I recently embarked on a creative culinary adventure with cream cheese wontons that never fail to intrigue. The crisp, flavorful exterior holds a luscious blend of cream cheese and cherry pie filling so perfectly balanced that I wholeheartedly invite you to discover a truly unexpected fusion of textures and tastes.

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I recently stumbled upon this recipe for Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons and I’ve gotta say, it’s a total game changer for my cooking repertoire. I mixed 8 oz full-fat cream cheese with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract which creates this super smooth, slightly tangy filling.

Then, I use 20 wonton wrappers to wrap the goodness in little parcels. You can fill them with 1/2 cup cherry pie filling or even Nutella if you fancy something extra rich.

The fun part is that these wontons work great whether you fry them in vegetable oil or bake them with melted butter. They remind me a bit of some of the best homemade Chinese food I’ve tried, and they even give a nod to recipes like Mapo Tofu when I craved something different.

Topping them off with a dusting of powdered sugar just ups the wow factor. Give these a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how simple the recipe is, it doesn’t take forever to prepare and you can choose to bake or fry it which makes it feel versatile.
2. I enjoy the mix of flavors, since the cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture while the cherry pie filling (or Nutella!) gives a burst of sweet tanginess.
3. I appreciate the fact that I can get creative with the shapes and fillings, so every time I make them, I feel like I’m doing something new and fun.
4. I love that it turns out crispy and golden with a dusting of powdered sugar on top which gives it a fancy look despite being so easy to make.

Ingredients

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I really like how these ingredients mix together in the Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons.

Each one brings its own twist and makes the dish special.

Here are some key bits:

Wonton wrappers supply carbohydrates and a crisp texture for tasty bites.
Cream cheese brings creaminess, protein and a rich flavor even though it’s high in fat.
Sugar adds a sweet taste and extra carbohydrates but should be used in moderation.
Cherry pie filling offers a tangy, fruity burst with extra sweetness for balance.
Vanilla extract enhances aroma and gives a subtle sweet kick in each bite.

This combo makes a treat that’s fun and full of personality, just like a pop quiz on a good day.

Ingredient Quantities

20 wonton wrappers

8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup cherry pie filling (or use Nutella if ya prefer)

Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup) or melted butter if you’re baking them

A dusting of powdered sugar, if desired

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F if you’re baking or heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat if you wanna fry them.

2. In a bowl, mix the 8 oz softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until it looks smooth.

3. Lay one wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface.

4. Spoon a little dollop of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of the wrapper, then add about a half-teaspoon of your cherry pie filling (or Nutella if you prefer).

5. Wet the edges of the wrapper lightly with water and then fold it over to form a triangle or any shape you like, pressing the edges firmly so the filling won’t leak.

6. Repeat the process with all 20 wonton wrappers.

7. If you’re baking them, brush each wonton gently with some melted butter and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

8. If frying, carefully place a few wontons into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a nice golden color.

9. For the baked version, pop your tray in the oven and bake for around 12-15 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp.

10. Once done, let them cool a bit and dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy before enjoying them warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (if you’re baking) or a frying pan with a stovetop (if you’re frying)
2. Mixing bowl for blending the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla
3. Measuring spoons to get the correct amount of granulated sugar and vanilla extract
4. A clean, flat surface like a countertop or cutting board for laying out and folding the wonton wrappers
5. A small spoon or spatula to dollop the cream cheese mixture onto the wrappers
6. A small dish with water for wetting the edges of the wonton wrappers
7. A basting brush for applying melted butter on the wontons if you’re baking
8. Baking tray lined with parchment paper (for the baked version) or tongs/slotted spoon to flip and remove the wontons from the hot oil when frying

FAQ

Can I bake these wontons instead of frying?

Yeah, you can absolutely bake them! just brush the wonton wrappers with melted butter and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10-12 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.

Can I use Nutella instead of cherry pie filling?

Sure thing, using Nutella gives a chocolaty twist to the recipe. Just keep in mind the flavor will be different from the traditional cherry pie filling version.

Do i have to deep fry the wontons in vegetable oil?

Not at all. While deep frying in about a cup of vegetable oil is a classic method, you can pan fry or bake them too if you prefer less oil in your dish.

How can i tell when the wontons are done?

They usually turn a lovely golden color and have a crispy texture on the edges. The filling might bubble a bit too which is a good sign, so keep an eye on them as they cook.

Can i prepare these wontons ahead of time?

Yeah, you can fill them ahead and even freeze the prepared wontons. Just thaw them out before frying or baking to get the best results.

Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Wonton wrappers: If you can’t find these, try using spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough cut into squares. It might change the texture a bit but it works all right.
Cream cheese: Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be a good swap here. Mascarpone gives a richer texture and ricotta adds a little extra bite.
Sugar: For a different flavor, brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar. You could also try a little honey or maple syrup, but watch the moisture level.
Vanilla extract: Almond extract offers a nice alternative if you don’t have vanilla on hand. Use a slightly smaller amount since it’s usually stronger.
Cherry pie filling: You can substitute with strawberry jam or just go with Nutella if you’re feeling like a twist. Each one gives a slightly different flavor but still tastes great.

Pro Tips

1. If you decide to fry them, let the wontons rest for a couple of minutes before putting them in the hot oil to help the edges dry up a bit so that they wont leak their filling.
2. Be really careful not to overfill the wontons, because too much cream cheese or cherry pie filling can cause them to burst during cooking and then you lose that perfect crunch.
3. When you’re baking, brush on the melted butter evenly and try to lay them out so they don’t touch each other, that way they wont stick together and they come out extra crispy.
4. Experiment with a pinch of extra sugar in your cream cheese mix if you’re into extra sweetness or even a dash of cinnamon which can add a little twist to the flavor profile.