Deep Fried Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients
for 14 servings

8 oz cream cheese, 1 package, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar, divided
18 strawberries
2 cups pancake mix
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 oil, for frying

Preparation

1. In a bowl, add the cream cheese, vanilla, and ½ cup (80 g) of powdered sugar, and mix thoroughly.
2. On a cutting board, cut the stem off of the strawberry. Using a ¼ teaspoon, scoop out the center of the strawberry. Fill the center of the strawberry with the cream cheese filling. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, milk, and eggs. Mix thoroughly.
4. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat until the temperature reaches 365˚F (185˚C).
5. Using a fork, coat the stuffed strawberries in the batter. Fry 2 strawberries at a time, about two minutes. Remove the strawberries from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Dust with powdered sugar.
7. Enjoy!