Ever bite into something so golden and gooey, it practically sings summer at the top of its lungs? That’s what these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches do—with every crisp edge and creamy bite.
It all started one sticky July morning when my youngest asked if dessert could come before lunch (again). I remembered the fried PB&J I had at the county fair as a teen—crispy, hot, oozing nostalgia. That’s when the idea hit me: what if I gave that memory a cheesecake twist?
The result? A three-step masterpiece that’s crunchy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and bursting with warm, jammy strawberries. No oven. No fuss. Just a skillet, some sweet cream cheese, and the kind of flavor that turns an ordinary afternoon into a mini celebration.
Let’s make dessert that tastes like summer—and let’s make it fast.
Table of Contents
Best 3-Step Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
- Total Time: 20M
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Golden, gooey, and nostalgic—these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches taste like your favorite summer fair treat.
Ingredients
8 slices of brioche or Texas toast
½ cup strawberry jam
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
Butter or neutral oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Spread 1 tbsp cream cheese mix on 4 slices of bread. Top each with 1 tbsp strawberry jam.
3. Close with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
4. Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Dip each sandwich on both sides.
5. Fry in a buttered skillet over medium heat, 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
6. Slice, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
These can be prepped ahead and stored wrapped in the fridge for 24 hours before frying.
To reheat, use a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10M
- Cook Time: 10M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 18g
Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Ingredients
Simple Pantry Staples, Big Dessert Magic
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these cheesecake sandwiches. Most of the ingredients are probably sitting in your fridge or pantry right now.
- 8 slices of brioche or Texas toast
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Butter or neutral oil for frying
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Best Bread and Filling Tips for Gooey Results
Use thick-cut slices like brioche or Texas toast that can hold the filling without falling apart. If your jam is runny, warm it slightly and stir to thicken before spreading. Blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth—it should spread like frosting. And don’t overfill. A tablespoon of each filling is plenty to keep everything sealed and mess-free.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Step-by-Step Method Even Beginners Can Follow
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a bowl, stir the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on four slices of bread. Add a tablespoon of strawberry jam on top. Close each with another slice of bread.
Step 3: Dip the Sandwiches
Whisk the eggs and milk in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium and melt a bit of butter. Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Dust and Slice
Remove from the skillet, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and slice in half. Serve warm.
Watch for crisp edges and a gentle sizzle. That’s your cue the sandwiches are ready.
Hilda’s Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Sandwiches
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Want to prep ahead? Assemble the sandwiches and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
For leftovers, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back that crisp texture. Microwaving will soften the bread too much. You can also freeze the cooked sandwiches. Just cool them completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Wrap them in foil before reheating to keep the edges crispy while warming the center.
Fun Twists to Try
Air Fryer Option: Spray with a bit of oil and air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway.
Chocolate Swirl: Add a small spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread to the cream cheese layer.
Fruit Variations: Try raspberry jam, blueberry preserves, or even fresh peach slices.
Savory-Sweet: Use fresh strawberries, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of sea salt instead of jam.
FAQ About Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first. You can mash them or simmer lightly with sugar to create a jammy consistency. Let them cool before spreading.
What kind of bread is best?
Brioche, challah, or thick Texas toast work best. Soft but sturdy slices keep the filling secure and fry up golden and crisp.
Can I bake instead of fry?
You can! Bake sandwiches on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. The texture is lighter but still delicious.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill. Use about 1 tablespoon each of cream cheese and jam. Press edges lightly before dipping in egg to help seal them.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly oil both sides of the sandwich and cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through.