Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries

Introduction

Recently, I had the pleasure of trying a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake. Cheesecake deviled strawberries were a hit with my family and friends, and I couldn’t wait to share the recipe. The creamy, tangy filling nestled in the fresh strawberries offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. What makes these little bites even more irresistible is the added texture from the graham cracker crumbs, making each bite even more indulgent. Whether you’re planning a party, holiday gathering, or just a fun treat for your family, these cheesecake deviled strawberries are bound to impress.

Ingredients

• 18–24 large strawberries
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

1. Prep the strawberries: Begin by cutting off the stems of the strawberries and slicing them in half. Once halved, trim a small sliver off the back of each strawberry half to help them sit upright.
2. Hollow out the strawberries: Use a small melon baller or a spoon to carefully scoop out the center of each strawberry half. You don’t need to remove too much; just create enough of a hollow to hold the filling without it sliding off.
3. Whip the cream: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) with the electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Mix until well incorporated and the filling is fluffy.
6. Fill the strawberries: Transfer the cream cheese filling into a piping bag (I recommend using a star tip for a beautiful finish) and pipe the mixture into each hollowed strawberry.
7. Garnish and serve: Finish by sprinkling graham cracker crumbs on top of the cheesecake filling in each strawberry. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 18–24 strawberries (depending on size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100–120 calories per strawberry (depending on size and filling quantity)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes (optional for best texture)

How to Serve

• Serve as individual bite-sized desserts at parties or gatherings.
• Arrange on a platter for a colorful and eye-catching presentation.
• Pair with other fruit-based desserts for a fresh, summery treat.
• Enjoy as a snack or dessert after meals.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
2. Make ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
3. Piping bag alternatives: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off.
4. Customize the filling: Add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling for a spiced variation.
5. Chill before serving: For the best results, let the filled strawberries chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate cheesecake filling: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Berry cheesecake filling: Blend in some mashed raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries into the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist.
• Nutty topping: Instead of graham cracker crumbs, try crushed nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Lemon zest: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for an added citrus punch.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the strawberries for an indulgent dessert.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint to each strawberry for a touch of green and a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with a beverage: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sweet iced tea, lemonade, or even sparkling water for a refreshing dessert experience.
• Create a dessert board: Combine these cheesecake deviled strawberries with other bite-sized treats like mini cheesecake bites, fruit skewers, and chocolate-covered nuts for an impressive dessert spread.
• Serve at brunch: These strawberries are perfect for a special brunch or baby shower, adding both flavor and color to the spread.
• For a holiday twist: Decorate with red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for festive holiday treats.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cheesecake deviled strawberries do not freeze well due to the creamy filling. It is best to prepare them fresh just before serving.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the filled strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, they are best enjoyed within a few hours for optimal freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
   Frozen strawberries may become too soft once thawed, so it’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe.
2. Can I substitute the sour cream?
   Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy variation.
3. How do I make these without a piping bag?
   You can simply use a spoon to fill the strawberries or use a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off.
4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to pipe into the strawberries.
5. What type of strawberries should I use?
   Use large, firm strawberries with a flat bottom so they can sit upright when halved.
6. Can I add more sugar to the filling?
   Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar or using a sweetener of your choice.
7. Can I use flavored whipped cream?
   Yes, you can use flavored whipped cream (like vanilla or chocolate) for a unique twist.
8. What if I don’t have a melon baller?
   You can use a small spoon to hollow out the strawberries if you don’t have a melon baller.
9. Can I use a different topping instead of graham cracker crumbs?
   Yes, you can use crushed nuts, crushed cookies, or even chocolate shavings as an alternative topping.
10. Are these suitable for a gluten-free diet?
    Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free substitute for the crust.

Conclusion
Cheesecake deviled strawberries are a fun and delicious dessert that will please anyone with a sweet tooth. They offer a perfect combination of fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and a hint of crunch from the graham crackers. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for your family, these little bites of heaven are sure to be a hit. The recipe is simple to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and guaranteed to impress. Try them today for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience!

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