Creamy, juicy, and gloriously crispy — these Deep Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Pies are the kind of dessert that hugs your taste buds and refuses to let go.
1cupstrawberrieswashed, hulled, and finely chopped
Crust
1packagepie crustsusually 2 crusts, thawed if frozen
Frying
2-3inchesoilfor frying, neutral oil such as vegetable or canola
as neededcuppowdered sugarfor dusting
Instructions
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Use a hand mixer or whisk to ensure no lumps.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Mix just until evenly distributed; avoid crushing the berries.
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a 3.5 to 4-inch round cutter.
Place a spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each circle, leaving room at the edges.
Fold the crust over to form a half-moon pie and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges well to prevent leaking.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
Fry the pies in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes on each side. Flip gently with a slotted spoon or tongs.
Drain the fried pies on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, brush with melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway through.