Transform your breakfast or dessert routine with these indulgent Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. This heavenly creation combines the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the comfort of golden-fried bread into one irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality indulgence right in your own kitchen. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a warm, creamy center bursting with strawberry flavor. Unlike traditional cheesecake that requires hours of preparation and chilling, these sandwiches come together in just minutes while capturing all the beloved flavors of the classic dessert.
The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates the perfect balance, while the custard-like coating ensures each bite is rich and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch, treating the family to a weekend breakfast, or creating an elegant dessert, these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that look as impressive as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 slices of brioche or challah bread
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This creates the rich, cheesecake-like base that makes these sandwiches so special.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on 4 slices of bread. Layer the sliced fresh strawberries over the cream cheese, then add a thin layer of strawberry jam for extra sweetness and flavor. Top with the remaining bread slices, pressing gently to secure.
Step 3: Create the Custard Coating In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This custard mixture will give your Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches their golden, crispy exterior and rich flavor.
Step 4: Heat the Pan Heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. The butter should sizzle when it hits the pan but not brown immediately, indicating the perfect temperature for frying.
Step 5: Dip and Fry Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing both sides to absorb the custard coating. Place the coated sandwiches in the heated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Transfer the Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches to serving plates and dust with additional powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right bread for optimal results. Brioche and challah work exceptionally well because their rich, slightly sweet flavor complements the cream cheese filling, and their sturdy texture holds up well during frying without becoming soggy.
Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing. Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily and creates a smoother filling without lumps. If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into small pieces and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Don’t overstuff your sandwiches. While it’s tempting to add extra filling, too much cream cheese or strawberries can cause the sandwiches to fall apart during cooking or create uneven cooking.
Control your heat carefully. Medium heat allows the exterior to develop a beautiful golden crust while ensuring the interior warms through completely. Too high heat will burn the outside before the filling is properly heated.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Difficulty: Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 385
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
Notes
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries when strawberries aren’t in season. Frozen berries should be thawed and drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Greek yogurt can be substituted for half the cream cheese for added protein and tangy flavor.
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are best served immediately after cooking when the exterior is crispy and the filling is warm. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can assemble the sandwiches up to 2 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Dip in the egg mixture and fry just before serving.
What if I don’t have brioche or challah bread? Thick-cut French bread, Texas toast, or even day-old croissants can work as substitutes. Avoid thin sandwich bread as it may become too soggy.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, they won’t achieve the same crispy texture as the fried version.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Press the sandwich edges gently with a fork to seal them before dipping in the egg mixture. Also, avoid overfilling the sandwiches.
Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries? While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use additional jam if fresh berries aren’t available. Reduce the amount slightly to prevent the filling from becoming too sweet.
Storage Instructions
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. However, if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or toast them lightly in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving as this can make the bread soggy and affect the texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked sandwiches for up to 1 month. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before dipping in egg mixture and frying.
Conclusion
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches represent the perfect marriage of comfort food and elegant dessert. With their crispy golden exterior and creamy, strawberry-filled interior, they offer all the indulgence of traditional cheesecake in a fraction of the time.
Whether you’re creating a memorable weekend brunch, impressing guests with a unique dessert, or simply treating yourself to something special, these sandwiches deliver exceptional flavor and satisfaction. The recipe’s simplicity means you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes, while the impressive presentation makes them perfect for special occasions.
Try these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches today and discover why they’re quickly becoming a favorite among food lovers everywhere. Don’t forget to dust them with powdered sugar and serve them warm for the ultimate indulgent experience.