If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing, show-stopping dessert, Deviled Strawberries are your new best friend. Imagine juicy strawberries bursting with sweet-tart flavor, each one filled with an irresistibly creamy, cheesecake-like filling and topped off with a buttery shower of graham cracker crumbs—totally addictive and guaranteed to make you the star of any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely No-Bake: Skip the oven—Deviled Strawberries are refreshingly cool and come together without a moment of baking.
- Cheesecake Flavor, Lightened Up: Get all the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake but in a fun, bite-sized, fresh-fruit package.
- Showstopper Appeal: These vibrant, piped strawberries are a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds—perfect for parties and potlucks!
- Quick and Easy: With simple prep and everyday ingredients, you’ll have an impressive treat in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to build layers of luscious flavor and texture in these Deviled Strawberries. Each one plays a starring role, from the juicy berries to the velvety, tangy cream filling—don’t skip a thing!
- Large Strawberries: Choose the ripest, biggest ones you can find—they’re the “shell” for all that creamy filling.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds airiness and a dreamy, mousse-like lightness to your cheesecake filling.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Rich, tangy, and oh-so-creamy—it’s the backbone of the filling, so make sure it’s at room temp for ultra-smooth results.
- Sour Cream: Lends a subtle tang and helps make the filling extra silky.
- White Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the zing of the berries and cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings that classic dessert aroma you love.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): Brightens everything up—if you love a little citrus snap, don’t skip this!
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle on top for a classic cheesecake touch and a hint of crunch.
Variations
One of the very best things about Deviled Strawberries? You can twist, swap, and personalize this recipe ten different ways based on what you love or have on hand. Channel your inner creative chef and have fun!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips into the filling, or drizzle the finished berries with melted chocolate.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based cream cheese, coconut cream for whipping, and non-dairy sour cream so everyone can indulge.
- Lemon Cheesecake Strawberries: Up the lemon juice and add zest for a bright, citrusy punch.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or toasted pecans over the graham cracker crumbs for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
How to Make Deviled Strawberries
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing and drying your strawberries. Slice off the stems, then cut each berry in half lengthwise. To help them “sit” pretty on a platter, shave a little sliver off the back of each half. Now, use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully scoop a little cavity out of the center for your indulgent filling—it only takes a small indent!
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl and, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip it until stiff peaks hold their shape. This usually takes about five minutes—watch it transform into pillowy clouds right under your mixer’s beaters.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and (if using) lemon juice until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and completely lump-free. The aroma at this point is dessert heaven!
Step 4: Fold & Fill
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture—go slowly, so you keep every bit of that luscious fluff. Then transfer the finished filling to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) and pipe generous swirls into the hollowed strawberries.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Finish by sprinkling graham cracker crumbs over every creamy mound. This classic cheesecake touch gives each Deviled Strawberry a delightfully buttery finish. All that’s left? Admire your handiwork and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Deviled Strawberries
- Berry Picking 101: For the most stunning Deviled Strawberries, handpick large, firm berries—they’ll hold their filling and wow your guests with every bite.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese soften at room temp—this makes your filling ultra-smooth and easy to pipe.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Stop mixing as soon as you reach stiff peaks; overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture instead of that dreamy fluff.
- Pipe Like a Pro: A star tip makes those pretty swirls, but don’t stress if you only have a zip-top bag—the berries will still be gorgeous (and delicious!).
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs is essential for cheesecake vibes, but why stop there? Try dusting with powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a hint of lemon zest to make your Deviled Strawberries sparkle and shine on the platter.
Side Dishes
Pair your Deviled Strawberries with a fruit salad, champagne, or a platter of chocolate-dipped pretzels for a swoon-worthy dessert spread. They also mingle beautifully on a brunch buffet alongside pastries and coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Line them up on a tiered dessert stand for a dramatic effect, or nestle each strawberry half into a mini cupcake liner for easy, grab-and-go party style. For romantic occasions, arrange them in a heart shape on a serving tray—Deviled Strawberries really are love at first bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Deviled Strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours while the berries are still firm and the filling is fresh, but I won’t judge if you sneak one for breakfast the next day!
Freezing
While technically you can freeze Deviled Strawberries, it’s not ideal—the fruit tends to become watery and lose its lovely texture after thawing. For the creamiest results, enjoy them fresh!
Reheating
No reheating required—these are meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge! If they’ve been stored, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up for that ultra-creamy bite.
FAQs
-
Do I need to hull the strawberries deeply for Deviled Strawberries?
No deep hull required—just a small cavity is enough to hold the filling. If you scoop out too much, the berries may collapse or become tricky to handle once filled.
-
Can I make Deviled Strawberries in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prep and fill the strawberries up to several hours ahead, then cover and chill until you’re ready to serve. Add the graham cracker crumb topping just before serving to keep them crisp.
-
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No piping bag, no problem! Just snip the corner off a zip-lock bag and pipe the filling—your Deviled Strawberries will look and taste just as amazing.
-
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are the way to go for Deviled Strawberries, since frozen ones will be too soft and watery once thawed—save those for smoothies instead.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like serving Deviled Strawberries to win hearts and spark joy at your table. Bursting with flavor and creamy decadence, they’re the kind of treat you’ll come back to again and again—give them a try and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Print
Deviled Strawberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 deviled strawberries 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deviled Strawberries are a delightful twist on traditional deviled eggs, featuring sweet strawberries filled with a creamy, tangy mixture and topped with graham cracker crumbs. These elegant treats are perfect for parties, brunches, or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Strawberries:
- 18–24 large strawberries
Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Additional:
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries: Cut off the stems and slice the strawberries in half. Trim a small sliver off the back of each half to create a flat base. Hollow out the center slightly with a melon baller.
- Whip the Cream: In a medium bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Fill the Strawberries: Pipe or spoon the cream cheese mixture onto each strawberry half.
- Finish: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the filled strawberries.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious deviled strawberries!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 deviled strawberry
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
