Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries Recipe
There’s something magical about a treat that’s both elegant and easy, and Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries fit the bill perfectly. Imagine plump, juicy strawberries transformed with a creamy cheesecake filling, finished with a little sprinkle of graham cracker for that true cheesecake experience. Whether you need a no-fuss dessert for a party, a romantic evening, or simply want a sweet snack without turning on the oven, these Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a bite-sized showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries is in their simplicity; each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to complement the natural sweetness of strawberries and the richness of cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make every bite count.
- Strawberries (1 pint, fresh and hulled): Go for perfectly ripe but firm berries, since they need to hold their shape when filled.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Softening the cream cheese is key to achieving that dreamy, creamy texture in the filling.
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): This blends smoothly into the cream cheese, sweetening the filling without any grittiness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash elevates the cheesecake flavor, making it extra aromatic and special.
- Graham Crackers (1/4 cup, finely crushed): These crumbs add the classic “crust” effect and a little crunch on every strawberry.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles (2 tablespoons, optional): Use these for a fun, festive touch, or leave them out for a simpler finish.
How to Make Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing your strawberries well and patting them completely dry—this helps the filling stick. Use a small paring knife (or a strawberry huller if you have one), and gently carve out the centers to create a strawberry “cup”—go slowly so you don’t pierce through the bottom!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. If you’ve pre-softened the cream cheese, this step is a breeze and makes for a perfectly luscious filling.
Step 3: Fill the Strawberries
Spoon the cheesecake filling into each hollowed strawberry, or take an extra minute to pipe it in with a pastry bag or zip-top bag for a pretty finish. Fill them generously; a little extra filling peeking out is what makes them look so tempting!
Step 4: Add the “Crust”
Sprinkle each filled strawberry with the crushed graham cracker crumbs. Don’t worry if a little spills over—the contrast of textures and flavors is all part of what makes Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries so delightful.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
For the final flourish, add mini chocolate chips or sprinkles if you like. Arrange the strawberries on a tray and chill them for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
Garnishes
Garnish is your chance to play! Try classic mini chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles for a party vibe, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A tiny mint leaf on each strawberry adds a fresh, pretty touch that elevates the entire platter.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries at a gathering, balance their sweetness with a simple fruit salad, a platter of cheese, or light sparkling wine. They’re also wonderful alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by arranging the strawberries in concentric circles on a cake stand, or nestling them into mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing. For a special occasion, try serving them with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside tiny scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about two days, but the fresher the better for optimum texture and appearance.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the strawberries and cream cheese may change after thawing. If you do freeze them, place the berries on a lined tray until solid, then transfer to a lidded container. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving—they’ll be a little softer, but still tasty.
Reheating
These little beauties are best enjoyed cold. If they’ve been refrigerated and you’d prefer them closer to room temperature, just let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. Never microwave, as the filling can separate and the strawberries can get mushy.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to a day in advance—just store in the fridge and add any garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What other fillings can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you need a substitute, try mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different but still creamy and delicious filling. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep them vegan.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or skip the crumbs altogether. The Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are naturally gluten-free aside from that crunchy topping.
Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?
No special gadgets required! While a small piping bag does come in handy for a neat finish, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well, or you can simply spoon in the filling with a steady hand.
Can kids help with making Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries?
They sure can! Little ones love hollowing out the strawberries and helping to fill them, making this recipe a fun, interactive treat for the whole family to make together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries. They’re easy, fun, and utterly delicious—try them once and you’ll see why this sweet bite-sized treat is such a favorite around here!
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Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the flavors of creamy cheesecake with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup finely crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and dry strawberries. Hollow out the center of each strawberry.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill Strawberries: Pipe filling into each strawberry.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and garnish with chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for best results.
- Substitute powdered sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
- Perfect for parties as a bite-sized dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed strawberry
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
