Fried Cheesecake Recipe

Quick & Crispy Fried Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Treat Magic

Creamy cheesecake takes a delightful crispy turn when you plunge this classic dessert into a bubbling oil bath.

Crisp golden edges promise a surprising textural adventure for your taste buds.

Every slice reveals a molten center that melts beautifully against its crunchy exterior.

Decadent and indulgent, this treat breaks all traditional dessert boundaries with its unexpected crunch.

Pastry chefs love pushing culinary limits, and this recipe embodies that adventurous spirit.

Sweet-toothed friends will absolutely adore how simple ingredients become something magical through clever cooking techniques.

Prepare to be amazed by a dessert that defies expectations and delivers pure deliciousness.

Why Fried Cheesecake Is A Sweet Surprise

  • Burst with Decadent Flavor: Indulge in a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and crispy fried coating that creates an irresistible taste explosion in every single bite.
  • Conquer Complex Cooking: Tackle an impressive dessert that looks professionally made but can be mastered by home cooks with basic kitchen skills and patience.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfectly sized bite-sized treats that work amazingly for parties, gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations where people love shareable sweets.
  • Transform Classic Dessert: Reinvent traditional cheesecake by turning it into a crispy, golden-brown treat that surprises and delights guests with its unexpected texture and presentation.

Everything You Need For Fried Cheesecake

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth, rich base that provides the creamy texture for the cheesecake balls.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a subtle tanginess to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the smooth and creamy consistency of the mixture.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky, light texture in the cheesecake mixture.
For the Coating Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, sweet exterior with a classic dessert flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a fine coating.
  • Flour: Helps bind the coating and ensures a crisp texture.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating adhere to the cheesecake balls.
For the Frying and Preparation Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables deep frying and creates a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes freezing and handling easier.
  • Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from the fried cheesecake balls.
Optional Serving Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Chocolate Sauce: Provides additional flavor and visual appeal when serving.

Steps To Make Fried Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Base

Mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, sour cream, and heavy cream. Blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy with a silky texture.

Step 2: Shape Cheesecake Balls

Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming small, uniform spheres. Place in the freezer for 2 hours until completely solid and firm.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flour

Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl to create a binding agent for the coating process.

Step 5: Coat Cheesecake Balls

Remove frozen cheesecake balls from the freezer. Quickly roll each ball through the whisked eggs, then generously coat with the graham cracker mixture. Ensure complete and even coverage.

Step 6: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Maintain a consistent temperature for even frying.

Step 7: Fry Cheesecake Balls

Carefully lower coated cheesecake balls into hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time. This prevents overcrowding and ensures a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

Step 8: Achieve Perfect Golden Color

Fry for 1-2 minutes, rotating occasionally. Look for a rich, amber color and a crisp, crunchy coating.

Step 9: Drain and Cool

Remove fried cheesecake balls using a slotted spoon. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow balls to cool for 3-5 minutes. Serve warm, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips To Get Fried Cheesecake Just Right

  • Chill Cream Cheese Properly: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that blends effortlessly.
  • Master Mixing Technique: Whip cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating vanilla and other ingredients to create a silky, homogeneous base.
  • Freeze for Perfect Shape: Dollop cheesecake mixture into uniform spheres and freeze for 2 hours to maintain structural integrity during coating and frying.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain oil at a steady 350°F to ensure golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning the delicate cheesecake balls.
  • Prevent Overcrowding: Fry 2-3 cheesecake balls at a time to guarantee even cooking and achieve a perfectly crisp, crunchy coating.

Flavor Ideas For Fried Cheesecake

  • Chocolate Lovers' Remix: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder and add melted dark chocolate to the cream cheese mixture for an intense chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Sensation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the graham cracker coating for extra crunch and nutty undertones.
  • Fruit Fusion: Mix raspberry or strawberry preserves into the cream cheese base, creating a fruity center that bursts with flavor when fried.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining a crispy exterior.

Tasty Pairings For Fried Cheesecake

  • Sweet Wine Complement: Riesling provides a delightful balance with its light sweetness and fruity notes that cut through the rich, creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Creamy Coffee Match: Serve with a smooth cappuccino or Irish coffee to enhance the dessert's warm, indulgent flavors and create a luxurious after-dinner experience.
  • Fruity Sauce Accent: Drizzle raspberry or strawberry coulis alongside the fried cheesecake balls, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the deep-fried golden exterior.
  • Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Offer a small scoop of lemon sorbet to reset taste buds between bites, providing a zesty and cool counterpoint to the warm, decadent dessert.

How To Store Fried Cheesecake Properly

  • Seal cooled fried cheesecake balls in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Wrap individual cheesecake balls tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks without losing quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cheesecake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, restoring their crispy exterior.
  • Set air fryer to 350°F.

Fried Cheesecake FAQs

  • Why do I need to freeze the cheesecake mixture before frying?

Freezing helps the cheesecake balls maintain their shape during the coating and frying process, preventing them from falling apart and ensuring a perfect, intact final product.

  • Can I use a different type of cracker for the coating?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed pretzels for a unique twist on the coating.

  • What's the best way to maintain oil temperature while frying?

Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, keeping it consistently at 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the cheesecake balls will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they’ll burn quickly.

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Fried Cheesecake Recipe

Fried Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent “fried cheesecake” brings Italian-American dessert magic straight to your plate, blending creamy New York style with crispy golden exterior. Warm, sweet slices promise pure comfort that melts smoothly across palates, inviting pure dessert bliss with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy:

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Crust and Coating:

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes, ensuring a smooth, pliable texture for effortless mixing.
  2. Whip cream cheese with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating vanilla extract, lemon juice, sour cream, and heavy cream into a silky, homogeneous mixture.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dollop the cheesecake mixture into small, uniform spheres. Freeze for 2 hours until completely solid.
  4. Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and flour in a shallow dish, creating a crisp, even coating mixture.
  5. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, preparing them as a binding agent for the coating process.
  6. Remove frozen cheesecake balls, quickly roll each through whisked eggs, then generously coat with the graham cracker mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even frying.
  8. Carefully lower coated cheesecake balls into hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time to prevent overcrowding and ensure golden-brown crispiness.
  9. Fry for approximately 1-2 minutes, rotating occasionally until exterior turns a rich, amber color and coating becomes crisp and crunchy.
  10. Remove fried cheesecake balls with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.
  11. Let cool for 3-5 minutes to prevent burning, then serve warm with optional dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Notes

  • Chill the cream cheese mixture thoroughly to maintain ball shape during frying, preventing potential leakage.
  • Use cold cheesecake balls straight from the freezer for optimal structural integrity and easier coating process.
  • Experiment with alternative graham cracker alternatives like crushed gingersnaps or vanilla wafers for unique flavor profiles.
  • Consider preparing smaller bite-sized portions for easier handling and more consistent cooking results.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 645
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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