Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its balance of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh strawberries complement the rich, velvety cheesecake filling. The graham cracker crumbs add a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall experience. Moreover, the no-bake nature of the dessert makes it quick and easy to prepare, requiring only about 20 minutes of active time. With a chilling time of just one hour, you can have a sophisticated dessert ready in under two hours.
Ingredients
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3 lbs large fresh strawberries
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
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¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Strawberries: Slice each strawberry lengthwise, keeping the stems attached. Cut a small slice off the bottom of each half to create a flat base, ensuring they sit upright. Use a melon baller or a small knife to hollow out a small portion from the center of each strawberry half, creating a small bowl for the filling.
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Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form, approximately 3-4 minutes. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
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Assemble the Strawberries: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off with the cheesecake filling. Pipe the filling into the hollowed-out center of each strawberry half. Sprinkle the tops with graham cracker crumbs for added texture and flavor.
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Chill and Serve: Place the filled strawberries on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 24 stuffed strawberries
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
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Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy twist.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
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Berry Blend: Mix in finely chopped raspberries or blueberries into the filling for added color and flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep the filled strawberries refrigerated in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
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Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the strawberries may become soggy upon thawing.
FAQs
How do I prevent the strawberries from tipping over?
Cutting a small slice off the bottom of each strawberry half creates a flat base, helping them to sit upright and preventing tipping.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones can become mushy and may not hold the filling well.
How far in advance can I prepare these strawberries?
You can prepare the strawberries up to 4 hours in advance. However, it's recommended to add the graham cracker crumbs just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, you can substitute powdered sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, but the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream as substitutes for the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream.
Can I add other toppings to the strawberries?
Absolutely! You can top the strawberries with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.
How do I hollow out the strawberries effectively?
Using a melon baller or a small paring knife allows you to hollow out the strawberries neatly without damaging the outer shell.
Can I use a store-bought cheesecake filling?
While homemade filling is recommended for the best taste and texture, store-bought cheesecake filling can be used as a convenient alternative.
Are these strawberries suitable for children?
Yes, these strawberries are kid-friendly and make for a fun and healthy dessert option.
Can I serve these strawberries at room temperature?
It's best to serve these strawberries chilled to maintain the integrity of the filling and enhance the refreshing taste.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a creamy cheesecake filling. Their simple preparation and visually appealing presentation make them perfect for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a brunch, attending a party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these strawberries are sure to impress and satisfy.
Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a refreshing and elegant no-bake dessert combining sweet strawberries with a creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy graham cracker topping, perfect for gatherings or light desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 stuffed strawberries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Filling, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 lbs large fresh strawberries
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Slice each strawberry lengthwise, keeping the stems attached. Cut a small slice off the bottom of each half to create a flat base so they sit upright.
- Hollow out a small portion from the center of each strawberry half using a melon baller or small knife to create a bowl for filling.
- Whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a Ziploc bag corner with the cheesecake filling and pipe it into the hollowed centers of the strawberry halves.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the filled strawberries for added texture and flavor.
- Place the filled strawberries on a platter and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
- Cutting a small slice off the bottom of each strawberry half prevents tipping.
- Use fresh strawberries for best texture; frozen strawberries may become mushy.
- Add graham cracker crumbs just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Substitute powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Dairy-free versions can be made with dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream.
- Variations include adding citrus zest, chocolate chips, or chopped berries to the filling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 strawberries
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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