If you love the charm of classic cheesecake and crave something a bit playful, Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are about to become your new obsession! This delicious dessert takes creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry jam, tucks them inside fluffy brioche, and gives them a crave-worthy golden crunch with a quick fry. The best part? You get that comforting combo of gooey, tangy cheesecake and jam, all wrapped up in a portable, hand-held treat. It’s one of those desserts that’s easy to make but impressive enough to wow any guest at your table — or just to delight yourself with a late-night treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches so irresistible is how each simple ingredient works together — creamy, sweet, rich, and delightfully crunchy. Each component is there for a reason, so let’s break down the flavors and textures they bring to the party:
- Brioche or sandwich bread: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for encasing the filling and holding up to frying without getting soggy.
- Cream cheese (softened): The luscious heart of the cheesecake filling, made extra creamy by softening first.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a smooth, gentle sweetness to the cream cheese without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the tang of the cheese and the sweetness of the berries with a warm, cozy note.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Bursting with berry flavor and a bit of tartness; feel free to use your favorite jam or experiment with fresh fruit.
- Large egg: Binds the bread’s coating and helps achieve that beautifully crisp finish.
- Milk: Lightens up the egg wash for even coverage and perfect browning.
- All-purpose flour: An essential base for your crispy coating, ensuring your sandwiches fry up golden.
- Crushed graham crackers (optional): Tossing these into the coating adds a whimsical nod to classic cheesecake crust.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make this ideal for achieving crunchy results without overpowering other flavors.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A shower of sweetness that gives these sandwiches an irresistible bakery-worthy finish.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by stirring together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until totally smooth. You want a filling that’s velvety, not lumpy, so take your time with this step. The cream cheese mixture should taste like a dreamy cheesecake batter — it’s good enough to eat by the spoonful!
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a good, even layer of cheesecake filling onto four slices, making sure to reach the edges for full coverage. Spoon strawberry jam (or preserves) on top of the cheesecake layer, then cap them with your remaining bread slices. Give each sandwich a gentle press on the edges to help them seal and trap all that wonderful filling inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a whisked egg and milk mixture, and one with crushed graham crackers if you want an extra bit of crunch and nostalgia. This triple coating gives the Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches their signature crisp, golden crust, reminiscent of carnival treats!
Step 4: Coat the Sandwiches
Working gently, dredge each sandwich in the flour, tapping off the excess. Next, dip it in the egg-milk mixture, ensuring every side gets a little love, and then finally press each sandwich into the graham cracker crumbs for a beautifully textured crust. This step locks in the creamy center and adds that irresistible crunch everyone loves.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil’s hot (test with a little flour — it should sizzle instantly), carefully lay in your sandwiches. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until gorgeously golden and crispy all over. Don’t crowd the pan! Let them rest on paper towels for a few seconds to remove any extra oil.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Right before serving, give your Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It elevates their bakery appeal and provides that final hit of sweetness. Serve warm so the filling is soft and melty — utter bliss!
How to Serve Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also drizzle a little extra strawberry jam or even melted chocolate for dramatic flair. Fresh sliced strawberries or a few mint leaves add color and a burst of freshness that balances the fried richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
For a truly indulgent dessert plate, pair your Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. You could also serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a tart berry compote for a pop of contrast. If you want something lighter, a fruit salad makes a lovely, refreshing side.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwiches into triangles or sticks and serve them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, extra jam, or even lemon curd. For a brunch treat, stack them high and scatter with colorful edible flowers. Or, go nostalgic and serve them in a paper-lined basket for a fun, carnival-inspired vibe — the presentation makes this dessert even more memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you don’t devour every bite right away, store any leftover Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. Be sure to cool them completely before packing away to prevent sogginess. They’ll keep for up to two days, but honestly, fresh is always best for that perfect crunch.
Freezing
Fried sandwiches can be frozen, though textures will soften a bit. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Wrap each sandwich individually for best results. They’ll stay tasty for about a month, and you can pop them out whenever you want an instant dessert fix.
Reheating
For crispy results, reheat Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches in a toaster oven or conventional oven until the filling is gooey again and the outside crisps up — about 5 minutes at 350°F does the trick. The microwave works in a pinch, but will leave them softer. If you love that just-fried crunch, the oven is your friend.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche makes the sandwiches especially rich and tender, any soft white bread or challah will work just fine. Just avoid anything too thin or crusty, which might not hold up during frying.
What’s the best way to seal the sandwiches?
Pressing the edges together firmly helps, but you can also use the back of a fork to gently crimp the sides. If you want extra insurance, you can lightly dampen the edges with water before sealing.
Can I make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread, gluten-free flour, and crush up gluten-free graham crackers. The result will still be decadent and satisfying.
How can I add more strawberry flavor?
Try adding chopped fresh strawberries inside with the jam, or drizzle with a homemade strawberry sauce on top. A pinch of lemon zest in the cheese mixture also boosts the fruitiness nicely.
Is there a good substitute if I don’t have graham crackers?
No graham crackers? You can use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even skip this coating for a simpler fried sandwich that’s still delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fun, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make you smile, make a batch of Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. The crispy outside, warm and creamy inside, and burst of strawberry flavor make every bite a treat. Give them a try and get ready for some seriously happy faces around your table!
PrintFried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. Creamy cheesecake filling with a fruity twist, sandwiched between slices of bread, fried to golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices brioche or sandwich bread
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Batter and Coating:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
Others:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cheesecake Filling: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread on 4 slices of bread.
- Strawberry Filling: Top with strawberry jam and remaining bread slices to form sandwiches. Press edges to seal.
- Batter and Coating: Dip sandwiches in flour, egg mixture, then graham cracker crumbs.
- Frying: Fry sandwiches in hot oil until golden brown and crisp.
- Serving: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh chopped strawberries for a fruitier flavor.
- Best served immediately or reheat in the oven for a crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg