Easy Chimi Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Love

I first encountered chimi cheesecake through my dear Mexican neighbor, Señora Maria, who would often share her culinary creations with us during festive gatherings. One day, she brought over what she called Xangos—crispy, golden tortilla-wrapped cheesecake. This treat was unlike anything I had ever tasted. It was like a deep-fried churro, but instead of being filled with cinnamon and sugar, it held a creamy cheesecake filling. The combination of the crunchy exterior and rich, velvety interior immediately captivated me.

Chimi cheesecake, or Xangos, is a delightful fusion of a traditional Mexican chimichanga and the beloved American cheesecake. The dessert consists of a creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep-fried to a golden, crispy finish. The result is a delightful contrast: the crispiness of the fried tortilla combined with the smoothness of the cheesecake. It’s truly a cross-cultural treat that has gained immense popularity across the United States, particularly in Mexican restaurants and at home celebrations.

Chimi Cheesecake vs. Traditional Cheesecake

Traditional cheesecake is typically baked in a springform pan, allowing the custard-like filling to set and achieve its signature smooth, dense texture. The crust is often made from crushed graham crackers or biscuit crumbs, offering a buttery, crisp base. On the other hand, chimi cheesecake, also known as cheesecake chimichangas, involves no baking. Instead, the cheesecake filling is wrapped in flour tortillas, deep-fried until crispy, and often coated with cinnamon sugar for added flavor and texture.

While both desserts share the same core element—cheesecake—the key distinction lies in the preparation method and texture. Traditional cheesecake chimichanga is smooth, rich, and chilled, whereas chimi cheesecake features a warm, crispy outer layer with a creamy filling inside. The deep-frying process creates a contrast in textures that makes cheesecake chimichanga a unique variation that blends the indulgence of both desserts.

How to Make Chimi Cheesecake

Essential Ingredients for Chimi Cheesecake

To make cheesecake chimis , you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, most of which are likely already in your kitchen. The star of the show is the cream cheese, which provides the rich, creamy filling. You will also need sugar to sweeten the filling and a bit of vanilla extract for flavor. Sour cream adds to the smoothness of the filling and balances the richness of the cream cheese

For the tortilla, you’ll need small flour tortillas—6-inch tortillas work best for making bite-sized rolls. You’ll also need oil for frying—vegetable or canola oil is commonly used for deep-frying, as it has a neutral flavor. Finally, to finish off the chimi cheesecake, you’ll want a cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the chimichangas once they’re fried, adding that perfect sweet crunch.

Here are some ingredient variations you can experiment with:

• Fruit Additions: You can add chopped fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist.
  
• Jam Pairings: For extra sweetness, serve your cheesecake chimi with strawberry, raspberry, or even peach jam.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Making Chimi Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Filling: Begin by softening the cream cheese in a microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easier to mix. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the core filling for your chimi cheesecake.
   
2. Fill the Tortillas: Take a tortilla and place 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom half. Roll up the tortilla tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go to create a sealed roll. Use a toothpick to secure the edges.
   
3. Heat approximately 1 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-low heat to fry the chimichangas.Carefully place the filled tortilla rolls into the hot oil and fry them for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
   
4. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar: Once fried, immediately roll the hot chimi cheesecakes in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for that signature sweet coating.
   
5. Serve: You can serve your chimi cheesecakes with a variety of toppings such as fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. They are best enjoyed when served warm.

Tips for the Perfect Chimi Cheesecake

How to Avoid Soggy Chimichangas

One of the most common issues when making cheesecake chimi is ending up with a soggy dessert. To prevent this, ensure that the oil temperature is high enough for the tortillas to crisp up quickly. If the oil is too cool, the tortillas will absorb too much oil, resulting in a soggy outer layer. You should heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

Additionally, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while frying. Fry the chimi cheesecakes in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and stay crispy.

How to Make the Cheesecake Filling Extra Creamy

To get a perfectly smooth and creamy filling, it’s important to use softened cream cheese. This helps the mixture blend smoothly without lumps. I recommend microwaving the cream cheese in 8-ounce blocks for about 30 seconds to soften it, which will make mixing much easier.

If you want an even smoother filling, try using a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream. The smoother the filling, the creamier the final cheesecake chimichanga will be.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Tortillas

A common mistake when making chimi cheesecake is overfilling the tortillas. Although it’s tempting to load them up with more cheesecake chimichanga filling, doing so can lead to spills and uneven frying. When the filling oozes out during frying, it can cause the chimichangas to become messy and difficult to handle.

The key is to use just enough filling to create a nice, creamy interior without overstuffing the tortilla. Two heaping tablespoons of the cheesecake filling should be sufficient for a 6-inch tortilla.

Incorrect Frying Temperatures

Another mistake that can affect the final outcome is incorrect frying temperatures. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the chimi cheesecake will burn before the inside has a chance to heat up. On the other hand, if the oil is too cool, the chimi cheesecakes will absorb excess oil, making them greasy and soggy.

To avoid these issues, always ensure the oil is heated to the right temperature—around 350°F (175°C)—and use a thermometer if necessary. Frying in small batches also helps maintain consistent oil temperature.

Chimi Cheesecake

Course: DessertCuisine: Mexican, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

14

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

This chimi cheesecake recipe combines the crispy, golden exterior of a chimichanga with the creamy, smooth filling of cheesecake. Perfect for a sweet and indulgent dessert

Ingredients

• 14 small 6″ flour tortillas

• 16 oz cream cheese softened

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp sour cream

• 1 cup oil frying

• Strawberry jam or Fresh Strawberries for serving

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of filling into the bottom half of each tortilla. Roll it up, tucking in the sides to form a sealed chimichanga.
• Secure each roll-up with a toothpick and deep-fry them for 2-4 minutes, until golden brown on all sides.
• Mix the cinnamon and sugar for the coating. Once fried, immediately dip the hot chimichangas into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Serve with fresh strawberries or strawberry jam for dipping.

Notes

• For extra crispy chimichangas, double-coat them by dipping in cinnamon-sugar mixture twice.
• To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave in 30-second increments.
• For a healthier version, use gluten-free tortillas and vegan cream cheese.

Variations of Chimi Cheesecake

Fruit-Filled Chimi Cheesecake

One of the great things about chimi cheesecake is how versatile it is. You can easily add fresh fruit to the cheesecake filling to enhance the flavor and add a touch of freshness. Strawberries are a popular choice, but you can also use blueberries, raspberries, or even mango for a tropical twist. Adding fruit not only introduces a new flavor profile but also a pop of color, making the chimi cheesecakes visually appealing.

To incorporate fruit, simply fold chopped pieces of your chosen fruit into the cheesecake filling before spooning it into the tortillas.

This provides a delightful crunch and a burst of sweetness in each bite.

Chocolate Chimi Cheesecake

For chocolate lovers, a chocolate cheesecake chimichanga can be an irresistible variation. You can achieve this by either melting chocolate and mixing it into the cheesecake filling or using chocolate-flavored tortillas for a deeper, richer dessert experience. Drizzling melted chocolate over the fried chimi cheesecakes will also enhance the chocolate flavor and add a glossy finish.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Chimi Cheesecake

For those with dietary restrictions, you can create a vegan or gluten-free chimi cheesecake. Simply swap out the cream cheese for vegan cream cheese and the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. You can also use a plant-based sour cream or substitute it with cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture. This makes it possible for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity to enjoy this dessert as well.

How to Serve and Present Chimi Cheesecake

Best Toppings for Chimi Cheesecake

When serving chimi cheesecake, it’s essential to offer a variety of toppings that complement the rich, sweet flavor of the dessert. Some popular options include a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, fried chimi cheesecake. Whipped cream is another classic topping that pairs beautifully with the crispy exterior.

For those who enjoy a more decadent experience, caramel sauce or chocolate syrup can be drizzled over the top, adding a luscious sweetness. Fresh strawberries or other berries can also be used as a garnish, providing a fresh and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Creative Ways to Serve Chimi Cheesecake at Parties

Chimi cheesecakes can be served in bite-sized portions, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. You can cut the tortillas into smaller squares before frying to create mini chimi cheesecakes that are perfect for passing around at a party. Alternatively, you can serve the chimichangas on a large platter with an array of dips and toppings on the side, allowing guests to customize their dessert experience.

For a festive touch, serve the chimi cheesecakes with colorful sprinkles, edible flowers, or even shredded coconut for added texture and flair.

Chimi Cheesecake and its Place in Mexican Desserts

The Fusion of Mexican and American Desserts

Chimi cheesecake is an excellent example of the fusion between traditional Mexican and American culinary traditions. Mexican cuisine is known for its deep-fried dishes, such as chimichangas and churros, which are often sweet and crispy. American desserts, on the other hand, are dominated by rich, creamy treats like cheesecake. The creation of cheesecake chimichanga is a testament to how these two food cultures can come together in a harmonious and delicious way. It’s a blend of textures, flavors, and culinary techniques from both sides of the border.

Chimi Cheesecake’s Popularity in Mexican Restaurants

Chimi cheesecake has quickly become a favorite dessert in many Mexican restaurants across the United States. This dessert’s popularity is due in part to its irresistible combination of familiar elements: the warm, fried texture of a chimichanga and the creamy richness of cheesecake. It is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and as a special treat after a hearty Mexican meal. The fact that cheesecake chimichanga combines two beloved foods in one makes it a go-to option for those seeking something indulgent and unique.

Conclusion

In summary, Chimi Cheesecake is a delicious fusion of crispy chimichangas and creamy cheesecake, making it the perfect indulgent dessert. With simple steps and a few tips, you can easily recreate this treat at home. Whether you add fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel, this dessert is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a sweet, crispy bite of heaven!

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