Author Notes: I knew next to nothing about Mexican desserts, besides fried ice cream, until I discovered these Mexican Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas. Let me tell you, my cheesecake addiction just got greater by a notch. Those fried burritos are perfect for Cinco de Mayo and when you need a quick, inexpensive dessert. Maybe it’s not the healthiest dessert, but what dessert truly is? —All that's Jas
Makes: 6
Ingredients
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8
ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
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2
tablespoons sour cream
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2
tablespoons sugar
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1
teaspoon vanilla extract
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1
teaspoon lemon zest
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1
cup sliced or chopped strawberries plus more for garnish
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6
8-inch (medium) soft flour tortillas
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vegetable oil for frying
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1
tablespoon cinnamon
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1/3
cup sugar
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chocolate syrup and/or whopped cream (optional)
Directions
- In a medium bowl beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract and lemon zest, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading portions in the lower third of each tortilla. Note: You could easily use 8 tortillas. I thought there was a bit much filling per chimichanga. Next, fold the two sides of each tortilla toward the center and then roll the tortilla up like a burrito. Secure it with a toothpick. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas.
- Combine the remaining 1/3 cup sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow dish and set it aside. Line a large plate with paper towels.
- In a large, deep skillet or saucepan add about 3 inches of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches if necessary, fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes, flipping them as needed. Be careful not to burn them (learned the hard way). Transfer the chimichangas to the paper towel-lined plate and drain shortly. Remove the toothpicks!
- While chimichangas are still warm, roll them into cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat the frying and rolling process with the remaining chimichangas.
- Lastly, top each chimichanga with sliced strawberries, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.
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~ GET CREATIVE ~
Add a tablespoon of Nutella to each cheesecake chimichanga before rolling them up. Use blueberries or cherries from cherry pie filling instead of strawberries.
Photo by All that's Jas