Can I use homemade cheesecake instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Just make sure it's thoroughly chilled or frozen before cutting into squares. Homemade cheesecake might be softer, so freezing until quite firm is especially important to prevent it from melting during frying.

My batter keeps sliding off the cheesecake. What am I doing wrong?

This typically happens when the cheesecake isn't cold enough or the batter is too thin. Make sure your cheesecake pieces are thoroughly frozen and consider adding a tablespoon or two more pancake mix to thicken the batter if needed.

Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?

While traditional deep frying gives the best results, you can try air frying at 370°F for about 3 minutes. Spray the cheesecake bites with cooking spray first for a more golden exterior. The texture will be different but still tasty!

How do I know when the cheesecake bites are done?

They should be golden brown all over and float to the surface of the oil. The frying time is brief (3-4 minutes) because you're just cooking the batter – the cheesecake inside should remain cold or slightly warmed.

Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe

Name: Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 frozen cheesecake; 1.5 cups pancake mix (any kind will work); 1 egg; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; Vegetable oil (for frying)

This incredibly decadent Deep Fried Cheesecake transforms an already delicious dessert into something truly spectacular. Creamy, frozen cheesecake bites wrapped in a golden, crispy pancake batter that creates the perfect contrast between warm, crunchy exterior and cool, velvety center. Ready in just 14 minutes, this impressive treat is surprisingly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Indulgent: The contrast between the crispy, warm exterior and the cool, creamy cheesecake center creates a dessert experience that’s absolutely divine.
Surprisingly Easy: Don’t let the fancy presentation fool you – this recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in minutes.
Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized treats make a showstopping dessert for parties or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Use any flavor of cheesecake you like, and pair with various dipping sauces to create your perfect dessert experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Cheesecake: The star of the show! Any flavor works wonderfully. The freezing is crucial as it helps the cheesecake maintain its integrity during frying.
Pancake Mix: This brilliant shortcut gives you a perfect batter every time. The pancake mix already contains flour, leavening agents, and some sweeteners.
Egg: Provides structure to your batter and helps create that perfect golden crust.
Milk: Thins the batter to the right consistency for coating the cheesecake pieces.
Vegetable Oil: A bit in the batter improves texture, while more is needed for frying. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for deep frying.
Powdered Sugar: Adds that classic finishing touch and a hint of sweetness to the exterior.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the batter and complements the cheesecake.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to take this already amazing dessert to new heights? Try these delicious variations:

Flavor Infusions: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest to your batter for different flavor profiles.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate cheesecake and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your batter.
Churro Style: Roll the freshly fried cheesecake bites in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon instead of powdered sugar.
Different Coatings: Try using crushed graham crackers, cookie crumbs, or chopped nuts pressed into the batter before frying for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Deep Fried Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake

Cut your frozen cheesecake into 1-inch squares. If the graham cracker crust is thick, trim some off to ensure most of what you’re frying is the creamy cheesecake filling. Return the pieces to the freezer until ready to fry.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat to 360°F. Using a thermometer is crucial here – too cool and your cheesecake will absorb oil, too hot and the outside will burn before the batter sets.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, combine the pancake mix, egg, milk, 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, but don’t overmix. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter – thick enough to coat the cheesecake but not so thick it clumps.

Step 4: Fry the Cheesecake

Working quickly to keep the cheesecake frozen, dip each piece into the batter. Let excess batter drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried cheesecake bites with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar and serve with strawberry dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep Everything Cold: Work with just a few pieces of cheesecake at a time, keeping the rest in the freezer. This prevents melting before frying.
Oil Temperature: Monitor your oil temperature carefully – 360°F is the sweet spot. Too low and they’ll be greasy; too high and they’ll burn on the outside while still frozen inside.
Batching: Don’t overcrowd your fryer. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Testing: If you’re nervous, try one piece first as a test run before committing to frying all your cheesecake.
Timing is Everything: Have all your serving materials ready before you start frying – these are best served immediately!

How to Serve

These delectable fried cheesecake bites shine with the right presentation and accompaniments:

Dipping Sauces:

Strawberry sauce is classic, but try chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or raspberry coulis for variety.

Garnishes:

Fresh berries, mint leaves, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce add visual appeal and complementary flavors.

Temperature Contrast:

Serve with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream to enhance the warm/cold contrast.

Special Occasion Display:

For parties, arrange on a platter with different dipping sauces in small bowls for an interactive dessert station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed immediately, leftover fried cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the texture will change, with the exterior losing some crispness.

Freezing

You can prepare the cheesecake squares ahead of time and keep them frozen for up to 1 month before frying. The batter should be made fresh, not frozen.

Reheating

To revive leftover fried cheesecake, place in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They won’t be quite as good as fresh, but still delicious!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cheesecake instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thoroughly chilled or frozen before cutting into squares. Homemade cheesecake might be softer, so freezing until quite firm is especially important to prevent it from melting during frying.
My batter keeps sliding off the cheesecake. What am I doing wrong?

This typically happens when the cheesecake isn’t cold enough or the batter is too thin. Make sure your cheesecake pieces are thoroughly frozen and consider adding a tablespoon or two more pancake mix to thicken the batter if needed.
Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?

While traditional deep frying gives the best results, you can try air frying at 370°F for about 3 minutes. Spray the cheesecake bites with cooking spray first for a more golden exterior. The texture will be different but still tasty!
How do I know when the cheesecake bites are done?

They should be golden brown all over and float to the surface of the oil. The frying time is brief (3-4 minutes) because you’re just cooking the batter – the cheesecake inside should remain cold or slightly warmed.

Final Thoughts

These Deep Fried Cheesecake bites are the perfect combination of simple preparation and spectacular results. They transform an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary that will have everyone talking. The crispy, warm exterior giving way to cool, creamy cheesecake creates a magical contrast that’s impossible to resist. Whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, give these a try – they’re easier than they look and absolutely worth the indulgence!