This irresistible Deep Fried Cheesecake transforms an already delicious dessert into a warm, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that will absolutely blow your mind! With just a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes, you can create these golden bites of heaven that balance perfectly between crispy exterior and creamy, rich center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick: From start to finish, these cheesecake bites take just 14 minutes to prepare and cook – perfect for when you need an impressive dessert in a hurry!
Crowd-Pleaser: Watch everyone’s eyes light up when you serve these at your next gathering. They’re unexpected, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.
Simple Ingredients: Uses items you likely already have in your pantry and freezer – no special shopping trip required!
Customizable: Works with any flavor of frozen cheesecake you prefer, letting you tailor this dessert to your exact taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Cheesecake: The star of the show! Using pre-made frozen cheesecake makes this recipe super convenient. Make sure it stays frozen solid until frying time for best results.
Pancake Mix: Creates the perfect batter coating that turns golden and crispy when fried. Any variety works, so use whatever you have on hand.
Egg: Helps bind the batter and gives structure to the coating, ensuring it adheres properly to the cheesecake pieces.
Milk: Thins the batter to the right consistency. Whole milk creates a richer flavor, but any kind works well.
Vegetable Oil: Added to the batter for richness, plus more for frying. The oil needs to be at the right temperature (360°F) for that perfect golden exterior.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the batter and complements the cheesecake’s sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting the finished bites, adding a touch of sweetness and an attractive finish.

Variations

Different Cheesecake Flavors

Try using different flavored cheesecakes! Chocolate, strawberry, caramel, or turtle cheesecake all work wonderfully and create unique flavor profiles.

Coating Enhancements

Mix some cinnamon or cocoa powder into your pancake batter for extra flavor. For a crunchier coating, try adding some crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs to the batter.

Dipping Sauces

Beyond strawberry sauce, consider chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for dipping options.

Mini Version

Make bite-sized pieces by cutting the cheesecake into even smaller cubes – perfect for party appetizers!

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 particularly thick, trim some away so the pieces are mostly creamy filling. Return the cut pieces to the freezer immediately to keep them solid.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot. Heat to exactly 360°F. Using a cooking thermometer is crucial here – too cool and the cheesecake will absorb oil, too hot and the outside will burn before the inside warms.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, egg, milk, 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that will coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Dip and Fry

Working with a few pieces at a time (keeping the rest frozen), dip each cheesecake square into the batter. Let excess batter drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until golden brown all over.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried cheesecake bites and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with strawberry sauce or your preferred dipping option.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep Everything Cold: Work quickly when handling the cheesecake squares and keep them frozen until the moment they go into the fryer.
Oil Temperature: Maintain that 360°F temperature throughout cooking. Too low, and the bites become greasy; too high, and they’ll burn before warming through.
Batch Frying: Don’t overcrowd the pot – fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Test Batch: Fry one piece first to test your batter consistency and oil temperature before committing to the full batch.
Safety First: Use a deep pot with plenty of room above the oil line to prevent dangerous spillovers when adding the batter-coated cheesecake.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These deep fried cheesecake bites shine when served with dipping sauces! Strawberry sauce is classic, but chocolate ganache, caramel, raspberry coulis, or even a drizzle of honey all work beautifully.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for an impressive dessert table centerpiece. For individual servings, place 2-3 bites in small dishes with a side of sauce.

Accompaniments

A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these warm bites creates a delightful temperature contrast. Coffee or dessert wine makes for an excellent beverage pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best served fresh and warm, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coating will lose some crispness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, battered cheesecake pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later frying. This works great for preparing ahead for parties!

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cheesecake instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade cheesecake is thoroughly chilled or preferably frozen solid before cutting and frying. The firmer the cheesecake, the easier it will hold together during the frying process.

Why did my cheesecake fall apart in the fryer?
This typically happens when the cheesecake pieces aren’t frozen solid enough. Make sure they stay in the freezer until the very moment you’re ready to dip and fry them. Also, be gentle when turning them in the oil.

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
While traditional deep frying gives the best results, you can try an air fryer at 375°F for about 3-4 minutes. The coating won’t be quite as crispy, but it’s a lower-fat alternative. Spray the battered pieces with cooking spray before air frying.

What if I don’t have pancake mix?
No problem! Make your own batter with 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Then add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla as directed in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Deep Fried Cheesecake recipe brings together the best of both worlds – the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of fried food. It’s the perfect dessert when you want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether for a dinner party finale or a family night treat, these golden bites deliver an unexpected twist on a classic dessert that’s sure to become a requested favorite!

Deep Fried Cheesecake Recipe