
Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) are hands-down one of my favorite crowd-pleasing desserts—imagine the juiciest strawberries, hollowed and piped full of silky cheesecake cream! These adorable bites are as easy and impressive as they sound, and trust me: they disappear in a flash at every gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake & Easy: All you need is a quick whip of a mixer and some simple prep—no oven, no fuss, just pure fun!
- Showstopping Looks: Every bite looks ultra fancy thanks to the piped cheesecake swirl and pretty sprinkle of graham crumbs.
- Fresh and Creamy: Sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese offer the perfect balance—refreshing, rich, and not overly sweet.
- Totally Customizable: You can tweak the filling or toppings to suit your cravings or dietary needs (and kiddos love helping, too!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy about making Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling); the magic lies in using only a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature creamy, vibrant, and delightfully fresh bite.
- Large Strawberries: Choose plump, ripe berries—look for ones uniform in size for the prettiest, most scoopable “cups”.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds a cloud-like lightness to the cheesecake filling—whip it to stiff peaks for the ultimate creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese (softened): This is the heart of your cheesecake filling! Let it come to room temp for easy mixing and extra-smooth results.
- Sour Cream: Just a bit gives the filling that subtle tangy note that sets apart great cheesecake.
- White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the natural flavor of the strawberries.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze brightens the filling and adds zing; totally up to your preference.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: They mimic classic cheesecake crust and lend a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Variations
Once you’ve tried these Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) as written, feel free to let your creativity (or dietary needs) take the reins. They’re beautifully versatile, and a breeze to customize based on what you have or love!
- Low Carb Version: Substitute sugar with your favorite low-carb sweetener and skip the graham crumbs to cut carbs without sacrificing creaminess.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips on top, or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished strawberries for an elegant touch.
- Dairy-Free: Swap in dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipping cream for a completely dairy-free but still luscious treat.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the filling for a fresh, sunshiny twist that takes the flavor up a notch.
How to Make Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling)
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing and drying your strawberries thoroughly, then slice off the green tops. Cut each berry in half lengthwise so you have two beautiful, sturdy “boats.” To keep your strawberries upright once filled, cut a tiny sliver off the rounded back of each half so they don’t tip. With a small melon baller or the tip of a teaspoon, gently scoop out just enough of the center to hold the creamy filling.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a medium mixing bowl and beat it with a hand mixer (or stand mixer with the whisk attachment) on medium-high until you reach stiff peaks—about 5 minutes. This step gives your cheesecake filling that featherlight body everyone raves about.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate large bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and the (optional but fabulous) squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until completely smooth and free of lumps—this will be your creamy, tangy cheesecake base.
Step 4: Fold and Fill
Gently fold your freshly whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until you have a unified, pillowy filling. Transfer it to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (I love a star tip for that classic look!). Pipe a generous swirl onto each hollowed strawberry half, right up to the edges.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Finish each piped strawberry with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for that cheesecake crunch. Arrange them artfully on a platter—bonus points if you serve them straight away, when the filling is at its fluffiest! Enjoy the “oohs” and “aahs” as these Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) disappear before your eyes.
Pro Tips for Making Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling)
- Strawberry Selection: Use the ripest, firmest strawberries for easy scooping and the best contrast with the luscious filling.
- Perfect Whipped Cream: For ultra-stable peaks, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand—firm cream means the filling holds its shape longer.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Allow your cream cheese to soften on the counter so your cheesecake filling whips up ultra-smooth, no lumps!
- Prep Ahead Trick: If you’re prepping ahead, fill just before serving so the strawberries stay perky and don’t release any extra juice onto your platter.
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling)
Garnishes
I love finishing these with a generous shower of graham cracker crumbs for that tiny cheesecake crunch, but you could make them even fancier with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, a tiny mint leaf, or even a few lemon zest curls. Each little touch takes these Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) from lovely to unforgettable!
Side Dishes
Entertaining a crowd? Pair these with a bowl of fresh mixed berries, a pitcher of lemonade, or a tray of mini quiches or savory finger foods. Their light, creamy sweetness works wonders after a heavier meal, or as part of a spring brunch or picnic spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, arrange the Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) in neat rows on a chic white platter, nestle them into mini cupcake liners for grab-and-go parties, or go buffet-style and let guests add their own toppings. For date night, serve them piled high in a vintage sundae glass with extra graham crumbs and a single strawberry leaf on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and it’s a big if!) you have leftovers, arrange the filled strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container with a little paper towel underneath to catch any excess moisture. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but are definitely at their fluffiest when enjoyed the day they’re made.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for these Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling), as strawberries lose their texture after thawing and the cheesecake filling can separate. If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze only the cheesecake filling (without strawberries), then thaw in the fridge and pipe onto fresh berries right before serving.
Reheating
There’s no reheating needed for this crowd-pleaser; enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for the most refreshing treat! If the cheesecake filling firms up a bit, just let the strawberries rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prep the hollowed strawberries and the cheesecake filling up to a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately, then pipe the filling and garnish just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
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What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If you’re out of graham crackers or want to experiment, try crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread, or even a sprinkle of your favorite granola. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies or keep the strawberries unadorned.
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Why did my cheesecake filling turn out runny instead of fluffy?
The most common culprits are under-whipped cream, overly warm cream cheese, or not folding the whipped cream in gently. Make sure your cream forms stiff peaks and that the cream cheese is soft but not melted. Take your time gently folding them together to preserve that glorious fluffiness!
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How many Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) does one batch make?
The yield depends on the size of your strawberries, but typically you’ll fill about 18-24 large berry halves (sometimes a few more)—so plan for a generous platter or adjust as needed for your crowd.
Final Thoughts
Ready for a dessert that’s as easy to love as it is to make? Try Deviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) at your next get-together or just because—they’ll bring oohs, ahhs, and plenty of smiles. I can’t wait for you to share this little burst of berry bliss with the people you love!
PrintDeviled Strawberries (Made with a Cheesecake Filling) Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 deviled strawberries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these delightful Deviled Strawberries filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture for a sweet and tangy treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Strawberries:
- 18–24 large strawberries
Cheesecake Filling:
- 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
- Prep the Strawberries: Cut off the stems, slice in half, and hollow out the middle.
- Whipped Cream: Beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Cheesecake Filling: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine: Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill Strawberries: Pipe cream cheese mixture onto each strawberry half.
- Finish: Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use a low-carb sweetener and skip the graham crackers.
- The amount of strawberries needed depends on their size.
- The cream cheese mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Strawberries can be prepped a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 deviled strawberry
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg