Oh, you have to try this Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe! It’s like a little burst of creamy, tangy sweetness wrapped up with fresh strawberries that just melts in your mouth. I love this because it feels fancy enough for a party, but it’s so simple that you can whip it up on a whim for an easy dessert that everyone raves about.
When I first tried making deviled strawberries, I was amazed at how the cheesecake filling paired perfectly with the fresh strawberry flavor. You’ll find that this recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser for brunches, baby showers, or even a light summer snack. Plus, no baking means less hassle—just pure, delicious fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake goodness: This recipe skips the oven, which means less fuss and quicker prep.
- Perfectly portable: These deviled strawberries travel well, making them ideal for potlucks or picnics.
- Customizable sweetness: You can easily swap sugar for your preferred sweetener without compromising flavor.
- Impress your guests: These elegant bites look as good as they taste, guaranteed to wow any crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe plays a key role in balancing creaminess, tang, and sweetness. From fresh juicy strawberries to fluffy whipped cream and tangy cream cheese, these flavors come together to create the perfect bite.
- Strawberries: Choose large, ripe strawberries for easier hollowing and better presentation.
- Heavy whipping cream: This whips up beautifully to create that light, airy texture in the filling.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the cheesecake flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while balancing the tartness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh lemon juice (optional): Just a touch to lift the cream cheese mixture and add brightness.
- Graham cracker crumbs: For that classic cheesecake crunch topping; use freshly crushed for best results.
Variations
I love how flexible this Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to match your dietary needs or customize the flavors to suit your taste buds or the occasion.
- Low Carb Version: I swapped the sugar for erythritol and skipped the graham crackers once, and honestly, it was just as satisfying for my keto friends.
- Fruit Mix-In: Sometimes I fold in finely chopped raspberries or blueberries for a little extra color and zing.
- Flavored Extracts: Vanilla is classic, but trying almond or lemon extract adds a surprising twist that your guests will notice.
- Nutty Topping: Toasted chopped pecans or almonds instead of graham crackers bring a nice crunch and richness.
How to Make Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries Like a Pro
Start by washing and drying 18-24 large strawberries—make sure they’re completely dry so the filling sticks well! Cut off the stems and slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. Here’s a little trick I learned: cut a small sliver off the back flat side of each half so they sit upright like little boats. Using a small melon baller, gently scoop out just enough from the center so the creamy filling has a perfect little nook to nestle into without falling off.
Step 2: Whip Up Your Cream
Grab a medium bowl and beat the heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer until you see stiff peaks form, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step—stiff peaks mean your cream is firm enough to hold shape, which gives the filling that light and fluffy texture. I usually keep the bowl chilled beforehand for better results.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and if you like, a splash of fresh lemon juice—it adds that subtle brightness I adore. Beat all these ingredients with your mixer until silky smooth and creamy, then gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture. Folding keeps it light and airy, so don’t overmix or you’ll lose that fluffy texture.
Step 4: Pipe and Garnish
Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or just a zip-top bag with a corner snipped) with your cheesecake filling. Pipe generous swirls into each hollowed strawberry half — this always feels so satisfying, like little edible cupcakes! To finish, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top for that signature cheesecake crunch. Trust me, it’s the perfect final touch.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Place your deviled strawberries on a serving dish and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if you can wait that long. Chilling helps the flavors marry and makes the filling firmer. When you serve them up, watch your friends and family’s faces light up—they’re going to love these!
Pro Tips for Making Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe
- Keep Strawberries Dry: Washing and drying them thoroughly prevents the filling from sliding off—patience here pays off!
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly; cold chunks can ruin your filling texture.
- Chill Bowls & Tools: For the best whipped cream, chilling your bowl and beaters before whipping helps it get firmer, faster.
- Don’t Overfill Strawberries: Filling too much makes the topping fall off—stick to about a teaspoon per half for perfect presentation and taste.
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top mine with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for the classic cheesecake feel, but you can jazz them up with a few mini chocolate chips, a tiny drizzle of chocolate sauce, or some finely chopped fresh mint leaves. These little touches add an extra pop of flavor and make your deviled strawberries look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Deviled strawberries with cheesecake filling make a fantastic light dessert after brunch. I love pairing them with a spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette or alongside a cheese and charcuterie board for a sweet counterpoint. They also complement bubbly drinks like prosecco or a refreshing iced tea beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arranging the deviled strawberries on a pretty serving tray with fresh mint sprigs scattered around adds a lovely touch. I’ve also served them in individual mini cupcake liners to keep them neat and easy to grab. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a raspberry coulis or dust powdered sugar right before serving for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (and you might—there’s usually extra filling!), store the deviled strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge. Putting a paper towel beneath helps absorb moisture so the strawberries don’t get soggy. Eat within 24 hours for fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing the assembled deviled strawberries because fresh berries don’t freeze well and can get mushy. However, the cheesecake filling alone freezes fine—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a quick whip before piping again.
Reheating
This recipe is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you have leftover filling, simply bring it to room temperature and stir gently to restore creaminess before using.
FAQs
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Can I make Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The strawberries can also be prepped the day before—just keep them airtight with a paper towel inside to avoid sogginess. Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
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What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work wonderfully. For a nutty alternative, finely chopped toasted nuts add a nice crunch and flavor twist.
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Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best because frozen ones become too soft and watery when thawed, which can cause the filling to slide off. If frozen is your only option, be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before prepping.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You could try using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly. It’s worth experimenting if you need a dairy-free option!
Final Thoughts
This Deviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s the dessert that always comes through when I want something impressive but easy. I’m constantly amazed how such simple ingredients can become a showstopper on any table. So go ahead and try this recipe—I promise you’ll be getting compliments and requests for the secret, even if it’s just your little kitchen gem!
PrintDeviled Strawberries with Cheesecake Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18-24 deviled strawberry halves
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deviled Strawberries with a creamy cheesecake filling are a delightful and elegant dessert perfect for parties and special occasions. Sweet, fresh strawberries are hollowed out and filled with a rich, fluffy mixture made from cream cheese, whipped cream, sour cream, and a hint of vanilla and lemon, then finished with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 18-24 large strawberries
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prep the strawberries: Cut off the stems and slice each strawberry in half. Trim a small sliver from the back of each half so they sit upright. Carefully hollow out a small indent in the center of each half using a small melon baller, just enough so the filling stays in place.
- Whip the cream: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated and light.
- Fill the strawberries: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling onto each prepared strawberry half, using a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a decorative finish if desired.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the filled strawberries for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the deviled strawberries on a platter and serve immediately. They can also be refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- To make this recipe low carb, substitute the sugar with a low carb sweetener and omit the graham cracker crumbs.
- The number of strawberries you need may vary depending on their size; medium strawberries may leave some leftover filling.
- The cream cheese filling (including the whipped cream) can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; it will maintain a perfect consistency.
- Strawberries can also be prepped and cut a day before; store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to prevent sogginess and off-flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 deviled strawberry halves
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg