Crispy Cheesecake Treats (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For Sandwich Assembly

01 - 8 crustless slices of brioche or white bread
02 - 1 cup softened cream cheese
03 - 1/4 cup icing sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
05 - 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
06 - 1 large beaten egg
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk
08 - 1 cup of panko crumbs
09 - Oil for frying

→ Toppings

10 - Sliced fresh strawberries
11 - Icing sugar
12 - Honey or maple syrup
13 - Whipped cream

# Instructions:

01 - Mix together the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until it's smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over one side of all the bread slices. Take half of those slices and top them with strawberry preserves, spreading evenly over the cream layer. Put the other bread slices on top, pressing gently to seal them into sandwiches.
02 - In one shallow dish, whisk the milk with the beaten egg. Spread the panko crumbs over a second plate or shallow dish.
03 - Dip each sandwich into the milk and egg mix to cover both sides. Let any extra drip off. Then, press the sandwich into the panko crumbs, making sure all sides are well-coated. Lightly press to make the crumbs stick better.
04 - In a pan, heat about 1.5 cm of cooking oil on medium until it's around 175°C. Once ready, add the coated sandwiches a few at a time. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they're golden and crispy. Lay them on a paper-towel-covered plate to soak up extra oil.
05 - Sprinkle some icing sugar over the fried sandwiches. Add a few sliced strawberries and whipped cream on top if you like. For extra sweetness, drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Best served warm.

# Notes:

01 - You can make 8-12 small sandwiches depending on the size.
02 - Slightly sweet and soft bread works best.
03 - For more flavor, swap the preserves with a homemade strawberry sauce.