Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are a delightful, no-bake treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple indulgence, these bite-sized desserts are both elegant and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
- No-Bake Delight: Ideal for warm days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
- Elegant Presentation: These stuffed strawberries make for a beautiful and impressive dessert display.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various toppings to suit your taste.
- Perfect Portion Control: Each strawberry is a bite-sized indulgence, helping you manage servings effortlessly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- Graham cracker crumbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and dry the strawberries. Remove the stems and carefully hollow out the centers using a paring knife or melon baller.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Fill the Strawberries: Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the filling into each hollowed strawberry, allowing a small mound to form on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the filled strawberries for added texture and flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the stuffed strawberries for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 stuffed strawberries
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the stuffed strawberries for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, over the filling for added crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling for a delightful surprise in every bite.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the strawberries and filling may change upon thawing.
- Reheating: Not applicable; serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture and freshness, it’s recommended to serve them the same day.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for this recipe, as frozen ones may become too soft and release excess moisture upon thawing.
How do I prevent the filling from being runny?
Ensure the heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks and gently folded into the cream cheese mixture to maintain a thick consistency.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used as a substitute for homemade whipped cream.
What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?
A resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off can serve as a makeshift piping bag.
Are there low-fat alternatives for the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but note that the texture may be slightly different.
Can I add flavorings to the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate flavors like almond extract, citrus zest, or cocoa powder to customize the filling.
How do I hollow out the strawberries without damaging them?
Use a small paring knife or a melon baller to carefully remove the centers, taking care not to puncture the sides.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, by using a sugar substitute and omitting the graham cracker crumbs, you can create a keto-friendly version.
What occasions are best for serving Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries?
These treats are perfect for parties, bridal showers, Valentine’s Day, or any occasion where you want an elegant yet easy dessert.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are a simple yet sophisticated dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cheesecake. Their ease of preparation and delightful presentation make them a go-to choice for various occasions. Enjoy this sweet treat and feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.
Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are a quick, no-bake treat that’s as cute as it is delicious! Juicy strawberries are filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and topped with crushed graham crackers. Perfect for parties, Valentine’s Day, or a simple sweet snack.
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Prepare the strawberries:
Rinse and dry the strawberries. Slice off the green tops and use a small knife or strawberry huller to carefully scoop out the centers. -
Make the cheesecake filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. -
Fill the strawberries:
Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the filling into each hollowed-out strawberry. -
Top and serve:
Sprinkle the tops with crushed graham crackers. Chill for 1530 minutes before serving, or enjoy right away.
Notes
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Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a blueberry on top for extra flair.
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Keep chilled until ready to serve.
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Use a hand mixer for a smoother filling.
