If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines freshness, creaminess, and a hint of tang, the Deviled Strawberries Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These little beauties are an exciting twist on classic deviled treats, featuring sweet juicy strawberries filled with a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream mixture, topped with crunchy graham crackers for the perfect texture contrast. It’s an incredibly easy yet impressive dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a spectacular bite that’s ideal for parties, brunches, or just a special treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for the success of this Deviled Strawberries Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creamy richness, bright citrus notes, or that delightful crisp topping. You’ll find that these simple staples work harmoniously to deliver a dessert that’s light, flavorful, and undeniably delicious.
- Strawberries: Select 18-24 large, ripe strawberries for the best balance of sweetness and juiciness.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipping this into stiff peaks provides the airy texture that lightens the filling beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Use an 8 oz package, softened to ensure a smooth and creamy filling base.
- Sour cream: Adds just the right tang to balance the sweetness and create depth of flavor.
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the fresh strawberries.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Fresh lemon juice (optional): A tablespoon contributes a subtle brightness that lifts the cream filling.
- Crushed graham crackers: Half a cup sprinkled on top creates a delightful crunch and adds a hint of buttery flavor.
How to Make Deviled Strawberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by removing the stems from your strawberries and slicing them in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully scoop out a small portion from the center of each half to create space for the filling. This not only makes room for the creamy mixture but also adds a charming, inviting look to your deviled strawberries.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Next, take the heavy whipping cream and whisk it vigorously until you see stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape firmly without collapsing. The whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to the filling, making each bite decadently smooth yet fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if you’re using it. Mix this combo thoroughly until it’s silky smooth and free of lumps. This mixture will bring creaminess and a lovely tang to your deviled strawberries, complementing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix because you want to keep the airiness of the whipped cream intact. The folding action helps maintain a light texture while perfectly blending all the flavors together.
Step 5: Fill the Strawberries
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each hollowed strawberry half generously with the cream cheese filling. The creamy white filling contrasting with the vibrant red strawberry halves looks absolutely stunning and feels luscious when eaten.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the filled strawberries to add an irresistible crunch. This final touch brings in texture and a buttery flavor that rounds out the deviled strawberries beautifully. Serve these immediately to enjoy the contrast of crisp freshness and creamy sweetness at their best.
How to Serve Deviled Strawberries Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Deviled Strawberries Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These additions add visual appeal and fresh herbal notes or subtle sweetness that enhances the dessert even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. The strawberries’ sweet and tangy profile complements bright, fresh flavors, making your whole meal feel balanced and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the deviled strawberries on a pretty platter lined with fresh green leaves or edible flowers. You could also set up a DIY deviled strawberry bar where guests can add their own toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of honey. It turns a simple recipe into an interactive and festive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the deviled strawberries in an airtight container and refrigerate. They are best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep the strawberries fresh and the filling from becoming watery.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the full deviled strawberries since the texture of the fresh strawberries changes and the cream filling doesn’t freeze well. Instead, freeze whipped cream and cream cheese mixture components separately if you want to prep parts of the recipe ahead.
Reheating
Since this dessert is served chilled, reheating is unnecessary. Simply take the deviled strawberries out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors mellow slightly for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are definitely best for this Deviled Strawberries Recipe because frozen berries tend to release water and become mushy, which can affect the texture and presentation.
Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tanginess and creaminess with a bit more protein.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The prep time is around 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option that you can whip up even on a busy day.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut-based whipped cream, plus substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt. The strawberries themselves are naturally vegan and delicious.
What is the best way to pipe the cream filling?
A piping bag fitted with a star or round tip works wonderfully, but if you don’t have one, a plastic zip-top bag with a small corner cut off will do the trick perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Deviled Strawberries Recipe is like suddenly discovering a whole new way to enjoy a beloved fruit. It’s easy, fresh, and irresistibly delicious, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this little gem with your friends and family—because incredibly tasty moments like this deserve to be enjoyed together.
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Deviled Strawberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully creamy and refreshing Deviled Strawberries, featuring fresh strawberry halves filled with a luscious whipped cream and cream cheese mixture, topped with a crunchy graham cracker sprinkle. Perfect for a light dessert or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 18–24 large strawberries
Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Cut off the stems from the strawberries and slice each berry in half. Using a melon baller, carefully remove a small portion of the center from each half to create a cavity for the filling.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream using a mixer until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds firm peaks when the beaters are lifted.
- Make the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the stiffly whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining them carefully to maintain the airy texture.
- Fill the Strawberries: Using a piping bag or small spoon, pipe or scoop the cream cheese filling into the hollowed centers of each strawberry half, filling them generously but neatly.
- Add the Topping and Serve: Sprinkle the filled strawberries with crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make blending easier and smoother.
- The lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the strawberries fresh and crisp.
- Can be prepared slightly ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 hour but graham crackers garnish is best added just before serving to retain crunch.
