Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works fine, though the filling won't be quite as rich. The full-fat version creates a more authentic cheesecake flavor, but the reduced-fat option still produces delicious results with fewer calories. Just ensure it's well-softened for proper mixing.

What's the best type of bread to use if I don't have brioche or Texas toast?

Any thicker-cut bread will work in a pinch. Sourdough adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweet filling, challah works beautifully, and even regular sandwich bread sliced double-thick can do the job. The key is sturdiness—you need bread that won't fall apart when dipped in the egg mixture or leak filling during cooking.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese alternative, dairy-free butter, and plant milk in the egg wash. The results are slightly different in texture but equally delicious. Just make sure your bread is also dairy-free if you need a completely dairy-free version.

Why is my sandwich getting too dark on the outside before the filling warms?

This typically happens when the heat is too high. Next time, try reducing your burner to medium-low after the initial sear and give the sandwich more time to warm through. Also, make sure your cream cheese was at room temperature before starting—cold filling takes longer to warm, giving the exterior more time to darken.

Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe

Name: Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices of thick white bread (like brioche or Texas toast); 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting); ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup strawberry jam; 2 tbsp butter; 1 egg; ¼ cup milk; ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional); Non-stick skillet or frying pan; Mixing bowl; Whisk

This indulgent Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich transforms simple ingredients into a heavenly treat that’s crispy on the outside and filled with creamy, sweet goodness on the inside. Perfect for a special breakfast, delightful dessert, or whenever you need a quick comfort food fix, these sandwiches take just 10 minutes from start to finish. The contrast between the warm, golden-brown exterior and the cool, sweet cheesecake filling creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Indulgence: From craving to plate in just 10 minutes—perfect for those moments when you need something special without the wait.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, turning everyday items into something extraordinary.
Versatile: Works beautifully as breakfast, dessert, or an impressive but easy treat for unexpected guests.
Customizable: The basic formula allows for countless variations to match your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Creates that special “treat yourself” feeling without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thick White Bread: Brioche or Texas toast provides the perfect sturdy base—regular sandwich bread is too thin and won’t hold up to the filling. The richness of brioche adds another layer of indulgence.
Cream Cheese: The star of our cheesecake filling—make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture while keeping it smooth and lump-free. You’ll also use this for that beautiful dusting on top.
Vanilla Extract: Adds that classic cheesecake flavor note that makes this more than just cream cheese on bread.
Strawberry Jam: Brings fruity sweetness and that gorgeous pink color. The slight tang balances the richness of the cream cheese perfectly.
Butter: Creates that beautiful golden crust when frying and adds rich flavor.
Egg: Works with milk to create a French toast-like coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
Milk: Thins the egg mixture for perfect coating consistency.
Cinnamon: Optional but highly recommended—adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swaps

Trade the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or peach preserves for completely different flavor profiles. Fresh sliced fruit can be added alongside the jam for extra texture.

Chocolate Lover’s Version

Add a thin layer of Nutella or chocolate spread between the cheesecake mixture and jam. Alternatively, mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture for bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Savory-Sweet Twist

Add a very thin slice of crispy bacon between the layers for an incredible sweet-savory contrast that works surprisingly well.

Tropical Escape

Use pineapple jam and add a touch of coconut extract to the cream cheese mixture for a piña colada-inspired treat.

How to Make Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy with no lumps. The mixture should be spreadable but not runny.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one side of two bread slices. Don’t go too thin—you want that rich cheesecake flavor in every bite. On the remaining two slices, spread a thick layer of strawberry jam. Carefully press the cream cheese and jam sides together to create two complete sandwiches.

Step 3: Create the Coating Mixture

In a shallow bowl (wide enough to fit your bread), whisk together the egg, milk, and cinnamon until completely combined. This mixture will create that delicious French toast-like exterior.

Step 4: Dip and Fry

Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble slightly. Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated but not soggy. Immediately transfer to the hot skillet.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Fry each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them—the sugar in the filling can cause them to brown quickly! Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the sandwiches from the heat and place on serving plates. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar for that beautiful finishing touch and extra sweetness. Serve immediately while the outside is crispy and the filling is warm and gooey.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened—cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your filling.
Bread Matters: The thicker and sturdier the bread, the better it will hold up to the filling and egg mixture without getting soggy.
Sealing the Edges: Gently press around the edges of your sandwiches to seal them before dipping to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
Watch the Heat: Medium heat is key—too hot and the outside will burn before the inside warms; too cool and the sandwiches will absorb too much butter and become greasy.
Don’t Oversoak: A quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need—you’re not making traditional French toast, just creating a light coating.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these indulgent sandwiches with fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream takes them to a whole new level of dessert decadence.

Breakfast Spread

For a special breakfast, pair with crispy bacon and a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced meal that feels like a treat. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate makes the perfect beverage companion.

Dessert Elevation

For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a drizzle of warm strawberry sauce over the top for an impressive plated dessert that tastes like it took hours instead of minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

You can mix the cream cheese filling up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading for easier application.

Storing Leftovers

These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy filling is at its peak. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Reheating

To revive leftover sandwiches, reheat them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or place in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.

Note: These don’t freeze well due to texture changes in the bread and filling, so it’s best to make only what you plan to eat within a day.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works fine, though the filling won’t be quite as rich. The full-fat version creates a more authentic cheesecake flavor, but the reduced-fat option still produces delicious results with fewer calories. Just ensure it’s well-softened for proper mixing.
What’s the best type of bread to use if I don’t have brioche or Texas toast?

Any thicker-cut bread will work in a pinch. Sourdough adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweet filling, challah works beautifully, and even regular sandwich bread sliced double-thick can do the job. The key is sturdiness—you need bread that won’t fall apart when dipped in the egg mixture or leak filling during cooking.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese alternative, dairy-free butter, and plant milk in the egg wash. The results are slightly different in texture but equally delicious. Just make sure your bread is also dairy-free if you need a completely dairy-free version.
Why is my sandwich getting too dark on the outside before the filling warms?

This typically happens when the heat is too high. Next time, try reducing your burner to medium-low after the initial sear and give the sandwich more time to warm through. Also, make sure your cream cheese was at room temperature before starting—cold filling takes longer to warm, giving the exterior more time to darken.

Final Thoughts

These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are proof that sometimes the most impressive treats are also the simplest to make. I created this recipe during a lazy Sunday morning when I wanted something special without much effort, and it’s become a favorite request in my household. Give yourself permission to indulge in this quick luxury—whether as a surprise weekend breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert that rivals any restaurant offering. The beauty of cooking is transforming simple ingredients into something magical, and these sandwiches do exactly that in just 10 minutes!

Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the crispy goodness of fried bread with a luscious filling of sweet strawberry jam and creamy cheesecake. These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches are the ultimate treat—quick to make, easy to prepare, and absolutely irresistible with their golden-brown exterior and gooey, creamy center, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack!

Instructions

Prepare the filling
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This creates the cheesecake-like filling for the sandwiches.
Assemble the sandwich
Take two slices of bread and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side. On the other two slices of bread, spread a generous amount of strawberry jam. Press together one cream cheese slice with one jam slice to form a sandwich.
Make the egg mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and cinnamon (if using). This will be your coating mixture for frying.
Dip and fry
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated, then place it into the heated skillet.
Cook until golden
Fry each side of the sandwich for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
Dust and serve
Remove the sandwiches from the pan, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and serve warm. Perfect when enjoyed fresh!

Notes

You can substitute strawberry jam for other fruit jams, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot, to customize the flavor.
For an extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on the cream cheese filling before assembling.
Use stale bread if possible—it absorbs the egg mixture better and gives a crispier result.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
If you prefer a no-fry option, toast the sandwiches in a sandwich press or grill pan.