Deviled strawberries are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. These little treats are simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet snack at home. Everyone will love the combination of flavors!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These deviled strawberries are not just tasty; they are also incredibly easy to whip up. You don’t need a fancy kitchen or complicated skills to create these delightful bites. They use everyday ingredients that you probably already have at home, making this a great choice for busy families. Plus, they take hardly any time to prepare, so you can enjoy them quickly!
How to Make Deviled Strawberries
Making deviled strawberries is straightforward and fun. You will start by preparing the strawberries, then mix the creamy filling. Finally, you pipe the filling into the strawberries. It’s a colorful and delightful dessert that comes together in no time!
What You Need
- 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
Step-by-Step
Prep the strawberries by cutting off the stems and slicing them in half. Next, cut a small sliver off the back of each strawberry half so they sit upright. Use a small melon baller to carefully hollow out the middle—just enough to create a little space for the creamy filling.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form (this takes about 5 minutes). In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice with an electric mixer until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake filling (using a star tip gives a nice look) and pipe it onto each strawberry half. Finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, then serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries
These deviled strawberries are perfect for any gathering. They make a great addition to dessert tables or serve as a refreshing treat for warm days. Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra special touch. They’re festive enough for celebrations yet simple enough for everyday snacking!
How to Store Deviled Strawberries
To keep your deviled strawberries fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and enjoy within two days for the best flavor and texture. You can make the filling ahead of time and store it separately if you want to prepare them on the day of serving. These treats don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Recipe Tips
- Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbeat the whipped cream; stop when stiff peaks form.
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and pipe it before serving.
- Use a melon baller carefully; too much hollowing will make strawberries fragile.
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can skip it or substitute with a splash of orange juice.
Variations & Swaps
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the filled strawberries for a rich twist.
- Nut Allergy Friendly: Instead of graham crackers, sprinkle crushed pretzels for a salty touch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a lighter version.
FAQs
Can I make these deviled strawberries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Pipe it into the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze deviled strawberries?
Freezing isn’t recommended as it can change the texture of the strawberries and filling. They are best enjoyed fresh!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use whipped topping or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, but keep in mind the texture may vary.
How can I personalize the flavors?
You can add a little cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate flavor or use flavored extracts instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened for smooth mixing. Also, avoid overfilling the strawberries as they can become messy.
Deviled Strawberries
Ingredients
For the Strawberries
- 18-24 large large strawberries Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream Do not overbeat; stop when stiff peaks form.
- 1 8 ounce package of cream cheese (softened) Make sure it is softened for smooth mixing.
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional) Can be substituted with orange juice.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs Can use crushed pretzels for a nut allergy friendly option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep the strawberries by cutting off the stems and slicing them in half. Cut a small sliver off the back of each half so they sit upright.
- Use a small melon baller to carefully hollow out the middle of each strawberry half to create a space for the filling.
Making the Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes).
- In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Assembly
- Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake filling and pipe it onto each strawberry half.
- Finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, then serve and enjoy!
