Fried Mexican Dessert Recipe with Cherries

There is nothing better than a fried dessert rolled in a sugary cinnamon mixture. That is why you will love my Fried Mexican Dessert Recipe with Cherries.

Updated post from March 18, 2020

I have to admit, this one came together because I had some items in my fridge that I needed to use up. I had a couple of half packages of tortillas. In addition, I had a new container of mascarpone cheese. (No worries…sweetened cream cheese works just fine.) This is actually an Italian cream cheese. It is sweeter than the American version of cream cheese. So I guess this is an international dessert with the Italian mascarpone cheese and fried dessert which is traditionally Mexican.

Here is what makes this a great recipe:

• This is a great way to use up leftover tortillas.
• By rolling the hot dessert in a sugar and cinnamon mixture, this turns the tortilla into a delicate pastry.
• This easy recipe requires just 20 minutes of your time.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• tortillas – the medium, soft variety
• mascarpone cheese or sweetened cream cheese with vanilla
  
• cherry pie filling – the 15 ounce can
• sugar – white
• cinnamon
• canola oil – for frying

Join me as we make this Mexican dessert:

A full printable recipe is available in the recipe card toward the end of this post.

1. Spread about a tablespoon of the mascarpone around each tortilla leaving about 3/4 inch border around the parameter. If you are using cream cheese, sweeten it with the powdered sugar and vanilla.
2. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the cherry pie filling down the center of each tortilla.
3. Fold the sides in over both ends of the cherries. Than fold the top and bottom over to seal in the cherries. Place seam down on surface.
4. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a container big enough to hold a tortilla.
5. Add enough oil to a medium skillet to make 3 inches. Heat to 350 degrees before adding 2 tortillas at a time.
6. Fry until medium doneness.
7. Immediately roll in the sugar cinnamon mixture.

Optional Preparation:

• Use any pie filling you like or have on hand. I also used lemon which was excellent as well.
• If you do not have mascarpone, you can use regular cream cheese sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure your oil is up to proper temperature before adding the tortillas or you will end up with a soggy dessert.

When should I serve this Mexican dessert?

I call this recipe a dessert, but you could serve it for breakfast, brunch or a snack in addition to dessert.

If you like this recipe, please like and share it–Thanks!

5 from 1 vote

Print

Fried Mexican Dessert Recipe with Cherries

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Frying the tortilla makes for the lightest delicacy.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: easy recipe, fried dessert

Servings: 6 pastries

Calories: 180 kcal

Author: Renea

Ingredients

• 6 soft medium-size tortillas
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese or cream cheese (sweetened with 1/2 cup powdered sugar & 1/2 teaspoon vanilla)
• 15 ounces cherry pie filling
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• canola oil for frying

Instructions

1. Spread 1 tablespoon of the mascarpone cheese or sweetened cream cheese plus vanilla on each tortilla to within 3/4 inch of the parameter. Spoon 1/3 cup cherry pie filling down the center on top of the cheese spread, staying within the border.

2. Fold up 2 sides till you reach the ends of the cherry pie filling. Fold over the top and fold over the bottom. It should now be oblong. The soft cheese works as glue.

3. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a container large enough to hold the rolled up tortilla. I used a loaf pan. Set aside.

4. To a medium pan, add about 3 inches of oil. Heat over medium high heat to 350 degrees. Frying 2 at a time, place a log on a spatula and carefully add to the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for a minute or two until golden brown on the first side. Flip over and fry for another minute or two. Using the spatula, remove from the hot oil and immediately place in the sugar cinnamon mixture, coating on both sides.

5. Continue in this manner until you have prepared them all. Serve warm or cold.

If you made this recipe, please let me know what you thought in the comments, and give it a star ***** rating–xoxo Renea

After you try my Fried Mexican Dessert Recipe with Cherries, you will understand why I call it a BEST. For another great recipe using cherry pie filling, try my Cherry Muffins with Coconut Topping. In keeping with the Mexican theme, why not try my Mexican Cauliflower? To learn more about mascarpone cheese, The Spruce Eats has a great post titled What is Mascarpone Cheese.

I have been cooking, gardening and DIY/Crafting for years to Inspire a Creation.