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
Scale
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.
