Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Slice 1 cup of fresh strawberries thinly and place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle over 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir gently and set aside for about 10 minutes to macerate.
- In a bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Mix until creamy and adjust sweetness if needed.
Assembly
- Spread the cheesecake filling onto 4 slices of thick-cut bread covering edge to edge. Drain the macerated strawberries and layer them over the filling. Place the remaining bread slices on top and press down to seal.
Batter Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Frying
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to about 350°F. Dip each sandwich in the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and let drain for a minute.
Serving
- Dust the sandwiches with powdered sugar and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Use thick bread like brioche or Texas toast to prevent tearing during frying. Soften cream cheese to avoid lumps. Ensure excess liquid is removed from strawberries before assembling.
