Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a delightful twist on a traditional dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With a creamy center made from rich cream cheese and fresh blueberries, wrapped in a crispy, golden egg roll shell, this recipe is not only delicious but also a fun way to surprise your family and friends. When you think of egg rolls, you might initially imagine savory fillings, but this creative spin brings dessert to the forefront.

The best part about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can swap the blueberries for strawberries or blackberries for a different flavor or even add a handful of chocolate chips to indulge in something a little richer. It’s an ideal treat for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors while keeping it simple and quick to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a quick homemade dessert, these blueberry cream cheese egg rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, gather all the essential tools and equipment for smooth preparation. You’ll need a few basic kitchen items:

• A small saucepan for making the blueberry filling
• Mixing bowls for blending the cream cheese and sugar mixture
• An electric mixer to ensure the cream cheese mixture is light and fluffy
• Egg roll wrappers for assembling the rolls
• A skillet or deep frying pan for frying the egg rolls to crispy perfection
• Tongs or a slotted spoon to handle the hot egg rolls after frying
• Paper towels to drain excess oil from the fried egg rolls

Start by preparing the blueberry filling. Fresh blueberries are recommended because they deliver the best flavor, but frozen blueberries can also be used if that’s what you have on hand. When using frozen blueberries, make sure to reduce the amount of water in the recipe to prevent excess liquid.

Next, prepare the cream cheese filling by blending room-temperature cream cheese with sugar and a hint of lemon juice for added freshness. Having all ingredients prepped ahead of time will make the assembly process quick and easy. You’ll also need to heat vegetable oil in the skillet to 375°F, ensuring your rolls fry evenly and turn out crispy.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make 12 servings of Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls:

Blueberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries: The star of the recipe, providing sweet and tangy flavor.
• ⅓ cup sugar: Sweetens the blueberry mixture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
• 7 tablespoons water, divided: Used to help thicken the filling with cornstarch.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry mixture to prevent it from being too runny.

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy and rich filling base.
• ⅓ cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor of the cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness.

For Frying and Assembly:

• 12 egg roll wrappers: Crispy outer shell for the filling.
• 2+ cups vegetable oil: For frying the egg rolls until golden brown.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: A finishing touch of sweetness.

Step-by-step Instructions

Blueberry Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, add the blueberries, sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes after boiling.
3. In a small bowl, combine the remaining water with cornstarch and add to the blueberry mixture.
4. Stir until thickened, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat for another 2 minutes until well combined.

Assembling the Egg Rolls:

1. Place a couple of tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each egg roll wrapper.
2. Add a spoonful or two of the blueberry filling on top of the cream cheese.
3. Dip your fingers in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper, folding in the sides and rolling tightly to seal.

Frying the Egg Rolls:

1. Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 375°F.
2. Fry the egg rolls a few at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Side Dish Recommendations

Pairing your Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls with the right side dishes will elevate the entire experience. Since these rolls have a sweet and tangy flavor profile, they pair wonderfully with light, refreshing accompaniments that balance the richness of the cream cheese filling. Here are a few side dish ideas to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm egg rolls. The cold, creamy texture contrasts with the crispy, fried exterior, offering a harmonious balance of temperatures and flavors.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad made with a combination of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a refreshing touch. The fruit’s natural sweetness complements the blueberry filling, and the vibrant colors create an appealing contrast on the plate.
3. Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream offers an easy yet delicious way to enhance the dessert experience. You can dip each bite of the egg roll into the whipped cream for an added layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

When indulging in a sweet treat like Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content. While this dessert is certainly not low in calories, it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 179 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17g
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 26mg
• Iron: 1mg

Although these egg rolls are a delicious dessert, they offer some health benefits due to the presence of blueberries. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

On the downside, the egg rolls are deep-fried, which contributes to their higher fat content. However, you can opt for healthier alternatives like baking or air frying the rolls instead of deep-frying them. This adjustment can significantly lower the amount of oil absorbed, reducing both calories and unhealthy fats. Cream cheese, while rich and creamy, also adds to the fat content, so it’s worth considering portion control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Making Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls may seem straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that can prevent you from achieving the best results. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure your dessert comes out perfect every time:

1. Overfilling the Egg Rolls: One of the most common errors is adding too much filling. Overstuffing the rolls can cause them to break open while frying, leading to a messy outcome. Stick to the recommended amount of filling (2 tablespoons of cream cheese and 1-2 tablespoons of blueberry filling) to avoid this issue.
2. Not Sealing the Edges Properly: If the edges of the egg rolls aren’t sealed tightly, the filling can leak out during frying. Be sure to moisten the edges of the wrapper with water before folding and press firmly to create a tight seal.
3. Using Too High or Too Low Oil Temperature: It’s crucial to fry the egg rolls at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the rolls will burn on the outside before the inside is heated through. If it’s too cool, the rolls will absorb too much oil, making them greasy. Maintain the oil at 375°F for perfectly golden and crispy egg rolls.
4. Skipping the Cooling Time: These egg rolls come out piping hot from the fryer. Skipping the cooling step can result in burnt tongues and ruined experiences. Always let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips, Notes, Storing, and Reheating

Here are a few tips and important notes to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Tips:

• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor, but if using frozen blueberries, reduce the amount of water to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
• Experiment with different fruits: If blueberries aren’t available, try strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different twist.
• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature: This makes it easier to blend and results in a smoother, creamier filling.
• Try air frying or baking: For a healthier version, you can bake the egg rolls in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes or air fry them for 6-8 minutes at the same temperature.

Storing:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover egg rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will lose some of their crispiness, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing:

• You can also freeze the uncooked egg rolls. To do this, assemble the egg rolls as directed, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To cook, fry directly from frozen or bake them in the oven.

Reheating:

• Frying: To reheat, fry the egg rolls again in hot oil for 1-2 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Baking: Alternatively, bake the egg rolls at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones are unavailable. However, reduce the amount of water in the recipe as frozen blueberries release more liquid when they cook. This will help avoid a runny filling.

2. Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?

Absolutely! You can bake the egg rolls at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown. Make sure to spray them lightly with cooking spray before baking to ensure they get crispy.

3. How can I prevent the egg rolls from getting soggy?

The key to preventing soggy egg rolls is to fry them at the correct oil temperature (375°F). If the oil is too cool, the rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Also, make sure to let the rolls cool on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.

4. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?

Yes! You can substitute blueberries with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or even peaches. This recipe is versatile and works well with various fruits, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.

5. Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled egg rolls for up to 2 months and fry them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls are a unique and delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of blueberries with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell. Whether you’re preparing this treat for a family gathering, a weekend indulgence, or a fun kitchen experiment, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The versatility of the recipe allows you to switch up the fruits, adjust the method of cooking, and even make it a healthier option by baking instead of frying. Pair them with your favorite side dish, and you have a well-rounded dessert that’s simple yet impressive. Just remember to follow the tips for sealing, frying, and cooling, and you’ll be on your way to mastering this sweet treat.

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