Description
This playful twist on a classic dessert transforms large, sweet strawberries into bite‐sized indulgences. Each strawberry is hollowed and filled with a smooth, tangy cream cheese mixture reminiscent of cheesecake, then finished with a “deviled” touch that contrasts the natural fruity sweetness with a hint of zesty brightness. Perfect as an appetizer or a light dessert, these no-bake treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- Strawberries: 12 large, ripe strawberries
- Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup (softened to room temperature)
- Powdered Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (plus a few drops of fresh lemon juice, optional)
- Optional Garnish: A light dusting of finely chopped pistachios or a small mint leaf per strawberry
Instructions
Prep the Strawberries:
- Rinse the strawberries and gently pat dry.
- Using a small paring knife or a melon baller, carefully remove the stem and a small portion of the interior to create a cavity. Reserve the removed flesh for another use (like blending into a sauce) if desired.
Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest (plus a drop or two of lemon juice if you like extra tang).
- Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Fill the Strawberries:
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into each strawberry cavity.
- Fill generously so that the creamy center slightly overflows at the top.
Garnish and Chill:
- Optionally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of chopped pistachios or place a small mint leaf atop each filled strawberry for color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The deviled strawberries can be prepared a few hours in advance; keep them chilled until ready to serve.
- Filling Variations: For a richer flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of almond extract or a small amount of finely grated lemon peel.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange on a decorative platter and consider serving with a drizzle of honey or a balsamic reduction for added sophistication.
- Substitutions: Use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version (adjust sweetness as needed).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
- Category: Dessert / Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake, Assembly
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed strawberry
- Calories: ~45 kcal
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~15 mg
- Fat: ~3 g
- Saturated Fat: ~1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~6 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~1 g
- Cholesterol: ~10 mg