Hello everyone! Today we’re making something absolutely special – fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches that taste like a warm hug from your kitchen. These delightful treats combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet burst of strawberries, all wrapped in golden, crispy bread. Perfect for a weekend breakfast treat or an afternoon dessert that will make everyone smile.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4 generous sandwiches
What You’ll Need
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (or strawberry jam for a quicker version)
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread (soft and squishy works best)
- 1–2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional – for layering)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar and extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Delicious Filling
Step 1: Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start – it should be nice and soft to the touch. In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or a wooden spoon with some elbow grease) to beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Gently fold in your finely chopped fresh strawberries. If you’re using strawberry jam instead for convenience, just swirl it through the cream cheese mixture until you have pretty streaks of red throughout. Set this beautiful filling aside.
Building Your Special Sandwiches
Step 3: Take each slice of bread and gently flatten it with a rolling pin. This makes the bread more flexible and easier to seal – just roll it a few times until it’s about half as thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
Step 4: Spread a generous heaping tablespoon of your strawberry cheesecake filling onto 4 slices of the flattened bread. If you’d like extra strawberry flavor, add a thin layer of strawberry jam first, then the filling.
Step 5: Top each filled slice with the remaining 4 pieces of flattened bread. Gently press the edges together all around – you can even use a fork to crimp the edges like you’re making a hand pie. This helps seal in all that delicious filling.
Getting Ready to Fry
Step 6: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This will be your coating mixture that gives the sandwiches their golden color and lovely flavor.
Step 7: One at a time, carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides completely. Let any excess drip off gently.
The Golden Frying Process
Step 8: Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or deep pan. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
Step 9: Working carefully and slowly, fry the sandwiches 1 or 2 at a time (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them gently.
Step 10: Transfer the golden sandwiches to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
The Sweet Finishing Touch
Step 11: While your sandwiches are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar or sprinkle the sugar generously over both sides. This creates a delightful cinnamon-toast crunch that makes each bite extra special.
Serving Suggestions
These warm, crispy sandwiches are absolutely divine served immediately while they’re still warm. Dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and add a few fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Why This Recipe is Special
These fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches combine all the best elements of your favorite desserts – the creamy richness of cheesecake, the sweet-tart flavor of strawberries, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried bread. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need!
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Make sure your oil isn’t too hot – you want the bread to cook through without burning
- If the filling starts to leak out during frying, your oil might be too hot or you need to seal the edges better
- These are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this special homemade delight – it’s sure to create sweet memories!
