Peyton's Momma™

Minnesota based Family Lifestyle blog. Mother Daughter duo take on food, travel, and more.

Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups (Easy State Fair Dessert Recipe)

Cheesecake Roll-Ups (Minnesota State Fair Inspired)

There’s something magical about walking through the Minnesota State Fair with the smell of fried food filling the air. From cheese curds and corn dogs to giant cookies and endless foods on a stick, it’s a place where indulgence is part of the experience. One of my favorite fair-inspired desserts to recreate at home is these crispy, golden Cheesecake Roll-Ups.

Each roll is filled with a rich vanilla cheesecake filling, fried until perfectly crispy, then coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. The outside is light and crunchy while the inside stays warm, creamy, and irresistibly gooey. They’re surprisingly easy to make and taste like something you’d find at your favorite carnival or state fair.

Whether you’re celebrating fair season, planning a movie night, or just craving an over-the-top dessert, these Cheesecake Roll-Ups are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Roll-Ups

  • Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside
  • Easy shortcut using refrigerated crescent dough
  • Ready in about 30 minutes
  • Perfect for parties and family dessert nights
  • Tastes just like a carnival or state fair treat

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Roll-Ups

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • Oil for frying (peanut, vegetable, or canola)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Kitchen Supplies

How to Make Cheesecake Roll-Ups

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Fill your deep fryer or heavy pot with oil and heat it to 325°F.

Peanut oil creates a wonderfully crisp exterior, but vegetable or canola oil work just as well.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Set aside until the roll-ups are finished frying.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

Add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until creamy.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface.

Unroll the crescent dough and use a rolling pin to seal all of the perforations into one large sheet.

Cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles.

Step 5: Fill the Roll-Ups

Spread about 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling across the center of each rectangle.

Starting with the edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough around the filling.

Pinch all seams and ends closed so the cheesecake filling stays inside while frying.

Step 6: Fry

Carefully lower one or two roll-ups into the hot oil.

Cook for 30–60 seconds per side, turning until every side is golden brown.

Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as adding too many at once lowers the oil temperature.

Transfer the finished roll-ups to paper towels to drain.

Step 7: Coat and Serve

While they’re still warm, generously sprinkle each roll-up with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before serving—the cheesecake filling becomes extremely hot during frying.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for the smoothest filling.
  • Seal every seam well to prevent the filling from leaking.
  • Keep the oil close to 325°F for an evenly crisp exterior.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
  • Let the roll-ups cool before taking the first bite.

Delicious Variations

  • Drizzle with caramel sauce.
  • Dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
  • Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling.
  • Top with whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert.

Storage

These are best enjoyed fresh while the outside is crispy.

If you have leftovers:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Microwaving works but the exterior will soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes until golden brown. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare and roll them a few hours ahead, then refrigerate until ready to fry.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Peanut oil gives excellent flavor and crispness, but vegetable or canola oil are both great budget-friendly options.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Puff pastry creates a flakier, richer dessert.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wandered through the Minnesota State Fair dreaming about trying every fried dessert stand, these Cheesecake Roll-Ups bring that same fun home to your own kitchen. Crispy, golden, and filled with warm vanilla cheesecake, they’re an easy dessert that feels like a special treat every single time.

Serve them fresh with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or simply enjoy them dusted with cinnamon sugar for the ultimate fair-inspired dessert.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see what Minnesota State Fair inspired food we are making. Also, be sure to check out our other state fair recipes.

Print Pin

Cheesecake Roll-ups

Make crispy, golden Cheesecake Roll-Ups with creamy vanilla cheesecake filling and cinnamon sugar. An easy Minnesota State Fair-inspired dessert ready in about 30 minutes.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg Cream Cheese, 8 ounces
  • 1/4 C Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pkg Crescent Rolls
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
  • oil
  • flour

Instructions

  • I always like to prepare my oil first when I'm deep frying. It can take a while for the oil to heat up. 
    You can use a deep fryer or a large pot to fry these, however, if you use a large pot you will also need a candy thermometer to find the temperature of the oil. 
    Pour your desired oil into the deep fryer. I prefer to use peanut oil if I can because it fries so much nicer but it is fairly expensive. Canola or Vegetable oil will work too. 
    Set the deep fryer to 325. 
    Next, we are going to make the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Stir until well combines and set aside. 
    To make the filling we are going to use a hand mixer and large bowl. 
    First, beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy. 
    Add in the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. 
    You'll need a large area to roll out the crescent dough. 
    Sprinkle a little flour on your work surface so the dough does not stick. 
    Unroll the crescent dough. Use a rolling pin and roll the dough out until the pre-cut lines are gone. It'll grow by about 1/2 to 1 inch while you are doing this. 
    Slice the dough into 6 equal rectangles. 
    Place a tablespoon of your cheesecake mixture in the center. Spread it out so it is cover the square. 
    Next, roll the side closest to you, be sure to cover the filling with the dough as you go, Gently push the ends in. 
    Pint the seams of the crescent roll so it is sealed and there is no filling visible. 
    Place in the deep fryer and fry for 30-60 seconds per side.  Only do one or two rolls at a time so you do not lower the oil temperature too much. 
    Once fried, remove from oil and place on some paper towels to absorb the excess oil. 
    Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and enjoy! You will want to let these cool for about 10 minutes. The filling is extremely hot. 

 

 

About Shanna

Shanna started writing shortly after her daughter was born. She's written for various outlets over the years. When she's not writing about her adventures with her daughter, she's out having adventures!