Here’s my fun twist on two dessert favorites – cherry pie and egg rolls rolled into one delicious treat. With a crispy exterior, warm cherry filling, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these little handheld pies are impossible to resist.
These cherry pie egg rolls have become a go-to dessert when I’m hosting game nights or casual get-togethers. I always make an extra batch because they disappear so quickly. Plus, they’re way easier to eat while chatting than traditional pie – no plates or forks needed!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Egg Rolls
- Quick dessert – These sweet treats come together in just 30 minutes, perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert that’ll impress your guests.
- Simple ingredients – With just 7 basic ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry, you can create these delicious fusion desserts.
- Crispy exterior – The egg roll wrappers fry up to a perfect golden crunch, creating an amazing contrast with the creamy, sweet cherry filling.
- Creative twist – This fun mashup of classic cherry pie and Asian egg rolls gives you a unique dessert that’s sure to get people talking at your next gathering.
What Kind of Cherry Pie Filling Should I Use?
While store-bought cherry pie filling is super convenient for this recipe and works perfectly fine, you’ve got several options to choose from. The classic tart red cherry filling (usually made with Montmorency cherries) gives you that traditional cherry pie flavor, while dark sweet cherry filling offers a deeper, sweeter taste. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own filling using fresh or frozen cherries – just cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Just make sure whatever filling you use isn’t too runny, as this could make your egg rolls soggy or burst during frying.
Options for Substitutions
This fun dessert recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps if needed:
- Cherry pie filling: While cherry gives these rolls their classic taste, you can easily swap in any other pie filling like apple, blueberry, or peach. Just make sure to drain any extra liquid to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.
- Cream cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone makes a great substitute. You could also use ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of powdered sugar, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Egg roll wrappers: These are key for the recipe, but you can use spring roll wrappers or won ton wrappers (you’ll need to adjust the size of filling). Just note that won ton wrappers will give you smaller portions.
- Lemon zest and juice: Orange zest and juice work just as well here, or you can skip the citrus altogether if you prefer.
- Oil for frying: Any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil works well. You can also bake these at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, brushing them with melted butter first for a golden finish.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Frying
The biggest challenge when making cherry pie egg rolls is preventing the filling from leaking – make sure to seal your edges completely with water and press firmly, as any gaps will cause the filling to burst during frying. Getting your oil temperature right is crucial – too hot and your egg rolls will burn before cooking through, too cool and they’ll become greasy sponges, so maintain a steady 350°F using a thermometer. Another common mistake is overfilling the wrappers – stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll, placing it slightly below center and leaving plenty of room to fold and seal the edges. For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the pan (fry in batches if needed) and place finished egg rolls on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from getting soggy on the bottom.
What to Serve With Cherry Pie Egg Rolls?
These sweet and crispy cherry pie egg rolls are perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the hot-and-cold combo is just unbeatable! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try drizzling some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top, or add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch, and if you want to balance out the sweetness, a cup of hot coffee or espresso makes an excellent pairing. For parties or bigger gatherings, I like to set up a little dessert bar with different sauces and toppings so everyone can customize their own egg rolls.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your cherry pie egg rolls have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed within the first 24 hours to maintain that perfect crispy texture.
Freeze: These treats freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember that the texture might not be quite as crispy after freezing.
Crisp Up: To get back that lovely crunch, pop your refrigerated or frozen egg rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. If they’re frozen, no need to thaw first – just add a few extra minutes to the heating time. The microwave works too, but you won’t get that same crispy exterior.
Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 12-15 g
- Fat: 40-45 g
- Carbohydrates: 100-110 g
Ingredients
- Oil for frying
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 8 egg roll wrappers (6×6 size used)
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and granulated sugar.
Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated for a tangy and sweet filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface positioned in a diamond pattern.
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each wrapper to create the base layer of your egg roll filling.
Step 3: Add Cherry Filling and Wet the Edges
Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling across the top of the cream cheese mixture for added flavor.
Use water to wet the edges of the egg roll wrapper to ensure a good seal once rolled.
Step 4: Roll and Seal the Egg Rolls
Carefully roll up each egg roll, ensuring that the edges are securely sealed.
Allow the rolls to sit for 3 to 4 minutes to let the water dry and the edges set, which will help keep the filling intact during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Egg Rolls
Preheat the oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the egg rolls in small batches, turning them as needed, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the warm egg rolls as a delightful treat.
Enjoy their crispy exterior and the creamy, tangy filling with a sweet cherry twist.