What Are Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons?
If you've only ever had elderberry in a syrup or a gummy, this recipe shows off a whole different side of the berry — crispy, golden, and just a little decadent.
These elderberry cream cheese wontons take the familiar cream-cheese filling and fold in real American Elderberries, turning it a beautiful purple. Fried until crisp, they are party appetizer that your guests will be talking about and asking for at your next party and they are so simple to make.
Best of all, this recipe uses Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberries, giving you real, farm-grown flavor — grown in America never imported.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy, savory, and a little decadent
A fun, unexpected way to use elderberries
Ready in about 40 minutes
Easy to fry or air-fry
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings
Recipe Ingredients
1 package wonton wrappers (~24 used)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
Small bowl of water (for sealing)
Neutral oil for frying (1–2 inches in the pot) We love grass fed beef tallow.
Why Make Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons?
A Showstopper savory: Crispy wontons with a creamy, purple-tinted center always get attention at the table.
Real Elderberry Flavor: The syrup folds right into the filling and drizzles over the top for a double hit of berry.
Fully Customizable: Fry them traditionally or lighten them up in the air fryer.
Pairs Perfectly: Serve with an Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce for dipping.
How to Make Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons
Ingredients
1 package wonton wrappers (~24 used)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp powdered sugar (plus more to dust)
Small bowl of water (for sealing)
Neutral oil for frying (1–2 inches in the pot)
Equipment
Medium mixing bowl
Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
Small bowl of water (to seal wrappers)
Baking sheet or tray (to hold filled wontons)
Deep heavy pot or Dutch oven for frying (or an air fryer)
Oil/candy thermometer
Slotted spoon or spider
Wire rack + paper towels (to drain)
Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation
Bring cream cheese to room temp, fold in 3 Tablespoons Popple Tree Creek Farms Freeze Dried Elderberries. The filling will turn purple.
Place about 1 tsp of filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet two edges with water, fold into a triangle or purse, press out the air, and seal well.
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden, turning once. (Or air-fry 8–10 minutes at 375°F, misted with oil.)
Drain on a wire rack. Drizzle with elderberry syrup and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve warm with Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce for dipping.
Why This Recipe Works
The cream cheese and powdered sugar create a smooth, sweet filling that balances the tartness of the elderberry
Frying at the right temperature gives you a crisp wrapper without greasiness
A drizzle of syrup on top reinforces the elderberry flavor and adds a glossy finish
Using real elderberry syrup gives you genuine berry flavor and that signature purple color
Tips for Perfect Elderberry Wontons
Seal the edges well so the filling doesn't leak during frying
Keep the filling cold until you're ready to fry
Press out the air before sealing to prevent the wontons from bursting
Work in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady
Don't overfill — about 1 tsp per wrapper is plenty
Extra Tips for Elderberry Wontons
Make Ahead: Assemble the wontons and refrigerate on a tray until you're ready to fry
Air-Fryer Friendly: Mist with oil and air-fry for a lighter version
Serve It Up: Pair with Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce for the full filming-and-serving set
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh and warm, the same day they're made
Frying vs. Air-Frying (What's the Difference?)
Deep-fried → the crispiest, most traditional texture, golden all over
Air-fried → lighter, with less oil, still crisp but slightly less bubbly
Why Use Popple Tree Creek Farms Freeze Dried Elderberries?
These wontons start with real American elderberries, grown here in northern Minnesota.
Unlike most elderberry products on the market, ours is:
Never imported
Always made in small batches
That means every wonton is made with real, farm-grown ingredients you can trust.
Are Elderberry Wontons Good for You?
These are a savory treat, made to be enjoyed. They're fried and paired with a sauce of your choice, so think of them as an occasional delight rather than a daily wellness food. The bonus is that the real elderberries brings real fruit flavor and naturally occurring antioxidants to the table.
How to Serve Elderberry Wontons
Warm, fresh from the fryer alone or
With a bowl of Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce for dipping
Dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with elderberry syrup
Alongside coffee or tea for a fun savor or sweet addition
On a party platter for gatherings and holidays
More Ways to Use Elderberries in
If you enjoy these, you can also use elderberry syrup in:
Tea
Sparkling drinks
Hot toddies
Homemade sodas
It's one of the most versatile ingredients to keep on hand. Read our full list of 25+ ways to use elderberry syrup beyond the spoonful.
Explore more elderberry recipes.
FAQs About Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Seal the edges well with water, press out any trapped air, and keep the filling cold until frying. Overfilling is the most common cause of leaks — stick to about 1 tsp per wrapper.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Mist the wontons with oil and air-fry for about 8–10 minutes at 375°F until golden and crisp.
Can I make them ahead of time?
You can assemble the wontons ahead and keep them cold on a tray, then fry just before serving. They're best enjoyed fresh and warm.
What oil should I use for frying?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well — such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
What do I serve them with?
They're delicious on their own, dusted with powdered sugar, but they really shine with a side of Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce for dipping.
How many does this make?
About 20–24 wontons, depending on how much filling you use per wrapper.
Final Thoughts
Elderberry cream cheese wontons are a fun, crispy, slightly indulgent way to enjoy the flavor of real American elderberry. Whether you fry or air-fry them, they make a memorable dessert or party appetizer — especially served warm with a drizzle of syrup and a bowl of sweet & sour sauce.
👉 Ready to try this recipe? Grab a bottle of Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberry syrup and turn it into a treat your whole table will love.
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