If you’re searching for a playful, stunning treat that bursts with berry flavor, Deviled Strawberries are your answer. Imagine juicy, halved strawberries, each lovingly filled with a tangy, cheesecake-inspired cream, and finished with a sprinkle of graham cracker and chocolate. They’re adorable, totally no-bake, and almost too easy to devour. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a party, spoiling your family for brunch, or simply treating yourself, Deviled Strawberries are a wow-worthy showstopper you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Deviled Strawberries plays a starring role—each one adds something special, whether that’s bold flavor, rich texture, or a color pop. The best part? You’ll only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find items to make this treat really shine!
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose plump, ripe berries as the base for your beautiful bites—they’re naturally sweet and hold up perfectly to the filling.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy heart of this recipe, it delivers that irresistible, tangy cheesecake flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling and gives it a luscious, smooth texture that pipes like a dream.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out both the strawberry and cream cheese flavors.
- Lemon Juice (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of citrus lifts everything and balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- Crushed Graham Crackers (1/2 cup): Brings that classic cheesecake crunch and a little touch of nostalgia.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Shaved Chocolate (2 tablespoons, optional): For a hint of decadence and a pretty finish—totally optional, but hard to resist!
How to Make Deviled Strawberries
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Give your strawberries a good rinse, then pat them completely dry (this keeps the filling from sliding around later!). Hull each berry and slice them in half lengthwise. Gently use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop a little crater into the cut side of each half, creating a perfect pocket for your creamy filling. Take care not to dig too deep—you want them sturdy enough to hold everything together.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice together until creamy, fluffy, and smooth. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results—the goal is a light and airy filling that pipes easily and tastes decadent.
Step 3: Fill the Strawberry Halves
Spoon your filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped for a quick hack!). Pipe the dreamy cheesecake mixture onto the center of each strawberry half, creating pretty swirls that look just as good as they taste. No piping bag? A small spoon works too—just scoop and smooth the filling gently into place.
Step 4: Top and Chill
Sprinkle your filled Deviled Strawberries with crushed graham crackers for a little crunch and flavor magic. If you want to go big, scatter them with a few mini chocolate chips or a dusting of shaved chocolate. Pop the tray in the fridge for at least 20 minutes—this helps set the filling and enhances the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries
Garnishes
Deviled Strawberries love to dress up for the occasion! After chilling, dust them with a little extra powdered sugar, add a tiny mint leaf, or drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent touch. Those little details add both beauty and flavor to the finished platter.
Side Dishes
These berries are the ultimate sweet bite, but they shine even brighter alongside crunchy biscotti, shortbread cookies, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, arrange them with a fruit platter or pair with savory appetizers—the creamy filling balances everything wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra fun, display Deviled Strawberries in mini cupcake liners or small dessert cups for a party. Layer them in a trifle for a cheesecake-strawberry parfait twist, or create a color-popping “strawberry bouquet” by arranging them upright on a platter. However you serve them, you’re guaranteed lots of “oohs” and “aahs!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any extras (which is rare!), keep Deviled Strawberries covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Lay them in a single layer in an airtight container to preserve their shape and freshness—the filling will hold well, but the strawberries themselves are at their best the day they’re made.
Freezing
Freezing Deviled Strawberries isn’t recommended. Strawberries tend to release water and lose their texture after thawing, making the filling watery and the berries mushy. They’re meant to be enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and beauty.
Reheating
No heating needed! If you’ve chilled them thoroughly and want them slightly softer, let the Deviled Strawberries sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and intensify the fruity aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Deviled Strawberries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and fill Deviled Strawberries a few hours before serving. Keep them chilled and add any toppings just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t on hand, swap in crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a deliciously different twist.
Are Deviled Strawberries gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free graham crackers or skip the crumb topping altogether. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dessert for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I use a different sweetener in the filling?
Of course! You can substitute powdered sugar with a powdered sugar alternative (like Swerve) or sifted coconut sugar, keeping in mind that coloring and flavor will change slightly. Just make sure to use a powdered (not granular) option for that signature smooth, creamy texture.
What fillings can I try besides cream cheese?
Get creative! Mascarpone, sweetened ricotta, or even a whipped coconut cream all make wonderful alternatives for the cheesecake filling, letting you personalize Deviled Strawberries to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Deviled Strawberries are proof that the simplest recipes can sometimes bring the biggest smiles. Sweet, creamy, beautiful, and oh-so-fun to share, they’re bound to become a favorite at any gathering—or just as a treat for yourself! I can’t wait for you to try these and fall in love with every berry-filled bite.
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Deviled Strawberries Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed strawberry halves 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Deviled Strawberries are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert or appetizer that features fresh strawberries filled with a sweet and creamy cheesecake mixture, topped with graham crackers and chocolate. These no-bake treats are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and prepare the strawberries: Rinse and hull the strawberries, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small melon baller or spoon to gently scoop out a little center from each half to create space for filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy.
- Fill the Strawberries: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the filling into the center of each strawberry half.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and chocolate chips if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese.
- These are best served the same day but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- You can also drizzle with chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed strawberry halves
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
