Picture this: golden, cinnamon-sugar-coated tortillas oozing with sweet cream cheese and banana filling, drizzled with caramel and chocolate. That’s the magic of Xango dessert, a fried masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re craving a quick sweet fix or need a showstopper for girls’ night, this 20-minute recipe is your new best friend.
My grandma would’ve loved this recipe. She believed desserts should be equal parts decadent and easy (no fussy soufflés here!). And trust me, after one bite, you’ll see why this became my go-to for potlucks, even my picky niece begs for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Xango Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fast, foolproof, and downright addictive, this Xango dessert checks all the boxes:
✅ Ready in 20 minutes – No waiting around for dough to rise or cakes to bake.
✅ Uses simple ingredients – Flour tortillas, cream cheese, and a banana? Check, check, check.
✅ Customizable – Swap fillings, bake instead of fry, or make it ahead for parties.
✅ Kid-approved – Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist that crispy, gooey goodness.
Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up those leftover tortillas sitting in your fridge!
The Secret Behind the Perfect Xango Dessert
What makes this dessert so special? It’s all about the contrast:
Crispy outside: Thanks to a quick fry (or air fry!) and a generous roll in cinnamon sugar.
Creamy, dreamy inside: The cream cheese-banana filling is smooth, lightly sweet, and just rich enough.
Drizzle-worthy finish: A zigzag of caramel and chocolate syrup takes it from “yum” to “oh my goodness.”
Fun fact: The Xango dessert (sometimes called “Mexican cheesecake chimichangas”) has roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, where fried desserts reign supreme. But unlike traditional churros or sopapillas, this one has a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 4 large flour tortillas – Burrito-sized works best for easy rolling.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Full-fat for maximum creaminess, but low-fat works in a pinch.
- ¼ cup sugar – Just enough sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – The secret to depth of flavor!
- 1 ripe banana, mashed – Or try strawberry jam, Nutella, or apple pie filling for a twist.
The Coating & Extras
- ½ cup cinnamon sugar – For that irresistible crispy-sweet shell.
- Oil for frying – Vegetable or canola oil works best.
- Caramel & chocolate syrup – Because more drizzle = more happiness.
Pro Tip: If you’re out of bananas, try dulce de leche or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Filling
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the mashed banana and cinnamon, then gently stir in the whipped cream. The result? A fluffy, lightly sweet filling that’s almost too good to resist eating straight from the bowl.
(Want a shortcut? Use pre-sweetened cream cheese spread!)
2. Roll ‘Em Up
Spread about ¼ cup of filling onto the lower half of each tortilla. Fold in the sides (like a burrito!) and roll tightly. Brush the edges with beaten egg to seal—this keeps the filling from oozing out during frying.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your tortillas crack, warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave first.
3. Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep pan over medium heat (around 350°F). Fry each roll for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
Safety First! Use tongs to avoid oil splatters, and don’t overcrowd the pan—they need space to crisp evenly.
4. Sugar Coat & Drizzle
As soon as the Xangos come out of the oil, roll them in cinnamon sugar while still warm. Then, zigzag with caramel and chocolate syrup for that bakery-worthy finish.
Baking & Air Fryer Options
Not in the mood for frying? No problem!
Oven-Baked Xangos
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush rolls with melted butter (this helps them crisp up!).
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Air Fryer Xangos
- Spritz rolls with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Note: They won’t get quite as crispy as deep-fried, but they’re still delicious!
Serving Suggestions
This Xango dessert is fantastic on its own, but why stop there?
À la mode – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Coffee pairing – The cinnamon sugar + creamy filling is perfection with a latte.
Fruit boost – Add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Bonus Idea: Turn these into mini Xangos using small tortillas for bite-sized party treats!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Prep ahead – Assemble rolls (without frying) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Fry just before serving.
✔ Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer (microwaving makes them soggy).
✔ Freezing – Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
FAQs
1: Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Flour tortillas work best—corn tortillas tend to crack when rolled.
2: What’s a good substitute for banana?
Try Nutella, pumpkin puree, or even cookie butter for a fun twist!
3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use GF flour tortillas and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
4: Why did my filling leak out?
Make sure to seal the edges well with egg wash, and don’t overfill!
Final Thoughts: Why This Xango Dessert Is a Keeper
There you have it—the Xango dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and “why haven’t I made this sooner?!” Simple enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a carnival.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the complicated recipes and whip up these crispy, creamy delights instead. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
P.S. Need more quick dessert ideas? Try my Cheesecake Dump Cake or Chocolate Lava Cakes next!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes – Ready in 15 minutes!
- Cheesecake Dump Cake – The ultimate no-fuss dessert.
- Banana Bread Cookies – Soft, chewy, and full of flavor