If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine golden, crispy tortillas encasing a luscious cream cheese filling bursting with fresh strawberries, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon sweetness. This treat blends creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures into one irresistible bite. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just a moment when you want to treat yourself, these chimichangas bring a joyful twist to traditional desserts that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and crispy. From the cream cheese base that’s rich and smooth to the fresh strawberries that add natural sweetness and a pop of color, every element matters.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): The creamy centerpiece providing smooth texture and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle tang and softens the cream cheese mixture for easier spreading.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness mixed into the filling to complement the fruit.
- Additional sugar (1/4 cup): Used for coating the outside, forming a delightful sweet crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Fresh lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens the flavor, adding a fresh citrus note that lifts the cream cheese and strawberries.
- Flour tortillas (6, 8-inch): The crispy shell that holds everything together, golden and crunchy when fried.
- Sliced strawberries (1 3/4 cups, divided): Fresh and juicy, these bring vibrant flavor and texture to the filling and garnish.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Mixed with sugar to coat the chimichangas, lending a warm, spicy sweetness that’s totally addictive.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining the cream cheese, sour cream, tablespoon of sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is where the magic starts, balancing tangy, sweet, and citrusy notes perfectly. Then, gently fold in one cup of the sliced strawberries, distributing fruity bursts throughout the creamy filling.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface and spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese-strawberry mixture near the center. Fold in the sides, then roll them up tightly like a burrito to secure the filling inside. This step is essential to prevent any filling from escaping while cooking and ensures a neat, crispy shell once fried.
Step 3: Cook and Coat the Chimichangas
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the rolled chimichangas seam side down into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, toss the chimichangas in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating each one thoroughly. The sugary cinnamon coating adds texture and aroma that’s totally irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe stand out, think beyond just plating. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light honey or chocolate sauce for extra decadence. Fresh strawberry slices on top bring brightness and freshness, adding a juicy contrast to the crisp exterior.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to complement it, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully, balancing the chimichangas’ richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, arrange the chimichangas in a starburst pattern around a bowl of strawberry sauce or cream dip. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for a party platter, making them easy to share and even more fun to eat while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from your Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe, store them wrapped in paper towels and then in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and maintain some of the crispiness for up to two days.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare and roll the chimichangas but do not fry. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a quick treat, fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple more minutes to the cooking time for a perfectly crispy finish.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortilla soggy and diminish the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen if you drain them well and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
What’s the best oil for frying chimichangas?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best to achieve that golden, crispy exterior without imparting unwanted flavors.
Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until they are golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the chimichangas from bursting while frying?
Make sure to roll them tightly and seal the edges well—using a little water or egg wash helps keep the tortillas closed during frying.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy this dessert without worry.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe is like inviting a little fiesta of flavors into your kitchen. This dessert is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to wow guests or transform an ordinary day into something special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love the way the crispy, sweet shell wraps around the creamy, fruity filling, creating a sensational treat that makes life a little sweeter.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crispy Strawberry Chimichangas filled with a sweet cream cheese and strawberry mixture, rolled in cinnamon sugar for a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
Tortillas & Coating
- 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
- 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of sliced strawberries, ensuring the mixture is well incorporated.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon an equal amount of the cream cheese and strawberry filling onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to enclose the filling securely.
- Cook and coat: Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough oil to shallow fry. Fry the rolled chimichangas for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels. While still warm, mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow dish, then roll each chimichanga in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.
- Be careful when frying to avoid over-browning or burning the tortillas.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste and texture.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Ensure chimichangas are sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
