Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the time I discovered Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches! It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was indulging in brunch with some friends at a local café. When I saw this delightful creation on the menu, I couldn’t resist. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported to dessert heaven! The crispy, golden exterior gave way to a luscious, creamy filling with sweet, juicy strawberries. I knew right then and there that I needed to recreate this deliciousness at home.
Now, every time I make these sandwiches, I’m filled with nostalgia of that brunch outing, and I can’t help but share them with friends and family. They’re perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself on a random Tuesday. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delectable adventure of Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches!
What’s in Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches?
Strawberries: The star of the show! I prefer using fresh strawberries when they’re in season; they are naturally sweet and bursting with flavor. If they aren’t available, frozen strawberries can work—but drain them well!
Cream Cheese: This creamy base gives our filling that rich, smooth texture. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results; it makes a world of difference in flavor.
Sugar: A little sweetness is essential! I usually go for granulated sugar here, but powdered sugar can also be used for an even smoother blend in the filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Oh, this adds a luscious creaminess to the filling. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even whip it before adding!
Bread: Look for thick slices of bread, like Texas toast or brioche, for that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The bread cradles the delightful filling beautifully!
Eggs: Used in our batter for that golden crispy coating. I like to use large eggs for consistency.
Oil: We’ll use this for frying to achieve that crispy, crunchy crust. I recommend canola or vegetable oil as they have high smoke points suitable for frying.
Is Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Good for You?
While Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are undeniably delicious, they’re a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Strawberries: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, strawberries are a great addition to any recipe. They can help improve heart health and lower blood pressure, so they do bring some nutritional value to our indulgent treat.
Cream Cheese: While it’s creamy and delicious, cream cheese is also high in fat and calories. Moderation is key here, or consider using lower-fat alternatives if you want to cut back.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds richness but is calorie-dense. You could substitute it with lighter dairy options like Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!
Ingredients for Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (more if you like it sweeter)
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
– 4-6 thick slices of bread (Texas toast or brioche work great)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for extra crunch)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
This recipe will serve about 4 people, depending on how hungry you are—trust me, you might want to double it!
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches?
1. Begin by preparing your filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add heavy whipping cream to the mix and beat until well combined and fluffy.
3. Now it’s time for the strawberries! Gently fold in the sliced strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the filling. Set this delicious mixture aside.
4. Take your bread slices and spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling on one slice. Top with another slice to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining bread.
5. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Place your breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
6. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (you can test this by dropping a small piece of bread; it should sizzle right away).
7. Dip each cheesecake sandwich into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated, and then dredge in the breadcrumbs for that crispy exterior.
8. Fry the sandwiches, one or two at a time, for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. Once fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
10. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired, and prepare for the happy dance!
Let’s Make It Even More Delicious!
– Feel free to jazz up your filling! Add a little vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
– For a fruity variation, experiment with different berries like blueberries or raspberries.
– If you want an even quicker version, you could pop in some store-bought cheesecake filling instead of making your own.
I can’t help but get giddy just thinking about indulging in these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. They’re bursting with flavor and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love something crispy and sweet? I truly encourage you to give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Happy frying!
