Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches

Indulge in the perfect combination of crispy golden bread, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry goodness! These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, wrapped in a warm, crispy shell. Perfect for a decadent dessert or a special breakfast treat.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Sandwich:

8 slices of brioche bread (or any soft, thick bread)
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Butter or oil for frying

For Garnish (Optional):

Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Extra strawberry slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:

Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling on four slices of bread.
Top with sliced strawberries and a thin layer of strawberry jam.
Cover with the remaining four slices of bread to form sandwiches.

3. Coat the Sandwiches:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and cinnamon.
Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.

4. Fry the Sandwiches:

In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
Fry each sandwich for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Garnish:

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or extra strawberry slices if desired.

Servings:

Makes 4 sandwiches, serving 4 people (1 sandwich per person).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: ~450
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 26g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.

Benefits:

Indulgent yet satisfying: Combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.

Tips and Notes:

Bread Choice: Brioche or challah bread works best for a rich, buttery flavor. Avoid thin or overly soft bread that may fall apart when frying.
Strawberry Substitutes: You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Make it Healthier: Use whole-grain bread and reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed graham crackers to the cheesecake filling for a more authentic cheesecake texture.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Q/A Section:

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid a soggy sandwich.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?

A: Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for crispiness.

Q: Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.

Enjoy your delicious Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches!