Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the best parts of a strawberry cheesecake and elevates them into a warm, crispy sandwich. The creamy cream cheese filling is balanced by the sweetness of fresh strawberries and strawberry jam, all encased in soft, golden-brown bread. The light, crispy batter adds the perfect crunch, making each bite an irresistible treat. Whether you're serving it as a dessert or a fun snack, these fried sandwiches are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of brioche or thick white bread
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Drizzle:
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (optional for extra decadence)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one side of four slices of bread. Top with sliced strawberries and a small spoonful of strawberry jam. Place the other slices of bread on top to form sandwiches. Press gently to seal.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, egg, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat and Fry: Dip each sandwich into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently place into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the sandwiches with sweetened condensed milk for added sweetness. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve warm with fresh strawberries on the side.
Enjoy these crispy and creamy treats that combine the best of cheesecake and fried desserts!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the sweetened condensed milk drizzle for melted chocolate for a different twist.
- Banana Filling: Try replacing the strawberries with banana slices for a banana cream pie-inspired sandwich.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds, into the cream cheese filling for an added crunch.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, though brioche or thick white bread work best due to their softness and ability to hold the filling.
Is it necessary to use strawberry jam?
No, but it adds an extra layer of sweetness and strawberry flavor. You could also substitute it with raspberry jam or another fruit preserve.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the sandwiches fresh, but you can assemble them and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
How do I prevent the batter from being too thick?
If your batter is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the bread but not too runny.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen strawberries can be used. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before using them.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough to fry?
A good way to test the oil is by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for the creamy texture, but you can blend it with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor.
What other drizzles can I use?
In addition to sweetened condensed milk, you could use honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce as a drizzle.
Can I bake these sandwiches instead of frying them?
While frying gives them the crispy texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
To make it even more kid-friendly, try using less jam or omitting it completely. You can also use smaller bread slices for a fun, bite-sized version.
Conclusion
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of a fried dessert. With layers of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a crispy golden exterior, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you're indulging in a sweet treat or impressing guests with a unique dessert, these fried sandwiches are a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures, and don't forget to drizzle them with some sweetened condensed milk for that extra touch of decadence!
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches offer a delicious twist on the classic dessert, combining creamy cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a crispy fried exterior. This indulgent treat is drizzled with sweetened condensed milk for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for dessert lovers or as a unique snack, these fried sandwiches bring the best of cheesecake and deep-fried delicacies together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of brioche or thick white bread
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Drizzle (optional):
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the cream cheese mixture generously on one side of four slices of bread. Top with sliced strawberries and a spoonful of strawberry jam. Place the other slices of bread on top and press gently to seal.
-
Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, egg, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt until smooth.
-
Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
-
Coat and Fry: Dip each sandwich into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Fry each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the fried sandwiches with sweetened condensed milk, if desired. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve with fresh strawberries on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry jam with any fruit preserve, like raspberry or blueberry.
- If you prefer a spiced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- For a chocolate twist, use melted chocolate for the drizzle instead of sweetened condensed milk.