COLORFUL
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are a decadent treat that everyone is sure to love. This delightful concoction marries the natural sweetness and freshness of ripe strawberries with the creamy taste of cheesecake filling, then dipped in melted chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients:
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 24
- 2 lbs Fresh Strawberries
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Block, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Graham Crackers
- 1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
- Prep the Strawberries: First, wash the strawberries thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels. Using a small knife, carefully remove the stems and hollow out the center of each strawberry to make room for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then put them in the fridge.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Put this bowl in the fridge so the cheesecake filling can set up.
- Prepare the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip the Strawberries: Take the strawberries out of the fridge and dip the bottom into the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off. Place the dipped strawberries back on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Repeat until all the strawberries are chocolate dipped then chill in the fridge for 15 more minutes until chocolate is hardened.
- Fill the Strawberries: Next, spoon the cold cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Gently fill each hollowed-out strawberry with the cheesecake mixture. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner cut off will work as well. *Make sure to resist the urge to over fill, fill the center and pipe a bit above the lip otherwise the cream cheese filling will be too top heavy.
- Garnish with Graham Crackers: Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the piped cheesecake filling. This will add a nice crunch and mimic the crust of a traditional cheesecake.
- Chill: Place the strawberries in the refrigerator or serve right away!
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
These treats are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 24 hours. These don’t freeze well so use that as an excuse to eat them all in one sitting.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These can be prepared a few hours before your event. Just follow the steps up to the chilling after dipping in chocolate, leaving the filling and garnishing until just before serving. This will keep everything fresh and prevent the strawberries from becoming too soggy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Different Flavors? Mix in a bit of lemon zest or almond extract into the filling for a twist.
- Nutty Crunch? Replace graham crackers with crushed nuts for an added texture.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Choosing Strawberries: Look for large, firm strawberries. They’re easier to fill and hold up better.
- Piping Tips: No piping bag? No problem. A zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just as well. Just make sure the hole isn’t too big or too small.
- Melting Chocolate: Keep a close eye on your chocolate when melting it. Chocolate can burn easily, and there’s nothing sadder than having to start over because of burnt chocolate.
Try Some of our Other Favorite Strawberry Recipes
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs Fresh Strawberries
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Block, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Graham Crackers
- 1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep the Strawberries: First, wash the strawberries thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels. Using a small knife, carefully remove the stems and hollow out the center of each strawberry to make room for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then put them in the fridge.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Put this bowl in the fridge so the cheesecake filling can set up.
- Prepare the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip the Strawberries: Take the strawberries out of the fridge and dip the bottom into the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off. Place the dipped strawberries back on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Repeat until all the strawberries are chocolate dipped then chill in the fridge for 15 more minutes until chocolate is hardened.
- Fill the Strawberries: Next, spoon the cold cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Gently fill each hollowed-out strawberry with the cheesecake mixture. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner cut off will work as well. *Make sure to resist the urge to over fill, fill the center and pipe a bit above the lip otherwise the cream cheese filling will be too top heavy.
- Garnish with Graham Crackers: Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the piped cheesecake filling. This will add a nice crunch and mimic the crust of a traditional cheesecake.
- Chill: Place the strawberries in the refrigerator or serve right away!
NOTES
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These can be prepared a few hours before your event. Just follow the steps up to the chilling after dipping in chocolate, leaving the filling and garnishing until just before serving. This will keep everything fresh and prevent the strawberries from becoming too soggy.Substitutions & Variations
- Different Flavors? Mix in a bit of lemon zest or almond extract into the filling for a twist.
- Nutty Crunch? Replace graham crackers with crushed nuts for an added texture.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Choosing Strawberries: Look for large, firm strawberries. They’re easier to fill and hold up better.
- Piping Tips: No piping bag? No problem. A zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just as well. Just make sure the hole isn’t too big or too small.
- Melting Chocolate: Keep a close eye on your chocolate when melting it. Chocolate can burn easily, and there’s nothing sadder than having to start over because of burnt chocolate.