Ingredients
Egg Rolls:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- Water (for sealing the wrappers)
Topping:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures the filling is smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, positioning it like a diamond with one corner facing you.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling.
- Fold in the two side corners, creating an envelope-like shape.
- Lightly brush the top corner with water to help seal the roll.
- Roll the egg roll up tightly, ensuring there are no open edges. Place the finished egg roll on a plate and repeat with the remaining wrappers.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Pour 2 inches of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. If you do not have one, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of egg roll wrapper—it should bubble and float to the top within seconds.
Step 5: Fry the Egg Rolls
- Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for about 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining egg rolls.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
- While the egg rolls are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place them on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Preventing Egg Rolls from Opening: Make sure to seal the edges tightly with water before frying. If needed, you can use a light egg wash for extra security.
- Avoiding Greasy Egg Rolls: Keep the oil at the correct temperature. If it is too low, the rolls will absorb excess oil; if it is too high, they will burn before cooking through.
- Ensuring a Smooth Filling: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps.
- Even Frying: Turn the egg rolls occasionally while frying to ensure even browning.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with oil and bake on a parchment-lined tray for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Frying: Lightly spray the egg rolls with oil and place them in a single layer in an air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes