Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a fun twist on traditional cheesecake, using fresh strawberries as the base for a creamy, fluffy filling. The combination of sweet and tangy cheesecake and the juicy, ripe strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. The graham cracker crumbs on top add a satisfying crunch, making this dessert both visually appealing and full of texture.
Ingredients
For the Berries:
- 3 lbs large fresh strawberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prep Strawberries:
- Slice the strawberries lengthwise, keeping the stems intact.
- Cut a tiny slice off the bottom so they sit flat.
- Use a melon baller to hollow out the center of each strawberry.
- Make Filling:
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Assemble:
- Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake mixture.
- Pipe the cheesecake filling generously into the hollowed strawberries.
- Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
- Chill:
- Place the filled strawberries in the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 stuffed strawberries
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Add-ins: Add a dash of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh twist.
- Different Crusts: Use crushed cookies, like shortbread or digestive biscuits, in place of graham crackers for varied flavor.
- Toppings: You can drizzle the strawberries with melted chocolate or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts for extra flair.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Best served the same day, but can be kept chilled in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the strawberries may lose their texture when frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, as frozen strawberries can become too mushy when thawed.
2. How can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and hollow out the strawberries in advance, but fill them and add the crumbs just before serving to keep the berries fresh.
3. What other fillings can I use?
You can make a chocolate cheesecake filling, or even use a flavored whipped cream for a lighter version.
4. How do I prevent the strawberries from falling over?
Cut a small slice off the bottom of the strawberries, making sure they sit flat without tipping over.
5. Can I use light cream cheese?
Light cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture and creaminess of the filling.
6. Can I add fruit to the cheesecake filling?
Yes! Adding small chopped pieces of fruit, like raspberries or blueberries, to the filling can give it an extra burst of flavor.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours for the best texture.
8. Can I pipe the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Pipe the filling into the strawberries just before serving.
9. What kind of strawberries should I use?
Look for large, firm strawberries that can hold up to being hollowed out and filled with the cheesecake mixture.
10. How do I make these extra fancy?
Top the stuffed strawberries with a small mint leaf or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a delicious and visually stunning treat that’s perfect for any event. With their creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy graham cracker topping, these bite-sized delights will be a hit at your next gathering.
Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
These Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a stunning and delicious dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a creamy, no-bake cheesecake filling. Perfect for spring or any celebration, these stuffed berries are easy to make and are both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty. With a crunchy graham cracker topping and a sweet cheesecake filling, they offer a delightful balance of flavors in each bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 24 stuffed strawberries
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Berries:
- 3 lbs large fresh strawberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prep Strawberries:
- Slice the strawberries lengthwise, keeping the stems intact.
- Cut a small slice off the bottom of each strawberry to make them sit flat.
- Hollow out the center of each strawberry using a melon baller.
- Make Filling:
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Assemble:
- Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake mixture.
- Pipe the cheesecake filling generously into each hollowed-out strawberry.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top of the filled strawberries.
- Chill:
- Place the filled strawberries in the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, tangy twist.
- You can swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed shortbread or digestive biscuits for variety.
- For extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with chopped nuts