Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. Combining the rich, creamy filling of cheesecake with the sweet, tart flavor of strawberries, all sandwiched between two slices of crispy, golden-brown bread, this recipe is a decadent twist on classic fried treats. Perfect for a special occasion or a fun weekend dessert, these sandwiches are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The creamy cheesecake filling melts in your mouth, while the crispy, buttery fried bread adds a satisfying crunch. The sweetness of the strawberries enhances the richness of the cheesecake, making every bite irresistible. These sandwiches are easy to make and are a fun twist on the classic fried dessert, making them a standout treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 slices of white or challah bread
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1/4 cup butter (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Set aside.
For the Sandwiches:
- In a small bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
- Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling on two slices of bread. Top with a few slices of the sugared strawberries, then place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Lightly dust the edges of the sandwich with flour to prevent the filling from oozing out during frying.
- Heat the butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once melted and hot, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Fry the sandwiches in the hot butter for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter.
To Serve:
- Once the sandwiches have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar and serve with the remaining sliced strawberries on top or on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 (2 sandwiches)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Berry compote: Instead of fresh strawberries, make a berry compote with mixed berries (like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries) for a different fruit flavor.
- Chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or Nutella on top of the sandwiches for a richer, chocolatey twist.
- Use other breads: You can substitute the white bread with brioche or cinnamon raisin bread for added flavor.
- Mini versions: Make smaller sandwiches for bite-sized treats by cutting the bread into smaller squares.
Storage/Reheating
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy exterior can lose its crunch if stored. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, heat them in a skillet over low heat to restore some of the crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
It’s best to assemble and fry the sandwiches fresh for the best texture. However, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and strawberry mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to assemble and fry.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are preferred, but if you only have frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the recipe to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
While cream cheese provides the classic cheesecake flavor, you can experiment with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different taste or texture.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from spilling out during frying?
Dusting the sandwich with a little flour before dipping it in the egg mixture helps seal the filling in. Also, make sure the bread is firmly pressed together.
Can I make this recipe without frying?
Yes, if you want a lighter version, you can toast the sandwiches in a toaster oven or on a grill pan to get a crispy texture without frying.
Can I use whipped cream instead of heavy cream in the filling?
Whipped cream will give a lighter texture but may not be as stable as heavy cream, especially when mixing it with cream cheese. It’s best to use heavy cream for the ideal consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread to make these sandwiches gluten-free.
Can I make a savory version of this recipe?
Yes, for a savory twist, skip the sugar and berries, and fill the sandwiches with a savory cheese (like goat cheese or feta), sautéed spinach, and herbs before frying.
Can I add more sweetness to the filling?
If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake filling, simply add more powdered sugar to taste until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
How can I serve these sandwiches?
These fried sandwiches are perfect as a dessert after dinner or as a fun treat for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or a birthday celebration.
Conclusion
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are a decadent, mouthwatering dessert that combines all the indulgent elements of a cheesecake with the crispy delight of fried bread. With creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for a special occasion or just a fun dessert, this recipe is both easy to make and utterly delicious.
PrintFried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are a decadent dessert with layers of creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries, sandwiched between slices of soft bread, then fried to crispy, golden perfection. The sweet filling combined with the crispy exterior makes for an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
2 tablespoons strawberry jam or fresh mashed strawberries
For the Sandwiches:
-
4 slices thick white or brioche bread
-
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
-
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
-
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
-
Make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
-
Add the strawberries: Stir in the heavy cream and strawberry jam (or mashed fresh strawberries). Mix until the filling is smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
-
Prepare the bread: Lay the slices of bread flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling on one slice of bread, then top with fresh strawberry slices.
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Seal the sandwich: Place another slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Press the edges to seal, and use a little bit of the beaten egg around the edges if needed to help it stick together.
Coat the Sandwiches:
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Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another shallow bowl, place the flour. Dip each sandwich in the flour to coat lightly on both sides.
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Dip in egg: Then dip the sandwich into the beaten egg, making sure both sides are fully coated.
Fry the Sandwiches:
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Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), carefully place the sandwiches in the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan – fry in batches if needed.
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Drain the sandwiches: Once fried, remove the sandwiches from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
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Finish and serve: Sprinkle the fried sandwiches with extra cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish. Serve hot and enjoy with extra fresh strawberries or whipped cream on the side!
Notes
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You can substitute the strawberry jam for other fruit jams (like raspberry or blueberry) to customize the flavor.
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For an extra creamy filling, you can add a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese to the cheesecake filling.
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If you want a lighter version, you can bake the sandwiches at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until crispy.
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