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Take a bite of these heavenly fried cheesecake pockets and melt into pure dessert joy. The crunchy outer layer hides a smooth, creamy cheese filling packed with juicy strawberries. You'll love how the snap of the crust meets the silky middle, while the fruit adds bright, tangy pops against the sweetness. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar tops off this amazing handheld sweet that's sure to make your taste buds dance.
This treat came from those midnight sweet cravings and now we can't stop making it for family gatherings. Even folks who aren't big dessert fans fall for the mix of crispy fried bread wrapped around rich cheesecake filling. The way everything works together creates such a memorable treat that everyone wants seconds.
Must-Have Components
- Soft sandwich bread: Go for fluffy white bread for best results
- Cream cheese: Don't skimp with low-fat versions
- Fresh strawberries: Pick ones that smell sweet and fruity
- Real vanilla extract: Makes the filling taste amazing
- Confectioners' sugar: Gives that perfectly smooth sweetness
- Panko crumbs: The secret to that amazing crunch
- Cooking oil: Helps get that golden finish
Making Your Treats
- Whip Up Filling:
- Whisk cream cheese till light, mix in sugar and vanilla, then gently add chopped strawberries. Pop in fridge if it gets too soft.
- Build Pockets:
- Put filling on bread, leaving space at edges. Add top slice, push sides together, cut off crusts.
- Get Them Ready:
- Dunk in beaten egg, then roll in panko until fully covered.
- Cook Till Golden:
- Drop in 350°F oil and fry until they turn golden, roughly 2-3 minutes each side. Let them sit on paper towels afterward.
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Ways To Enjoy
Cut them diagonally and dust with sugar before serving. Add some strawberry drizzle or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. They're fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or some bubbly for fancy occasions.
Tasty Twists
Try using peaches with a dash of cinnamon when summer hits. Make chocolate lovers happy by adding cocoa and chocolate chips to the mix. When fall comes around, spiced apple filling hits the spot.
Keeping Them Fresh
They're best eaten right away while hot. If you've got extras, keep them in your fridge for up to two days. Warm them back up in a 325°F oven to keep them crispy. Don't use the microwave as they'll get soggy. You can make the filling a day ahead and keep it separate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out strawberries for other fruits?
- You bet! Try blueberries, peaches, bananas or raspberries. Just cut them small and dry them well to avoid extra juice making things soggy.
- → Is it possible to make them ahead of time?
- Definitely! Make your sandwiches and store them in the fridge up to 2 hours before cooking. Fry them right before eating for the best crunch.
- → Can I bake instead of frying these treats?
- For sure! Just coat them with melted butter and pop in a 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through until they're nice and golden.
- → What's the best bread for these treats?
- Go with soft white bread or brioche for best results. Don't use thick, heavy bread or anything too flimsy that'll fall apart.
- → How can I stop the filling from leaking while frying?
- Make sure you press the bread edges really firmly, don't overstuff your sandwiches, and use cream cheese that's nice and thick.