If you have a sweet tooth and love creamy, fruity desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe. Imagine the creamy richness of cheesecake filling paired with the fresh burst of sugary strawberries, all enveloped in golden, crispy bread with a hint of cinnamon sweetness. This is an irresistible treat that merges the comfort of a sandwich with the decadence of a fried dessert, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and fruity flavors that make this recipe so special.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of your cheesecake filling providing that luscious, creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds smooth sweetness to the filling without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese mixture with warm, aromatic notes.
- Heavy cream or milk (1 tbsp): Ensures your filling is silky and easy to spread.
- Cinnamon (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a gentle spicy warmth inside and more in the coating for extra depth.
- White or brioche bread (8 slices): Soft yet sturdy bread that crisps beautifully when fried, crusts removed if you prefer.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): Brings bright, juicy sweetness and a fresh punch of fruitiness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the strawberry mix for a luscious filling.
- Butter (1 tbsp, softened): Creates a golden, crispy exterior when spread on the sandwich before frying.
- Vegetable oil (2 cups for frying): The medium that crisps the sandwiches to a perfect golden finish.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup) and cinnamon (1/2 tsp, optional): Combined for a delightful powdered coating that finishes off the sandwiches with a sweet kick.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a mixing bowl. Whip them together with a hand mixer or whisk until you get a smooth, creamy filling with no lumps. If you’re a fan of warm spices, this is the moment to stir in a pinch of cinnamon for an extra cozy touch.
Step 2: Sweeten the Strawberries
In a separate small bowl, mix the diced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the strawberries soften slightly and release their natural juices, making them wonderfully sweet and juicy – perfect for spooning over your creamy cheesecake layer.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out half of your bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling over each slice, then spoon the sugared strawberries on top. Carefully cover with the remaining bread slices to form four sandwiches. If you removed the crusts, this is where they stay nice and neat.
Step 4: Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter evenly over the outside surfaces of each sandwich. This step is essential as the butter helps the bread fry up to a gorgeous golden crisp with a rich buttery flavor that complements the sweet filling perfectly.
Step 5: Fry the Sandwiches
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go. Carefully place the sandwiches into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to gently press them down as they cook for even browning. When they are nicely golden and crisp, remove them and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the sandwiches are still warm, prepare a cinnamon sugar mix by stirring granulated sugar with a bit of cinnamon. Immediately roll or sprinkle the fried sandwiches with this mixture for that beautiful sparkly finish with a hint of spice that ties everything together.
How to Serve Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, add a few fresh strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped cream on the side or atop each sandwich. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds an extra touch of elegance that makes these treats irresistible.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches make a standalone show-stopper dessert or brunch item, but pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements their richness beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes like small triangles or bite-sized squares for a party platter. Skewer them with decorative toothpicks layered with berries to turn this into a fancy finger food that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture will soften somewhat, but you can bring back some crispiness with a quick reheat.
Freezing
These sandwiches don’t freeze well once fried because they lose their crunch. However, you can freeze them un-fried by wrapping tightly and freezing for up to a month. Thaw before frying for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave and use a toaster oven or skillet to warm them gently, which will help restore some of the crispy exterior without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
While white or brioche bread works best due to their soft but sturdy texture, you can experiment with other bread types. Just make sure they are not too dense so the sandwich fries evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk or cream substitute. Butter can be replaced with vegan margarine. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
How important is it to fry at the right temperature?
Maintaining the oil around 350°F is key to getting a golden, crispy sandwich without it soaking up excess oil. If your oil is too cool, the bread will become greasy; too hot, and the bread can burn before the filling warms through.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best to fry right before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
What can I serve with these sandwiches for breakfast?
Pair with fresh fruit, a light yogurt parfait, or even some crispy bacon for a balanced and indulgent breakfast that will impress anyone at your table.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely uplifting about biting into a Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe—each mouthful bursts with creamy, fruity goodness wrapped in a golden crisp. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe the next time you want an extraordinary dessert or brunch twist that feels like a little celebration. You’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!
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Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are a delightful dessert featuring creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberries sandwiched between buttery bread, then fried to golden perfection and coated with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a decadent treat enjoyed warm and crispy.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Sandwiches
- 8 slices of white or brioche bread (crusts removed, if desired)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for spreading on bread)
For Frying and Coating
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or oil for frying)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. If desired, add cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Set Aside Filling: Place the cheesecake filling aside temporarily while preparing the other components.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries with granulated sugar. Stir well and set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juice, enhancing flavor and juiciness.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of bread and spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling onto each slice. Then, add a spoonful of the sugared strawberries on top. Cover each with one of the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Butter the Sandwiches: Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich, spreading the butter evenly on both sides to ensure a crispy and golden exterior when fried.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the readiness by dropping in a small piece of bread, which should sizzle immediately if the oil is hot enough.
- Fry the Sandwiches: Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Coating: While frying, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Sandwiches: Once fried, remove the sandwiches from the oil using a slotted spatula or spoon and immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Serve: Slice the fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches in half or quarters and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra fresh strawberries or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- You can use heavy cream or milk depending on what you have available for the cheesecake filling.
- Cinnamon is optional for both the filling and the coating but adds a lovely warm spice to the flavor profile.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained around 350°F for the crispiest results and to avoid greasy sandwiches.
- Remove crusts from bread for a more delicate and uniform sandwich texture.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture; frozen strawberries will add excess moisture.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best taste and texture, as sandwiches tend to lose crispiness when cooled.
