Looking for a dessert that’s both cute and totally indulgent? Say hello to Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls! These little bowls are made from crispy, golden waffles that hold a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with juicy, sweet strawberries, and finished off with a dollop of whipped cream. They’re the perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and fresh fruit—plus, they’re fun to eat! Trust me, they’ll be the star of any gathering or the sweetest treat for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls
You’re going to love these for so many reasons, and I promise you—they’re more than just a pretty dessert! Here’s why you’ll want to make them ASAP:
Mini, But Mighty
These individual waffle bowls are perfectly portioned, making them just the right size for a sweet treat without overindulging. Plus, they’re super cute and fun to eat!
Creamy Cheesecake Filling
The cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and tangy, providing the perfect contrast to the sweet strawberries and crispy waffle bowl. It’s a decadent combo that’s hard to beat!
Customizable
You can make these your own! Top them with different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, drizzle with chocolate, or even add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for some extra crunch.
Easy and Quick
Don’t be intimidated—this dessert is super simple to make and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Just a few steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks like it took hours to prepare!
Ingredients
For the Waffle Bowls:
- Waffle bowls: You can either buy pre-made waffle bowls or make your own. If you’re making them, use waffle batter and a waffle bowl press to create those perfect little bowls.
- Butter: To give the waffles a crisp, buttery texture.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese: The base of your cheesecake filling, which gives it that rich, tangy flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds that fluffy, smooth texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without being too heavy.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds that signature flavor we all love.
- Lemon juice: A small splash adds freshness and balances the richness of the cream cheese.
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries are the star of this topping. Feel free to slice or dice them depending on your preference.
- Whipped cream: A light and fluffy dollop of whipped cream on top finishes the dessert perfectly.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Bowls
If you’re making your own waffle bowls, start by heating up your waffle bowl maker (or regular waffle maker). Coat with a little butter or cooking spray, pour in your waffle batter, and cook until golden and crisp. Once cooked, let them cool slightly. If you’re using pre-made waffle bowls, just set them aside for later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and continue to beat until the mixture is thick and fluffy. It should have a creamy, cheesecake-like consistency.
Step 3: Fill the Waffle Bowls
Spoon the cheesecake filling into each waffle bowl, being generous but not overfilling. You want to leave some space at the top for the strawberry topping!
Step 4: Add the Fresh Strawberries
Top each cheesecake-filled waffle bowl with fresh, sliced strawberries. Arrange them however you like—go for a pretty fan shape or pile them on for extra strawberry goodness!
Step 5: Finish with Whipped Cream
Top each dessert with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can either pipe it on for a decorative touch or spoon it on for a more casual look.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, and watch these waffle bowls disappear in no time! They’re perfect for a family dessert, a party, or just a treat to brighten your day.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls
For a Party or Special Occasion
These waffle bowls are so cute and elegant, making them perfect for serving at parties, bridal showers, or any special event. They look gorgeous and are guaranteed to impress your guests.
As a Sweet Breakfast Treat
You don’t have to save these waffle bowls for dessert—serve them as a sweet breakfast or brunch option! Top them with fresh berries, a drizzle of syrup, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a treat to start the day.
With Coffee or Tea
Pair these with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the strawberries and the creamy cheesecake filling is perfectly complemented by a warm beverage.
For Gifting
If you’re looking to share a special treat, these little bowls are also a fun gift idea! Make them for a loved one or wrap up a batch of pre-assembled waffle bowls with the filling and toppings on the side for a DIY dessert kit.
Additional Tips
Customize the Fruit
If strawberries aren’t your thing (though, I can’t imagine why!), you can use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of all three. Get creative with your toppings!
Make It Ahead
You can make the waffle bowls and cheesecake filling ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble right before serving for a quick and easy dessert.
Use a Whipped Cream Dispenser
For a super smooth, professional-looking whipped cream topping, use a whipped cream dispenser. It’ll give your dessert an extra touch of elegance.
Add a Crunchy Twist
Want a little extra crunch? You can sprinkle crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, or even a few chopped nuts over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this dessert in advance?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the waffle bowls and cheesecake filling ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the dessert just before serving.
Q2: Can I use store-bought waffle bowls?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought waffle bowls are a convenient shortcut and will work perfectly for this recipe.
Q3: Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
A3: Yes! You can swap out the strawberries for any fruit you prefer, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just make sure the fruit is ripe and fresh for the best flavor.
Q4: How long do the waffle bowls stay crisp?
A4: The waffle bowls are best served the same day for the perfect crispiness. If stored for too long, they may soften, but they’ll still taste great!
Q5: Can I make the cheesecake filling dairy-free?
A5: Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the heavy cream to make this recipe dairy-free. The texture and taste may vary, but it will still be delicious!
Q6: How do I make the whipped cream?
A6: Whipped cream is easy to make! Just beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. You can also use store-bought whipped cream for convenience.
Q7: Can I use a different type of sweetener for the cheesecake filling?
A7: If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or stevia in place of powdered sugar. Just adjust to taste.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the waffle bowls and cheesecake filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble them just before serving.
Q9: Can I freeze these waffle bowls?
A9: Yes! You can freeze the waffle bowls and cheesecake filling separately, then assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
Q10: Can I make these without a waffle bowl maker?
A10: Definitely! You can make waffle bowls with regular waffles by folding them while they’re still warm or use mini waffle cones as an alternative. Just be sure to get them crispy!
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls are the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or just making a sweet treat to brighten your day, these little bowls will steal the show. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and totally customizable, so get creative and enjoy!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Waffle Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 15–20 truffles (depending on size) 1x
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Truffles are rich, creamy, and packed with the flavors of strawberry shortcake. With a smooth, buttery center made from shortbread cookies, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, all coated in a sweet white chocolate shell, these bite-sized treats will be a hit at any party or special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Truffle Filling:
- 1 cup shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder (or fresh strawberries, finely chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Coating:
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped (or white chocolate chips)
- 1/2 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smooth coating)
For Garnish (optional):
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or shortbread crumbs
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional for extra flair)
Instructions
-
For the Truffle Filling:
- Prepare the Crumbs:
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed shortbread cookies and freeze-dried strawberry powder (or finely chopped fresh strawberries). Stir to combine.
- Make the Creamy Center:
- Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cookie-strawberry mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Heavy Cream:
- Gradually add the heavy cream to the mixture and stir until the dough is smooth and easy to roll into balls. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Shape the Truffles:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all truffles are shaped, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to firm up.
For the Coating:
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate with the coconut oil or vegetable shortening (if using). Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Truffles:
- Dip each chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork or skewer to remove the truffle from the chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Return the coated truffle to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish the Truffles:
- While the white chocolate coating is still soft, sprinkle each truffle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, shortbread crumbs, or edible glitter for extra decoration.
- Set the Coating:
- Let the truffles sit at room temperature for a few minutes to set, then refrigerate them for another 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is fully hardened.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once set, your Strawberry Shortcake Truffles are ready to serve! Enjoy these delightful bite-sized treats that are perfect for any occasion!
- Prepare the Crumbs:
Notes
- You can make these truffles with any kind of cookies you like, but shortbread works particularly well for the classic shortcake flavor.
- For a smoother texture, use finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh strawberries, which can introduce excess moisture.
- If you prefer a darker chocolate coating, feel free to use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required, just melting chocolate
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg