Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries: Indulgent cream cheese filling inside juicy strawberries. Quick, decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 large fresh strawberries (approximately 2 pints)
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, melted (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries Begin by thoroughly washing the strawberries under cool running water, then gently pat them dry with paper towels. Using a small paring knife, carefully cut off the leafy top of each strawberry, creating a flat surface so they can stand upright. Next, hollow out the center of each berry by inserting the tip of your knife about ¾ of the way into the strawberry, then rotate the berry or knife to create a small cavity. Be careful not to cut through the bottom or sides of the berry. Place the prepared strawberries cut-side down on paper towels to remove any excess moisture while you prepare the filling.
- Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until well incorporated and the mixture becomes fluffy, approximately another minute. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) until just combined. Taste the filling and adjust sweetness if needed. Transfer the cheesecake mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If the mixture seems too soft, refrigerate the filled piping bag for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Step 3: Fill the Strawberries Turn the hollowed strawberries upright on your serving platter. Carefully pipe the cheesecake filling into each strawberry cavity, creating a decorative swirl that rises slightly above the top of the berry. Continue until all strawberries are filled. The filling should be generous but neat—aim for an elegant dome shape on each berry.
- Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches Sprinkle the filled strawberries with graham cracker crumbs, gently pressing the crumbs into the filling to help them adhere. If using melted chocolate, drizzle it lightly over the filled strawberries using a fork or small piping bag. For best presentation, refrigerate the completed Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed strawberry
- Calories: 68 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 49mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 12mg