Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries Recipe

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This delightful Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries treat offers a clever twist on traditional deviled treats and combines two of my beloved favorites delightfully and elegantly. Imagine biting into a plump, sweet strawberry filled with creamy cheesecake goodness—perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself on a quiet evening. The best part? It’s straightforward to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and no baking.

How to make Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries

Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a fun and delicious twist on the classic deviled eggs, but instead of eggs, the “deviled” filling is a cheesecake-inspired mixture. They combine the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy, cheesecake-like filling for a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional for added tang)

For the Strawberries:

• 1 pound (about 16-20) large fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
• Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

1. Start by washing your strawberries and gently patting them dry with paper towels.
2. Remove the stems and use a melon baller or small spoon to create a small hollow in the strawberry, being careful not to puncture the sides.
3. With a small cut off the tip of the strawberry, ensure they can stand upright on a plate or platter.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms medium-stiff peaks.
4. Gently fold in the whipped cream (and sour cream, if using) into the cream cheese mixture until well integrated. You want the filling to be light and fluffy.

3. Fill the Strawberries:

1. Spoon the cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just fine.
2. Pipe the cheesecake filling into the hollowed strawberries, filling them generously so the filling slightly overflows.

4. Garnish:

1. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the cheesecake filling for that quintessential cheesecake crust effect. If you’re looking for a little green, a small mint leaf can be placed on top for aesthetic appeal.
2. Your Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are ready to be served immediately. If not serving immediately, refrigerate the strawberries to keep the filling firm.

Tips:

• Strawberry Size: Choose large strawberries to ensure there’s enough room for a decent amount of filling.
• Keeping It Neat: Stand hollowed strawberries in an egg carton while you prepare the filling. It keeps them from rolling around.
• Consistency Matters: Ensure your whipped cream is not overwhipped; otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve a smooth consistency when folding it into the cream cheese.
• Storing: If preparing in advance, store the filled strawberries in the fridge for up to 1 day. The fresher, the better!

What to serve with

Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a versatile treat that pairs well with various complementary foods and beverages, turning any meal or gathering into a more memorable occasion.

Beverage Pairings:

1. Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The bubbles and slight acidity of a good sparkling wine or Champagne cut through the cheesecake’s creaminess, making for a refreshing pairing.

2. Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso provides a delightful contrast to the sweet and rich flavors of the strawberries and cheesecake filling.

3. Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade offers a sweet, tangy accompaniment that enhances the freshness of the strawberries.

Dessert Pairings:

1. Chocolate Fondue: Offering a side of chocolate fondue with your Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries allows guests to dip or drizzle chocolate over their strawberries, combining two classic flavors.

2. Mini Cheesecakes: If you’re serving a dessert spread, mini cheesecakes alongside your stuffed strawberries create a delightful variation in cheesecake textures and forms.

3. Assorted Fruit Platter: Complement your Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries with a platter of assorted fresh fruits. The variety of colors and flavors will enhance the overall dining experience.

Savory Pairings:

1. Cheese Board: A well-curated selection of cheeses, alongside nuts and honey, can complement the sweet strawberries—the contrast between savory and sweet tickles the palate in the most delightful way.

2. Charcuterie Platter: Similarly, a charcuterie platter with various meats, cheeses, and crackers offers a savory balance to the sweetness of the cheesecake strawberries, ideal for a gathering or party.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are an elegant and tasty treat that can easily be adapted to cater to different dietary needs or preferences by substituting some of the traditional ingredients.

Strawberries:

Substitute: Strawberries are the dish’s foundation, so they cannot be substituted directly in this recipe. However, to switch things up, you could try the cheesecake filling in hollowed-out peaches, apricots, or halved plums for a unique twist.

Cream Cheese:

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use vegan cream cheese, which can be found in most grocery stores. Brands such as Daiya, Kite Hill, and Tofutti offer substitutes.
• Lower Fat Option: Opt for Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar flavor and texture to cream cheese but with lower fat content.

Powdered Sugar:

• Healthier Option: Substitute powdered sugar with a powdered alternative sweetener like Swerve or stevia. The sweetness level may vary, so adjust to taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Check your powdered sugar label; some brands are not vegan due to the manufacturing process. Use an explicitly labeled vegan powdered sugar to ensure it fits with a dairy-free diet.

Vanilla Extract:

Substitute: If you’re out of vanilla extract, try using almond extract, maple syrup, or seeds scraped from a vanilla pod. Be cautious with almond extract as it has a stronger flavor; use a smaller amount.

Graham Crackers (for garnishing):

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crumbled gluten-free cookies for a similar texture and taste.
• Healthier Option: For a lower sugar or whole grain topping, consider crushed nuts like pecans or almonds.

Butter (for graham cracker crumb mixture):

• Dairy-Free Substitute: Use a plant-based butter or margarine that’s suitable for vegans.
• Healthier Option: You could use coconut oil for a slightly healthier option, though it will impart a coconutty flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries recipe combines the classic flavors of cheesecake and strawberries to create a sophisticated, no-bake dessert that is sure to impress. 

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Philadelphia 3 Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake