Indulge in a sweet, crispy, and creamy treat with Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches! This dessert combines the richness of cheesecake with the delightful crunch of a golden, crispy fried crust. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, these sandwiches feature a rich strawberry cheesecake filling sandwiched between two slices of soft bread, then coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection. It’s like eating a cheesecake but with a fun, portable twist! Whether you’re hosting a party, serving a dessert after dinner, or just treating yourself, these fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches, you will need:
- 8 slices of white bread (or any bread of your choice, thick sliced works best)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves or fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries or strawberry sauce for topping (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the strawberry preserves or finely chopped fresh strawberries, and set the mixture aside.
Step 2: Take the slices of bread and trim off the crusts if you prefer, or leave them on for added texture. Spread a generous layer of the strawberry cheesecake mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges, but leave a small border around the filling to prevent it from oozing out when frying. Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the filled slices to form sandwiches.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until combined. Dip each sandwich into the flour mixture, making sure it’s lightly coated on both sides. Afterward, dip the sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the coated sandwiches in the oil, frying them in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this could lower the temperature of the oil and affect the crispiness of the sandwiches.
Step 5: Once the sandwiches are fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute before dusting with powdered sugar.
Step 6: Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally to reveal the creamy, strawberry-filled center. Serve immediately, optionally topping with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra sweetness.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the fried sandwiches or sprinkle chocolate chips inside the filling before frying.
- Mixed Berry Filling: Add a mix of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the cream cheese filling for a colorful and fruity variation.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the cream cheese filling or sprinkle them on top before serving for an added crunch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For a sweeter finish, combine cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle the fried sandwiches with this mix after frying.
COOKING NOTE:
The key to making crispy, golden fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches is ensuring the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the sandwiches may absorb too much oil and become soggy. Always test the oil temperature by frying a small piece of bread first. It should bubble and cook the bread quickly. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to keep the temperature steady.
Serving Suggestions:
Fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches are decadent enough to be served on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of side dishes for a more complete dessert experience. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. A drizzle of chocolate or strawberry syrup makes for an even more delightful treat. For a more refreshing twist, pair the sandwiches with fresh fruit or a fruit salad.
Tips:
- Bread Choice: If you prefer a sturdier sandwich, opt for thicker slices of bread, like brioche or Texas toast. These will hold up better when fried.
- Fillings: Experiment with different fruit fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or peach preserves to change the flavor of your sandwiches.
- Fried Sandwiches Storage: Fried sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven or skillet to regain the crispy texture.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
15-20 minutes
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 230mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Fiber: 2g
FAQs:
- Can I use a different fruit filling instead of strawberries? Yes, you can use any fruit preserve or fresh fruit that you prefer, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even mango for a tropical twist.
- Can I make these sandwiches without frying them? While frying adds a crispy texture, you can try baking the sandwiches at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown for a lighter version.
- Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the sandwiches.
- Can I freeze fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches? It’s best to serve these sandwiches fresh for the best texture. However, if you do freeze them, place the sandwiches in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven to regain some of the crispiness.
Conclusion:
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are the ultimate indulgence, offering the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake filling and crispy fried bread. Whether you’re craving a unique dessert or a special treat for your next gathering, these sandwiches will impress. Their sweet and savory flavors, combined with the delightful crunch, create a dessert that’s hard to resist. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite toppings for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are sure to become a new favorite!