Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAt the heart of every delightful gathering, there’s usually a finger food that captures everyone’s attention. Enter my Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling, a treat that transforms the classic dessert into a playful and shareable snack. These vibrant strawberries, cradling a luscious cream cheese filling, bring together the tangy allure of cheesecake and the sweetness of ripe fruit, making them an irresistibly fun addition to any table. The best part? They’re quick to whip up and even allow for some low carb options if that’s your style. Whether it’s a festive party or a cozy get-together, these little jewels are bound to be the highlight of the event. Curious about how to make these delectable bites? Let’s dive into the magic of this recipe! Why Are Deviled Strawberries a Must-Try? Irresistibly Fun: These delightful bites turn a traditional dessert into an exciting finger food, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these Deviled Strawberries in no time, perfect for impromptu gatherings. Customizable Treat: Add your spin by swapping fillings or trying different fruits; this versatility makes them a hit for various taste preferences. Low Carb Friendly: Easily adapt the recipe by using low-carb sweeteners, allowing those on a low-carb diet to indulge without guilt. Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The vibrant red strawberries paired with fluffy filling create a stunning visual and a burst of flavor, sure to be the talk of any event! For a refreshing twist, check out how to incorporate flavors like almond extract or even turn them into a decadent chocolate version! Deviled Strawberries Ingredients For the Strawberries Strawberries – Use large, fresh ones for optimal filling capacity. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – Make sure it’s softened for smooth, easy mixing. Sour Cream – Adds tanginess; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling; swap for a low-carb sweetener for a sugar-free option. Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides a rich, airy texture; coconut cream works as a dairy-free alternative. Vanilla Extract – Use pure extract for the best flavor boost. Lemon Juice – Adds brightness; feel free to omit if preferred. For the Topping Graham Cracker Crumbs – Offers crunch; consider crushed nuts or sugar-free alternatives for a twist. These Deviled Strawberries embody the deliciousness of cheesecake in a bite-sized treat, making them ideal for any occasion! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Deviled Strawberries Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries Start by rinsing 12 large strawberries under cool water and gently patting them dry with a paper towel. Cut off the green stems and slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out a small portion of the flesh from the center to create room for the filling, trimming the back slightly for stability. Set them aside, facing up on a paper towel to catch any moisture. Step 2: Whip the Cream In a mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed for about 4–5 minutes until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape and doesn’t droop. Take care not to overbeat, as it might turn into butter. Set aside for the next step. Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling In another bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp of lemon juice (if using). Mix with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This luscious cream cheese base is the heart of your Deviled Strawberries! Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Start by adding a third of the whipped cream to the filling, stirring carefully to lighten it. Then, gradually incorporate the remaining whipped cream until just combined, ensuring a light and fluffy texture throughout. Make sure not to deflate the mixture! Step 5: Fill the Strawberries Transfer the creamy filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a beautiful finish. Holding each strawberry half securely, pipe the cheesecake filling generously into the hollowed-out center, creating a lovely swirl. Fill until it slightly mounds over the edges for a decadent look. Repeat this for all the prepared strawberry halves. Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping Sprinkle a little graham cracker crumbs over the top of each filled strawberry to add a delightful crunch. For a twist, you could use crushed nuts as an alternative topping. This adds not only texture but also enhances the cheesecake flavor in your Deviled Strawberries. Step 7: Serve or Refrigerate You can serve the Deviled Strawberries immediately for a fresh taste, or you can place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly. If preparing ahead, keep the filling and strawberries separate until ready to serve for the best quality. Enjoy these vibrant bites at your next gathering! Make Ahead Options These Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your life easier during busy weeks! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent browning. For the strawberries, hull and slice them the day before, but it’s best to store the halves separately, tightly wrapped in a paper towel-lined container to avoid sogginess. When it’s time to serve, just fill the strawberries with the delicious cheesecake mixture, top with graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy restaurant-quality bites that are just as delightful as if made fresh! Helpful Tricks for Deviled Strawberries Timing is Key: Prepare the cheesecake filling the day before serving. It allows flavors to meld, ensuring a richer taste. Strawberry Selection: Choose uniform strawberries for even presentation, but varying sizes can add charm and visual interest to your platter. Avoid Soggy Strawberries: When prepping, store strawberries in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep them fresh. Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize your filling by experimenting with flavors like almond extract or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist in your Deviled Strawberries. Fill with Care: Use a piping bag for filling; it not only creates beautiful swirls but also prevents excess filling from oozing out. Chill for Perfection: If you refrigerate before serving, allow at least 30 minutes for the filling to set and flavors to enhance, making for a delightful bite. What to Serve with Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Prepare to elevate your gathering with perfectly complementary dishes that enhance the delightful experience of these sweet treats. Mini Quiches: Their savory richness balances the sweetness of the strawberries, making for an appealing contrast on your party platter. Caprese Skewers: Fresh basil and mozzarella paired with cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor, creating a colorful and refreshing addition. Chocolate Fondue: Let your guests dip the strawberries in smooth, melted chocolate for an indulgent twist that adds a layer of decadence. Sparkling Water with Citrus: Crisp drinks cleanse the palate, offering a refreshing sip between bites to enhance the party’s lively atmosphere. Cheese Board: A selection of soft cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits pairs beautifully, providing a spectrum of flavors that meld with the creamy strawberries. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits offers a bright, refreshing alternative that resonates with the strawberry’s natural sweetness. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside the strawberries for an extra treat, creating a delightful combination of creamy and fruity textures. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Their salty crunch complements the sweet strawberries, adding texture and flavor contrast in each bite. Mint Tea: This fragrant herbal option provides a soothing finish to the meal and refreshes the taste buds. How to Store and Freeze Deviled Strawberries Fridge: Store assembled Deviled Strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting soggy. Freezer: It’s best not to freeze assembled strawberries, as freezing can change their texture. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cheesecake filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before filling the strawberries. Pre-Assembly Storage: If preparing in advance, store the filled strawberries separately from the filling. Keep strawberries in a paper towel-lined container to absorb excess moisture while the filling can be kept in a sealed bag or container. Reheating: No reheating is required for these delightful bites; simply serve chilled for the best experience. Deviled Strawberries Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these Deviled Strawberries and make them your own, turning each delightful bite into a unique treat! Berry Swap: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blackberries for a new flavor adventure. These tiny berries pack a punch, making them just as delicious as the original! Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free cheesecake filling. The subtle coconut flavor adds a tropical twist that is absolutely refreshing. Greek Yogurt Twist: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten the filling while adding a creamy texture. This change will keep the flavors bold and tangy—perfect for health-conscious guests. Sweetener Alternative: Replace granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener for a sugar-free version. Your guests can indulge guilt-free, but don’t worry; they won’t miss out on flavor! Flavor Boost: Mix in almond extract or espresso powder into the cheesecake filling for an unexpected flavor twist. The almond enhances the creamy richness, while espresso adds a delightful depth. Chocolate Indulgence: Incorporate cocoa powder directly into the filling for a chocolate version of these luscious treats. Top with chocolate shavings for an even more decadent finish that chocolate lovers will adore. Nutty Crunch: Swap graham cracker crumbs for crushed nuts like almonds or pecans to add a delightful crunch. This slight change brings an irresistible texture that will elevate each bite. Heat It Up: If you enjoy a kick, try adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. The contrast of sweet and spicy creates a surprising and delightful flavor profile that will intrigue your taste buds. These variations ensure you can cater to any gathering’s mood, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet sensation. For a healthy twist, check out how to make them guilt-free with low-carb adjustments! Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe FAQs What kind of strawberries should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely use fresh, large strawberries that are firm and brightly colored. Look for strawberries that are free from dark spots or bruises. Choosing ripe but firm berries will enhance both the flavor and the presentation of your Deviled Strawberries. How should I store the Deviled Strawberries after making them? To keep your Deviled Strawberries fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 2 days. This ensures they stay firm and lively without becoming soggy. If you notice any excess moisture in the container, placing a paper towel underneath the strawberries can help absorb it. Can I freeze the cheesecake filling for future use? Yes, you can! If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cheesecake filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. This prevents any textural changes that freezing might cause in the strawberries themselves. It’s a great time-saver for parties! What if my whipped cream isn’t forming stiff peaks? If your whipped cream isn’t reaching stiff peaks, it might be due to insufficient chilling or not enough fat content in the cream. Make sure to chill the bowl and beaters beforehand and use heavy whipping cream for the best results. Beat the cream on medium-high speed while keeping an eye on it; sometimes, it just needs a little more mixing! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Certainly! If you’re catering to a specific dietary need, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a low-carb or sugar-free version, replace the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener and use sugar-free graham cracker options for the topping. Moreover, if someone has a dairy allergy, consider replacing the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. How can I make these Deviled Strawberries a chocolate version? To create a decadent chocolate variation, simply fold in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling before piping it into the strawberries. For an extra treat, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving. This twist is sure to satisfy chocolate lovers! Deviled Strawberries: A Perfect Cheesecake Delight Deviled Strawberries bring together cheesecake and fresh fruit in a fun, finger food delight that captivates all. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 12 piecesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Strawberries12 large Strawberries Use large, fresh ones for optimal filling capacity.For the Cheesecake Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Make sure it’s softened for smooth, easy mixing.1/2 cup Sour Cream Adds tanginess; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the filling; swap for a low-carb sweetener for a sugar-free option.1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Provides a rich, airy texture; coconut cream works as a dairy-free alternative.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Use pure extract for the best flavor boost.1 tbsp Lemon Juice Adds brightness; feel free to omit if preferred.For the Topping1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Offers crunch; consider crushed nuts or sugar-free alternatives for a twist. Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixerpiping bagspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Deviled StrawberriesStart by rinsing the strawberries under cool water and gently patting them dry. Cut off the green stems and slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. Scoop out a small portion of the flesh to create room for the filling.In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until just combined.Transfer the creamy filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the cheesecake filling generously into each strawberry half.Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top of each filled strawberry to add a delightful crunch.Serve the Deviled Strawberries immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor variations, try incorporating almond extract or cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Store assembled strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
