If decadence had a mascot, Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches would be it! Imagine velvety cream cheese, bright, juicy strawberries, and a kiss of sweet preserves, all tucked inside golden fried brioche. Every bite is a little celebration—delightfully crisp on the outside, creamy and fruity in the middle. Dessert for breakfast? Brunch for dessert? With these, there are no rules!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better Than Any Brunch: These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are like your favorite French toast, but upgraded with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh berries.
- Incredibly Easy & Fast: No complicated steps—just stir, layer, dip, and fry for a wow-worthy treat in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect Blend Of Creamy & Crunchy: The combo of crispy bread, silky filling, and juicy strawberries makes every bite wonderfully balanced.
- Versatile For Any Occasion: Serve these for a dazzling brunch or a showstopping dessert—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches, and each one does real magic—whether it’s giving that signature tang, sweet juiciness, or golden crunch. These basics combine in the most extraordinary way!
- Brioche or Challah Bread: These make the sandwich extra rich and fluffy, but also sturdy enough to hold all that luscious filling. If your bread is a little stale, even better for soaking up the egg mixture!
- Butter: For frying to golden, crisp perfection—no skimping! Adds deep flavor and that bakery-style finish.
- Cream Cheese: It’s the creamy heart of the sandwich, so let it soften for a super smooth result.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a snowy touch on top. Just a little goes a long way!
- Fresh Strawberries: The star—choose ripe, sweet berries for juicy bites in every sandwich.
- Strawberry Preserves: Rich, jammy preserves boost the flavor, making the filling taste like classic cheesecake meets berry pie.
- Eggs & Whole Milk: This duo transforms the sandwich into something magical—like ultra-thick French toast with a creamy twist.
Variations
One of the best parts about Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches? You can make them your own in so many delicious ways. Personalize the fillings, swap the fruit, or tweak for dietary needs—it’s easy to riff on this classic and suit everyone’s taste.
- Berry Bonanza: Try raspberries, blueberries, or a berry mix instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a drizzle of chocolate-hazelnut spread on the cream cheese layer for extra indulgence (think chocolate-strawberry cheesecake!).
- Whole Wheat Upgrade: Use thick-sliced whole wheat bread for nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber—great for an “almost healthy” take.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan cream cheese, plant-based milk, and an egg replacer for a completely dairy- and egg-free version.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Start by mixing your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until ultra-smooth and creamy. No need for fancy equipment—a fork and a little elbow grease is all you need. Smoothing out every lump is worth it; this gives you that lush, cheesecake-like texture in every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out four slices of brioche or challah. Spread a thick, even layer of the sweetened cream cheese on each one, taking care not to go completely to the edge. Layer on the sliced strawberries, then spoon a generous tablespoon of strawberry preserves on top. Cap each stack with another slice of bread and press lightly to seal—it should feel plush, not squished.
Step 3: Dip in Egg Mixture
Beat the eggs and milk together in a shallow dish until combined and silky. Now, gently dip each sandwich into the mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds per side. Make sure all the bread gets a cozy blanket of batter, including the edges—this is what gives you that dreamy, golden crust.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium and melt a swirl of butter until it’s bubbling but not browning. Fry your sandwiches (two at a time if your pan is roomy) for 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for deeply golden, irresistible crusts—don’t rush it! Repeat, adding more butter for the next batch, so every sandwich is as delicious as the first.
Step 5: Dress Them Up & Serve
Transfer the sandwiches to a plate lined with paper towels for a quick blot. While they’re still warm, finish with a delicate shower of powdered sugar. That’s it—the magic of Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches, ready for the spotlight!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
- Bread Matters: Use thick-cut brioche or challah—thinner slices can fall apart when dipped, and you want that strong, pillowy base.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese is Key: Take the cream cheese out ahead of time so it’s super easy to blend smooth.
- Don’t Overfill: Spread the filling generously but leave the very edges bare—this keeps your sandwich sealed and prevents gooey leaks in the pan.
- Goldilocks Heat: Fry over medium (not high) heat for a perfectly crisp crust without burning the outside before the filling warms through.
How to Serve Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Garnishes
The simplest touch—a snow flurry of powdered sugar—takes Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches from pretty to absolutely irresistible. For an extra wow, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a handful of extra strawberry slices. Even a few mint leaves add that fresh, brunchy vibe!
Side Dishes
Keep things fresh by pairing these sandwiches with a bright fruit salad, some tangy Greek yogurt, or crisp bacon for a salty-sweet contrast. For a true dessert moment, they are wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a little chocolate sauce drizzled over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwiches into triangles and stack on a pretty platter for brunch gatherings—dust with powdered sugar right before serving. For dessert, serve each sandwich whole with a side of ice cream, or cut into fingers with toothpicks for a playful, shareable treat. You can even arrange them in a “French toast board” with berries, syrups, and spreads for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare—these go fast!), let the sandwiches cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 2 days; just know the bread will lose a little crispness over time but remain deliciously gooey inside.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze them! Once cooled, wrap each Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat sandwiches in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. The microwave will warm them up, but you’ll sacrifice some crunch, so use the oven if you can!
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of bread for Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah adds rich flavor and texture, sturdy country white or even thick Texas toast work beautifully. Just make sure the bread isn’t too soft or thin so it holds up during dipping and frying.
-
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during frying?
The key is not spreading the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges, and pressing the sandwiches gently closed. A little leakage is normal (and delicious!), but careful assembly keeps most of the goodness inside.
-
Can I make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches in advance?
If you’d like to prep ahead, assemble the sandwiches (without dipping in egg), cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, dip in the egg mixture and fry fresh for maximum crispiness and creamy centers.
-
Are these sandwiches best served hot or cold?
They’re out-of-this-world when served warm—the filling is creamy and luscious, and the outside is crisp! If you do eat them cold, they’ll taste more like a cheesecake-stuffed French toast, which definitely isn’t a bad thing.
Final Thoughts
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are pure happiness—comforting, playful, and a little over-the-top in the best way. If you’ve never tried your favorite dessert flavors tucked into a golden, toasty sandwich, this is your sign to go for it. I can’t wait for you to taste just how magical (and easy!) they are. Enjoy every luscious, joy-filled bite!
PrintFried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings (4 stuffed sandwiches)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves, sandwiched between brioche slices, fried to golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
For the sandwich base
- 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, for the pan
For the filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
For the coating
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Prepare the sandwiches: Spread cream cheese mixture on bread slices. Top with strawberries and strawberry preserves. Sandwich with remaining bread slices.
- Dip in egg mixture: Dip sandwiches in a mixture of eggs and milk.
- Fry the sandwiches: Cook in buttered skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- These sandwiches are a delightful treat for brunch or dessert.
- Feel free to customize with different berries based on availability.
- Enhance with maple syrup or whipped cream for added decadence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 170mg