite dessert in your household.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block Cream Cheese
- ½ cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 15 Egg Roll wrappers
Blueberry Jam Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
- ¼ tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tbsp water
Instructions
- Place a small pot over medium heat and add the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sugar dissolves and some of the blueberries start to burst.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together, then pour it into the pot. Stir constantly over high heat for a few more minutes until the jam thickens. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before assembling the egg rolls.
- In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat together the sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Crack an egg into a small bowl and beat it with a fork. Set aside.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape, with one corner facing you and the opposite corner pointing away. About ⅓ of the way up the wrapper, place about 1 ½ tablespoons of the cream cheese filling (or more) in a horizontal line, leaving about ½” on both sides. Use a spoon to scoop some of the blueberry filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold up the bottom corner to cover the filling and roll once. Fold in the two side corners, then continue rolling until you reach the final corner. Wet it with a little bit of the beaten egg to seal it, then press the final corner firmly to secure the egg roll.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a pan until hot enough that when you add an egg roll, it bubbles immediately. Deep fry the egg rolls in batches of about 4 at a time, turning them to ensure even cooking. Once they are golden brown and the wrapper is bubbled, remove them from the oil and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Notes
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese and ensure it’s softened at room temperature the night before. If you prefer, you can also use whipped cream cheese as an alternative.
Standard Ingredients: The basic ingredients you’ll need are sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is always best, but if you must use bottled lemon juice, it will be equivalent to about 2.5 tablespoons.
Egg Roll Wrappers: I purchased my egg roll wrappers from the frozen section of an Asian grocery store. Make sure to leave them in the fridge the night before cooking so they can thaw properly.
Blueberries: I typically use fresh blueberries for the jam. However, you can substitute with frozen blueberries if preferred—just be sure to thaw them first before making the jam.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cream cheese! Strawberry, blueberry, or honey-flavored cream cheese would all make fantastic variations.
If you prefer, you can make strawberry or raspberry jam instead of blueberry jam. Simply follow the same instructions but substitute the fruit of your choice. You could even try making papaya jam!
A Note on Wrappers: Don’t forget to thaw your egg roll wrappers the night before preparing your Blueberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls!
Baking Option: If you’d prefer not to fry the egg rolls, you can bake them instead. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet. Turn them occasionally until they’re toasted and golden.
Wrapping Tips: When rolling the egg rolls, place the remaining wrappers in a sealed ziplock bag to keep them from drying out. Alternatively, you can dampen a paper towel (ring it out very well so it’s barely damp) and cover the wrappers with it to prevent them from becoming fragile.
Standard Ingredients: The basic ingredients you’ll need are sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is always best, but if you must use bottled lemon juice, it will be equivalent to about 2.5 tablespoons.
Egg Roll Wrappers: I purchased my egg roll wrappers from the frozen section of an Asian grocery store. Make sure to leave them in the fridge the night before cooking so they can thaw properly.
Blueberries: I typically use fresh blueberries for the jam. However, you can substitute with frozen blueberries if preferred—just be sure to thaw them first before making the jam.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cream cheese! Strawberry, blueberry, or honey-flavored cream cheese would all make fantastic variations.
If you prefer, you can make strawberry or raspberry jam instead of blueberry jam. Simply follow the same instructions but substitute the fruit of your choice. You could even try making papaya jam!
A Note on Wrappers: Don’t forget to thaw your egg roll wrappers the night before preparing your Blueberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls!
Baking Option: If you’d prefer not to fry the egg rolls, you can bake them instead. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet. Turn them occasionally until they’re toasted and golden.
Wrapping Tips: When rolling the egg rolls, place the remaining wrappers in a sealed ziplock bag to keep them from drying out. Alternatively, you can dampen a paper towel (ring it out very well so it’s barely damp) and cover the wrappers with it to prevent them from becoming fragile.
