Xango is a delightful Mexican-inspired dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in a flour tortilla, fried to golden perfection, and coated in cinnamon sugar. This dessert is both crispy and creamy, with a touch of indulgence that’s perfect for special occasions or to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Serve it with a drizzle of caramel, chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat, Xango.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 390 kcal per serving
- Price: $10-12 for 6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Medium saucepan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Shallow plate for cinnamon sugar
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Toothpicks (optional)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Ingredients List
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipped topping
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Caramel or chocolate sauce (optional, for serving)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the heavy cream or whipped topping until fully combined.
Fill the Tortillas:
Lay each tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Spread slightly, leaving a border around the edges. Roll the tortilla tightly like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks if needed to hold the shape.
Heat the Oil:
In a medium saucepan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Xango:
Gently place each filled tortilla into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow plate, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. While the Xangos are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Serve:
Serve the Xangos warm with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Tortilla Choice: Use soft and pliable flour tortillas to avoid cracking while rolling.
- Filling Variation: Try adding a spoonful of Nutella or fruit preserves to the cheesecake filling for a fun twist.
- Frying Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan while frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the Xangos in advance, refrigerate them, and fry just before serving.
What About Alternatives?
If you’re looking to make substitutions for the ingredients in this Xango, there are plenty of alternatives that can still deliver a delicious and indulgent treat. Here’s how you can modify the recipe to fit your dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or creative inspirations.
Flour Tortillas
For a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free tortillas made from rice flour or almond flour. If you’re looking to add more flavor, try flavored wraps like cinnamon or vanilla-flavored tortillas that can enhance the dessert’s sweetness. Alternatively, thin crepes can also be used as a delicate substitute for a softer texture.
Cream Cheese
If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone cheese is an excellent substitute, as it has a similar creamy texture and mild sweetness. For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan cream cheese made from cashews, almonds, or soy. Greek yogurt (strained to remove excess water) can also work, adding a tangy twist to the filling.
Granulated Sugar
If you want to reduce the refined sugar in this recipe, you can use coconut sugar or maple sugar, which will give a subtle caramel flavor. For a sugar-free option, substitute with a sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, keeping the sweetness intact without the extra calories.
Vanilla Extract
For an alternative to vanilla extract, almond extract or maple syrup can add a unique flavor profile. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange extract can also elevate the dessert with a subtle twist.
Ground Cinnamon
If you’re out of cinnamon, you can use pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. A touch of cardamom or allspice can also complement the dessert with a slightly exotic note.
Heavy Cream or Whipped Topping
For a lighter option, you can use coconut cream, which adds a tropical richness and works wonderfully for dairy-free diets. Oat-based or almond-based whipped creams are also great substitutes if you’re avoiding dairy. Alternatively, evaporated milk can give a creamy consistency with a slightly lighter feel.
The Bottom Line
The Xango dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, blending creamy, crispy, and sweet elements into a treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
With the flexibility to adjust ingredients to suit various preferences and dietary needs, it becomes an accessible option for all kinds of occasions.
Its simplicity in preparation, coupled with its indulgent nature, makes it a go-to recipe for anyone seeking to create something truly memorable.
