Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Imagine biting into golden, crispy goodness filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese and fresh strawberries — that is exactly what Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches bring to your plate. This delightful dessert sandwich combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright sweetness of strawberries, all wrapped in a perfectly fried, crunchy crust. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for brunch, a special treat at a party, or a show-stopping dessert, these sandwiches are guaranteed to impress and satisfy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is easy and fun, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and color for these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. From the soft, tangy cream cheese to the fresh pop of strawberries and the crunchy fried bread, these ingredients come together beautifully to deliver a unique and irresistible treat.
- Bread (4 slices, thick like brioche or Texas toast): Thick bread holds up well during frying and provides a soft, buttery base.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Smooth and tangy, it creates the rich cheesecake filling.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the filling and adds a delicate finish on top.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and diced): Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the strawberry flavor and balances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps the coating stick and crisps up the exterior.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Binds the breading layers for a perfect crust.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides that golden, crunchy outer shell when fried.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed to achieve that crisp, golden finish with about 1 inch depth in your pan.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by blending your softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat them until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy, which is the key to that luscious cheesecake flavor inside your sandwiches.
Step 2: Add the Strawberries
Toss your diced strawberries in lemon juice to bring out their brightness and a hint of acidity. Fold them gently into the cream cheese mixture, creating a fresh, fruity filling bursting with flavor and just the right texture.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Take one slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the strawberry cheesecake filling on it. Top with another slice of bread to make a sandwich. Repeat this for the remaining bread and filling to create four sandwiches in total, ensuring each one is packed with that creamy fruit mixture.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. This classic breading setup ensures each sandwich will be coated evenly and fried to perfection with a crunchy outer layer.
Step 5: Bread the Sandwiches
Dip each sandwich first into the flour, making sure both sides are coated. Next, dip into the eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally press them into the breadcrumbs to create a solid crust. This multi-step breading locks in the filling and creates that irresistible crunch.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Fry one or two sandwiches at a time so they cook evenly without crowding. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the sandwiches from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Cut each sandwich in half and, if desired, sprinkle with extra powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Serve Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar elevates the presentation and adds a touch of sweetness, but you can also consider fresh strawberry slices, a drizzle of honey, or a sprig of mint to add freshness and color to your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwiches with light sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the halves in a pyramid for an eye-catching dessert display or serve them on a wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and edible flowers for a charming brunch centerpiece. These sandwiches also work wonderfully as bite-sized finger food when cut into smaller squares for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration helps maintain the filling’s creaminess.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to one month, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and the crust lose its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches?
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast works best due to their thickness and softness, you can use any sturdy bread you like. Just avoid thin or very dense bread as it may not hold up well during frying.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a healthier, less oily version.
Can I substitute the strawberries?
Feel free to experiment with other fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches. Just ensure the fruit is fresh and not too wet to prevent soggy sandwiches.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?
You can substitute with granulated sugar or honey, but powdered sugar gives a smoother texture that blends nicely with the cream cheese for that classic cheesecake feel.
Can these be made vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe relies on cream cheese and eggs, you could try vegan cream cheese and egg substitutes like flax or chia eggs. The texture and flavor might differ slightly but can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are one of those magical dishes that feel indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make, combining crispy, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite. If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to a sweet, comforting snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to revisit again and again.
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Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these crispy, golden Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches featuring a creamy strawberry-cream cheese filling sandwiched between thick slices of bread, breaded and fried to perfection. This decadent dessert combines the rich flavor of cheesecake with fresh, juicy strawberries for a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special snack.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sandwich and Breading
- 4 slices thick bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (approximately 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add strawberries: In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with lemon juice, then fold them gently into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the strawberry cheesecake filling on one slice of bread, then top with a second slice to form a sandwich. Repeat for all slices to make 4 sandwiches.
- Set up breading stations: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Bread the sandwiches: Dip each sandwich in flour, coating both sides, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat oil: In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the sandwiches: Carefully place one or two sandwiches in the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried sandwiches with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Cut sandwiches in half and serve warm. Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use thick bread like brioche or Texas toast to hold the filling and maintain structure during frying.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to keep the oil temperature steady and achieve an even golden crust.
- For a lower fat version, you can bake the breaded sandwiches instead of frying, but frying yields the best crisp exterior.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; the sandwich is best enjoyed warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches, fried dessert sandwich, strawberry cream cheese sandwich, fried cheesecake, easy dessert recipe
