These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches feature creamy, no-bake cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries pan-fried between buttery slices of brioche for the ultimate state-fair-inspired dessert you can make right at home.
Ever dream of those incredible, over-the-top desserts you find at the state fair? Well, get ready to bring that magic into your own kitchen! This recipe for Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches is pure, decadent fun. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, combining the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with the jammy sweetness of strawberries, all tucked inside a crispy, golden-brown sandwich. Trust me, one bite of this Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich and you’ll be hooked!
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Key Takeaways
- Quick & Easy: This showstopper dessert comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Irresistible Texture: You get the perfect contrast of a warm, buttery, crispy exterior with a cool, creamy, and luscious cheesecake filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit for sleepovers, parties, or any time you need a seriously impressive sweet treat.
- Simple & Delicious: Love quick, impressive desserts? You have to check out my post on Heaven on Earth No-Bake Cake!
Why You’ll Love This Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich
I just know this is going to become one of your new favorite treats. It’s one of mine! Here’s why you’re going to fall in love:
- A Fair Food Favorite at Home: Get all the nostalgia and flavor of a state fair dessert without leaving your house. It’s pure, unapologetic comfort food.
- The Best of Both Worlds: It’s like your favorite creamy cheesecake and classic French toast came together to create the perfect Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich.
- Warm & Cool Sensation: You’ll love that incredible contrast between the warm, crispy bread and the slightly cool, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake center.
- So Much Juicy Flavor: This recipe is packed with fresh, juicy strawberries, which are a fantastic source of Vitamin C!
- No-Bake Filling: It has that amazing no-bake filling we all love, which reminds me of my simple Apple Cheesecake No-Bake recipe.
- Perfectly Sweet, Not Overpowering: The tangy cream cheese filling balances the sweetness of the strawberries and powdered sugar beautifully.
A Taste of the State Fair
I’ll never forget the first time I had fried cheesecake. I was at the Texas State Fair, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and carnival music, with that amazing smell of popcorn and fried everything hanging in the air. A vendor was selling these golden, crispy pockets of pure joy, and I just had to try one. It was life-changing! The outside was hot and crunchy, and the inside was this surprising explosion of cool, creamy cheesecake.
I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. After a few tries, I landed on this fried strawberry cheesecake sandwich version, which is so much easier than deep-frying but delivers that same incredible experience. It’s become the perfect sweet ending after a fun family meal of savory favorites, like my recipe for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage.
Ingredients for Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this magic happen. The real star is the thick-cut bread that gets super crispy without getting soggy.
| Ingredient | Notes / Easy Substitutions |
| Cream Cheese | 1 (8 oz) block, softened to room temperature. Use full-fat block-style cream cheese for the best texture, not the whipped kind in a tub. |
| Granulated Sugar | For the cheesecake filling. You can adjust the amount to your taste. |
| Vanilla Extract | A splash adds that classic cheesecake flavor. |
| Fresh Strawberries | Diced small. For a different twist, you could try using the filling from my Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. |
| Thick-Sliced Bread | 8 slices. Brioche, Texas toast, or challah are perfect choices because they’re sturdy and rich. |
| Large Eggs | To create the French toast-style custard for dipping. |
| Milk | Whole milk or 2% works best for a rich custard. |
| Unsalted Butter | For pan-frying. This gives the sandwiches that beautiful golden-brown crust and rich flavor. |
| Powdered Sugar | For dusting on top after frying. |
Equipment Needed
No special gadgets required! You likely have everything you need already.
- Medium Bowl: For mixing the cheesecake filling.
- Shallow Dish: A pie plate or similar dish is perfect for the egg wash.
- Whisk
- Large Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle
- Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula works best for flipping.
How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Step-by-Step
This comes together so fast! Just follow these simple steps.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until it’s completely smooth and luscious. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Getting this filling right is key, just like it is when making Chocolate Filled Rolled Crepes.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out all 8 slices of bread. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over 4 of the slices, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to create four sandwiches.
- Whisk the Egg Wash: In your shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Dip Each Sandwich: Gently dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. You want it coated, but not completely saturated.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Melt a tablespoon of butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place one or two sandwiches in the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is deeply golden brown, crisp, and irresistible.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches to a cutting board, slice them in half diagonally, and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve them while they’re warm!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
I’ve made these a few times, and I’ve learned a couple of little tricks along the way!
- Master the Technique: This recipe shares a lot of DNA with French toast. If you’re new to making it, checking out my guide on What Is the Most Common Mistake in Making French Toast? can be a real game-changer.
- Use Thick Bread: This is my most important tip! Sturdy, thick-sliced bread like brioche or Texas toast is key. It holds up to the filling and the frying, creating that perfect crispy shell.
- Keep the Heat at Medium: If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the inside gets warm and gooey. Medium heat is the sweet spot for a perfect golden crust.
- Don’t Press Down! Avoid the temptation to press on the sandwiches with your spatula while they cook. This can cause the delicious cheesecake filling to squeeze out the sides.
- Serve Right Away: These fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches are definitely best eaten fresh off the skillet while the outside is hot and crisp.
What to Serve With Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
Honestly, these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are a complete showstopper all on their own! But if you want to take them even further over the top, you totally can.
- A big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- A generous drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce.
- If you’re creating a dessert spread, these would be amazing alongside my recipe for Peach Bars with Fresh Peaches.
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Storing and Reheating Tips
While these fried cheesecake sandwiches are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I highly recommend using an air fryer or a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm. This will help re-crisp the bread, which the microwave just can’t do.
Nutrition Facts
(Nutrition information is estimated using the USDA FoodData Central and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.)
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Amount Per Serving
Calories640
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 39g50%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 195mg65%
Sodium 485mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 60g22%
Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Total Sugars 32g
Protein 15g
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
FAQs About Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
What does fried cheesecake taste like?
Imagine the best French toast you’ve ever had, but filled with a warm, gooey, slightly tangy cheesecake center. These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches have a crispy, buttery exterior and a sweet, creamy filling—it’s an incredible flavor and texture combination!
What is strawberry cheesecake filling made of?
The filling for these Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches is a no-bake mixture made from full-fat cream cheese, a bit of sugar for sweetness, a splash of vanilla, and fresh, diced strawberries. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor.
What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?
The best bread for a fried strawberry cheesecake sandwich is a thick-cut, rich loaf like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. They are sturdy enough to hold the filling and they get beautifully golden and crisp when pan-fried in butter.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches in an air fryer! To do so, assemble and dip them as directed. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the sandwiches inside. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you and your family love these fun and decadent Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches as much as we do! They are such a joy to make and even more fun to eat. There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they take that first bite.
If you make them, please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how they turned out! And if you’re a big fan of this style of recipe, you absolutely have to try my classic Stuffed French Toast recipe next!
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Happy cooking!
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Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches feature creamy, no-bake cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries pan-fried between buttery slices of brioche for the ultimate state-fair-inspired dessert you can make right at home in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
For the Sandwiches:
8 slices thick-cut brioche bread
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until it’s completely smooth and luscious. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out all 8 slices of bread. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over 4 of the slices, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to create four sandwiches.
- Whisk the Egg Wash: In your shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Dip Each Sandwich: Gently dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. You want it coated, but not completely saturated.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Melt a tablespoon of butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place one or two sandwiches in the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is deeply golden brown, crisp, and irresistible.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches to a cutting board, slice them in half diagonally, and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve them while they’re warm!
Notes
Use Thick Bread: This is the most important tip! Sturdy, thick-sliced bread like brioche or Texas toast holds up to the filling and creates the perfect crispy shell.
Keep the Heat at Medium: If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the inside gets warm. Medium heat is the sweet spot.
Don’t Press Down: Avoid pressing on the sandwiches with your spatula while they cook, as this can cause the filling to squeeze out.
Air Fryer Instructions: To make in an air fryer, assemble and dip as directed. Spray the basket with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Storage: These are best eaten fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven to re-crisp the bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 485mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches, fried cheesecake, state fair food, stuffed french toast
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