If you’re searching for a luscious dessert that’s both comforting and playful, Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches will make you swoon at first bite. Imagine crispy, golden-fried bread giving way to a creamy, tangy-sweet cheesecake filling studded with juicy strawberries—pure joy in every mouthful! They capture all the best parts of childhood treats and swap the ordinary for something spectacular. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a special afternoon delight, this indulgent creation highlights the magic of melding fresh berries, velvety cream cheese, and a heavenly crisp cinnamon sugar coat in one irresistible package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches lies in their simple yet purposeful ingredient list. Each item brings its special touch, from the richness of the cream cheese to the sparkle of fresh strawberries and the welcoming warmth of cinnamon sugar.
- Brioche or white sandwich bread: Provides a soft, pillowy base that crisps up delightfully when fried—remove the crusts for the best melt-in-your-mouth result.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes for a rich, tangy, spreadable filling that carries the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and gives the filling a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla lends depth and warmth to your cheesecake filling.
- Fresh strawberries: Dice them up small—they deliver natural juiciness and bursts of tart fruit flavor in every bite.
- Large eggs: Whisked eggs help form that classic, slightly custardy coating once the bread is dipped and fried.
- Milk: Loosens the egg mixture so your sandwiches fry up soft inside and crisp on the outside.
- Ground cinnamon: The secret to that aromatic sparkle in your cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Granulated sugar: For tossing the hot sandwiches, this creates a delightful crunch and sweetness on the crust.
- Butter or oil (for frying): A generous slick in your skillet ensures the outside goes perfectly golden and crisp.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Step 1: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
Start by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl, stirring until your filling looks creamy and smooth as silk. Now, gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries—they’ll dot the filling with ruby-red pops of flavor. Take care not to overmix, so your berries stay plump and beautiful.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Lay out the bread slices and trim off the crusts for that extra-soft finish. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice just a bit—this step makes the bread more pliable and better ready to cradle the luscious filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of your strawberry cheesecake mixture onto half of the bread slices, spreading it just shy of the edges. Top with the remaining bread slices, then press the edges to seal the sandwiches. If you want a really tight seal, a quick press with the tines of a fork will do the trick.
Step 4: Coat in Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to create a custardy dip. Carefully submerge each sandwich in this mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated. This will help the outsides fry up crispy and golden, while locking in that creamy filling.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous pat of butter or a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat (don’t let it smoke!). Once hot, add the sandwiches and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until each is crisp and deeply golden. Work in batches if needed—don’t crowd the pan!
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
While still hot and fresh from the skillet, immediately roll each sandwich in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This gives Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches their signature crunch and aromatic sweetness, making each bite pure bliss.
How to Serve Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Garnishes
For extra flair and flavor, finish your Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra diced strawberries, or even a few fresh mint leaves. A generous dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce sends them over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwiches with scoops of vanilla ice cream for a full-on dessert extravaganza, or keep things light with a fresh fruit salad. For brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon or a tangy yogurt parfait to create delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters for easy-to-grab finger food—perfect for parties or sharing platters. Layer them on a cake stand for a beautiful vintage touch, or stack high on a simple plate with colorful napkins for a fun, casual vibe. Either way, Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are as photogenic as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, simply store your cooled Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Try to keep the cinnamon sugar coating dry by letting them cool before storing.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and slide them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge before reheating. Wait to roll them in cinnamon sugar until after you reheat for maximum crunch.
Reheating
Pop the sandwiches in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and revived. A quick pass in the skillet over medium heat works too. Be sure to re-coat with cinnamon sugar after reheating for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain them well, then pat dry before folding into your cheesecake filling to prevent excess moisture from making the sandwiches soggy.
What type Dessert
Soft brioche or white sandwich bread is ideal because it soaks up the egg mixture evenly and fries up crisp, but you can use any tender, not-too-dense loaf—just make sure to flatten it a bit for easy sealing and even frying.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The results are still wonderfully rich and delicious.
Is there a way to make this lower in sugar?
Try using a low-calorie sweetener in place of powdered and granulated sugars, and be sure to taste as you go—the natural tartness of fresh strawberries can help balance flavors if you want to use a lighter hand with sweeteners.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out when frying?
Seal the edges firmly—using a fork crimp, if desired—and avoid overfilling. Flattening the bread before assembling, and refrigerating the sandwiches for 15 minutes before frying, can help keep that luscious filling tucked inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about a plate of warm Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches—nostalgic, playful, and totally irresistible. If you’re ready to dazzle friends, family, or just treat yourself, give this recipe a try and experience just how magical strawberries and cheesecake can become together in crisp, golden layers.
PrintFried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake with these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. Creamy cheesecake filling studded with fresh strawberries is sandwiched between slices of brioche, fried to golden perfection, and coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Sandwiches:
- 8 slices brioche or white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in diced strawberries.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Flatten bread slices slightly with a rolling pin. Spoon cheesecake filling onto half of the bread slices, then top with remaining slices to form sandwiches. Press edges to seal.
- Fry Sandwiches: Whisk together eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, then fry until golden brown. Coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Remove from pan and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, use slightly stale bread or refrigerate sandwiches for 15 minutes before frying.
- Experiment with different berries or add jam for additional flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg