Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

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These irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls deliver the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite. Featuring a golden, crunchy egg roll wrapper encasing a luscious cream cheese filling studded with juicy blueberries, these treats are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for brunch gatherings, dessert tables, or anytime sweet cravings, these rolls offer an impressive presentation with minimal effort that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unexpected twist: A delightful fusion of Asian-inspired technique with classic American flavors
• Textural perfection: Crispy exterior with creamy, fruity filling
• Make-ahead friendly: Components can be prepared in advance
• Quick cooking time: Ready in minutes once assembled
• Impressive presentation: Stunning purple-and-white interior revealed with every bite
• Crowd-pleasing: Appeals to both children and adults
• Versatile serving options: Perfect as breakfast, dessert, or special treat

Ingredients

For the Egg Rolls

• Egg roll wrappers – Provides the crispy, golden exterior that encases the filling
• Cream cheese – Creates the rich, tangy base for the filling
• Fresh blueberries – Offers bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling to dessert-worthy levels
• Vanilla extract – Enhances and rounds out the flavor profile
• Lemon zest – Brightens the filling with subtle citrus notes
• Egg wash – Ensures the wrappers seal properly during cooking
• Vegetable oil – For frying to golden perfection
• Powdered sugar – For the final decorative touch and added sweetness

For the Optional Dipping Sauce

• Blueberry preserves – Provides a concentrated blueberry flavor
• Lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances sweetness
• Water or maple syrup – Adjusts consistency and sweetness
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, place 8 ounces of cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature. The proper softening is crucial—the cream cheese should yield easily to gentle pressure but still hold its shape.

Add ¼ cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese. The sugar not only sweetens the filling but also helps create a smooth texture when mixed.

Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the mixture, which will enhance the flavor without overwhelming the delicate taste of the cream cheese.

For a bright, citrusy note that complements both the cream cheese and blueberries, add ½ teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries using a rubber spatula. Try to avoid crushing the berries to maintain whole fruit pieces in the filling. If using frozen blueberries, make sure they are completely thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Cover the filling and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to work with when filling the egg rolls.

Assembling the Egg Rolls

Place egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry work surface. Working with one wrapper at a time, position it in a diamond shape in front of you, with one corner pointing toward you.

In a small bowl, prepare an egg wash by beating one egg with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined. This will serve as the “glue” to seal your egg rolls.

Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese and blueberry filling slightly below the center of the wrapper, forming a horizontal line about 3 inches long, but leaving at least 1 inch of wrapper on either side.

Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, pulling it in snugly against the filling.

Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper inward toward the center, creating an envelope shape. Make sure these side folds are tight against the filling to prevent leaking during cooking.

Lightly brush the remaining exposed edges of the wrapper with egg wash.

Roll the partially wrapped filling toward the remaining top corner, maintaining a tight cylinder shape. The egg wash will help seal the egg roll closed.

Place the completed egg roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cover with a slightly damp paper towel to prevent drying while you assemble the remaining egg rolls.

Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Depending on how generously you fill each wrapper, this recipe should yield approximately 12-16 egg rolls.

Cooking the Egg Rolls

Deep Frying Method

Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. The oil should be about 2 inches deep—enough to fully submerge the egg rolls. Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer is recommended for maintaining consistent oil temperature.

Working in batches of 3-4 egg rolls at a time to avoid overcrowding (which would lower the oil temperature), carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil using tongs or a spider strainer.

Fry for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy on all sides. The quick cooking time ensures the outside gets crispy while the cream cheese filling warms without becoming too runny.

Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Allow to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot immediately after frying.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.

Lightly spray or brush the assembled egg rolls with vegetable oil on all sides. This helps achieve a golden-brown exterior similar to deep frying.

Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in multiple batches.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Baking Method

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the assembled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, leaving space between each one.

Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with vegetable oil on all sides to promote browning.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through baking time, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Finishing and Serving

Just before serving, dust the egg rolls generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for the most even and professional-looking application.

For the optional blueberry dipping sauce, combine ½ cup blueberry preserves with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoons water or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Heat gently until warm and well combined, then remove from heat and stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer to a small serving bowl.

Arrange the egg rolls on a serving platter, cutting some in half diagonally to display the beautiful cream cheese and blueberry filling inside, creating an eye-catching presentation.

These egg rolls pair wonderfully with:

• Fresh berries on the side
• Vanilla ice cream
• Additional warmed blueberry preserves
• Whipped cream
• Morning coffee or afternoon tea
• Champagne or prosecco for a celebratory brunch

For optimal enjoyment, serve while still warm when the contrast between the crispy wrapper and creamy filling is at its peak.

Pro Tips

• For the creamiest filling, ensure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing
• If blueberries are very large, cut them in half to prevent them from tearing the wrapper
• Keep unused egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while working to prevent them from drying out
• If wrapper tears during rolling, start over with a new wrapper to prevent filling leakage
• Maintain consistent oil temperature during frying (350°F is ideal) for perfectly crispy, golden wrappers
• Allow egg rolls to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to prevent burning from the hot filling
• For perfectly uniform egg rolls, use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to portion the filling
• Double-check that all edges are sealed well to prevent filling from escaping during cooking
• If making ahead, fry the egg rolls until just barely golden, then reheat and finish browning before serving
• For large gatherings, keep finished egg rolls warm in a 200°F oven while completing the batches

Variations and Creative Ideas

Flavor Variations

Mixed Berry: Combine blueberries with raspberries and blackberries for a vibrant mixed berry version with more complex flavor.

Lemon Blueberry: Double the lemon zest and add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a more pronounced citrus flavor that brightens the blueberries.

White Chocolate Blueberry: Add ¼ cup of white chocolate chips to the filling for sweet, creamy bites that complement the tangy cream cheese and tart blueberries.

Maple Blueberry: Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, autumnal flavor profile.

Dietary Adaptations

Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar in the filling and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe blueberries, or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Gluten-Free Version: Look for gluten-free egg roll or spring roll wrappers, which are becoming more widely available in specialty stores.

Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and prepare the egg wash with plant milk instead of egg to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly.

Reduced Fat Option: Use Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat than cream cheese) and bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.

Presentation Variations

Dessert Flag: Arrange the egg rolls in a row with alternating toppings of powdered sugar and fresh blueberry sauce for a striking presentation.

Mini Versions: Use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers to create bite-sized desserts perfect for cocktail parties or dessert buffets.

Stacked Presentation: Stand halved egg rolls upright in a circular pattern around a central bowl of dipping sauce for an impressive centerpiece.

Brunch Platter: Create a complete brunch board with the egg rolls as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey for a stunning display.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

Refrigerator Storage: Store completely cooled, cooked egg rolls in an airtight container separated by parchment paper for up to 2 days. Note that they will lose some crispness over time.

Freezer Storage:

• Uncooked assembled egg rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until completely frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
• Cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• The cream cheese filling can be frozen separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Make-Ahead Options:

• The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• Assembled but uncooked egg rolls can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
• For the freshest results, fry, bake, or air-fry egg rolls just before serving.

Reheating Tips:

• To restore crispness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes.
• Microwave reheating is not recommended as it will make the wrappers soggy.
• A quick 30-second re-fry in hot oil can revive the crispy texture perfectly.

Not Recommended: Assembling egg rolls more than 24 hours before cooking, as the moisture from the filling can make the wrappers soggy and prone to tearing.

Kid-Friendly Involvement

This recipe offers several opportunities for children to help in the kitchen:

Measuring Ingredients: Kids can help measure the sugar, vanilla, and other ingredients for the filling.

Mixing the Filling: Children can assist with mixing the cream cheese filling (with supervision if using an electric mixer).

Washing Berries: Little ones can help rinse the blueberries and pick through them to remove any stems.

Assembly Line: Create an assembly station where children can help place filling on wrappers while adults handle the folding and sealing.

Dusting with Sugar: Kids love to help with the final touch of sifting powdered sugar over the finished egg rolls.

Learning Opportunity: Use this recipe to teach about how different cooking methods (frying, baking, air frying) affect the same food differently, or discuss the science behind why the wrappers turn golden brown when cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my egg rolls burst open during frying? This typically happens if the egg rolls are overfilled or not sealed properly. Use less filling, ensure all edges are sealed with egg wash, and double-check for any tears in the wrapper before frying.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? Yes, but they must be completely thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the cream cheese mixture.

My egg rolls are browning too quickly but aren’t cooked through. What’s wrong? Your oil is likely too hot. Reduce the temperature to about 325°F and try again. Remember that the filling only needs to warm, not cook completely, as all ingredients are safe to eat at room temperature.

Can I make these with other fruits? Absolutely! Strawberries, cherries, peaches, and apples all work well. Just make sure to dice larger fruits into small pieces and consider pre-cooking very firm fruits like apples to soften them slightly.

How do I keep the egg rolls crispy for a party? Cook them just before guests arrive and hold in a 200°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The wire rack allows air circulation to prevent sogginess on the bottom.