Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert. These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all wrapped in a warm, crispy shell. It’s like your favorite state fair dessert made right in your own kitchen! If you’ve ever wanted to capture the magic of carnival food at home, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. It’s surprisingly simple and delivers a truly unforgettable experience.
We’ve designed this recipe to be completely foolproof. Follow our steps, and you’ll have golden, perfectly sealed dessert sandwiches that are bursting with flavor, not with filling. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy & Creamy: We’ll show you how to get that perfect golden-brown crust that gives way to a warm, melted cheesecake center.
- No Leaks, Guaranteed: Our crucial freezing step ensures the filling stays inside the sandwich where it belongs, not in your frying oil.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combination of strawberry and cheesecake is a certified winner for family gatherings, parties, or a special weeknight dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common ingredients to create this show-stopping treat.
The Essential Ingredients
The magic of these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: This dissolves beautifully, keeping the filling smooth and sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances the cheesecake flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Finely dice the strawberries so you get a little bit in every single bite.
For the Sandwich and Coating
- Sandwich Bread: A simple, soft white sandwich bread works best. We’ll be trimming the crusts.
- Eggs & Milk: These form the base of our simple, effective batter that crisps up beautifully.
- Cinnamon & Sugar: For dusting the sandwiches after frying, adding that classic churro-like finish.
- Vegetable Oil: You’ll need a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches (Step-by-Step)
Making these dessert sandwiches is easier than you think. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the finely diced strawberries with a spatula.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out eight slices of bread on a clean work surface. Trim the crusts from all sides. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread slightly. This helps create a better seal. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of four of the bread slices, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top.
Step 3: Seal and Freeze (The Crucial Step!)
Firmly press the edges of each sandwich together with your fingers or the tines of a fork to create a tight seal. This is the most important step to prevent leaks. Place the sealed sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 60 minutes. Do not skip this step! Freezing solidifies the filling, ensuring it doesn’t melt and burst out during frying.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter and Coating
While the sandwiches are freezing, prepare your dredging station. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set up your frying station with a deep skillet or Dutch oven and fill it with about 2 inches of vegetable oil.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Once the sandwiches are frozen solid, dip each one into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Immediately place the sandwich into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until it’s a deep golden brown. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried sandwiches to a wire rack. Immediately sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in the filling, but this is the number one cause of blowouts. A modest amount ensures a secure seal.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a consistent 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the sandwiches will absorb too much grease and become soggy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the center is warm.
- Serve Immediately: These treats are at their absolute best when served warm and fresh. The contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and the warm, gooey center is what makes them so special.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic strawberry version is a star, this recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. For another cheesy delight, check out our Boursin Chicken recipe.
Other Fillings
Try swapping the strawberries for other finely diced fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. For a truly decadent twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips. Speaking of cheesecake, you have to try our incredible Pecan Pie Cheesecake.
Add a Drizzle
Elevate your finished sandwiches with a drizzle of melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or a simple vanilla glaze. These additions not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an air fryer. After dipping the frozen sandwich in the egg batter, you may want to coat it in panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Absolutely. You can assemble and freeze the sandwiches for up to a month. When you’re ready for a treat, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
The most crucial step is to freeze the assembled and sealed sandwiches for at least one hour until they are completely solid. This ensures the filling doesn’t melt and burst through the bread’s seal before the outside is crispy and golden.
A soft, plain white sandwich bread is ideal. It’s pliable, easy to seal, and fries up beautifully to a light, crispy texture that complements the creamy filling.
They are fantastic on their own, but serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to the next level of indulgence.
More Delicious Desserts
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other fan-favorite desserts. Our Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies (coming soon) offer a fun twist on the same great flavors, and for the ultimate cheesecake lover, our Cookie Dough Cheesecake is pure bliss!
Share Your Creations!
We are so excited for you to try this Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches recipe! It’s the perfect way to bring a little fun and a lot of flavor to your dessert table. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share a picture of your masterpiece on Pinterest!
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches: An Irresistible Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until combined, then gently fold in the finely diced strawberries.
- Trim the crusts from the bread slices and flatten each slice slightly with a rolling pin.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling onto four of the bread slices. Top with the remaining four slices and press the edges firmly to seal completely.
- Place the sealed sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 60 minutes until solid. This is a critical step.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each frozen sandwich into the egg mixture, coating completely. Carefully place it in the hot oil.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Seal Tightly: Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for an extra-secure seal.
Serve Warm: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer for the ultimate crispy and creamy experience.
