Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries are a delightful little treat that combine juicy, sweet strawberries with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. These bites are fresh and creamy all at once, making them a perfect mix of fruity and rich flavors that are super fun to eat. The contrast between the soft filling and the slightly firm strawberry shell makes each bite feel special.

I love making these when I want something that feels fancy but isn’t a lot of work. It’s so easy to hollow out the strawberries and whip up the cheesecake mix, which usually just takes a few minutes. I find the key is to chill them for a bit so the cheesecake filling gets nice and firm—that way they hold up well and slice cleanly if you want to share them. They’re always a hit at parties or just as a sweet, guilt-free snack at home.

One of my favorite things to do is serve them with a little drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for some extra texture and sweetness. They make a great bite-sized dessert when I want something fresh after dinner but don’t want to fuss with a full cheesecake. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy strawberries and dessert all in one go!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Strawberries: Fresh, large strawberries work best—they hold the filling well. If strawberries aren’t in season, try hollowed-out raspberries or even small hollowed peaches for a similar effect.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base for the creamy filling. For a lighter option, try using mascarpone or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey.

Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness without graininess. You can swap it with maple syrup or honey if you prefer natural sweeteners, but add a bit less to keep the filling thick.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add a nice crunch and cheesecake vibe. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well too.

How Do You Hollow Strawberries Without Breaking Them?

Hollowing strawberries can feel tricky because they’re delicate. Here’s a quick way to do it without making them fall apart:

• Start with fresh, firm strawberries, not overly ripe.
• Use a small paring knife or a strawberry huller if you have one.
• Carefully cut out the leafy top and remove some flesh from the center by twisting the knife or huller gently.
• Work slowly to avoid puncturing the outer strawberry shell.

Keeping the strawberries cold before hollowing also helps—they’re firmer and easier to handle.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Small paring knife or strawberry huller – I like using a paring knife because it gives me control to hollow out strawberries gently.
• Mixing bowl – a medium bowl is perfect for blending the cream cheese mixture smoothly.
• Hand mixer or spoon – a hand mixer makes quick work of mixing the filling, but a spoon works fine too.
• Piping bag or plastic zip-top bag – for neatly filling the strawberries, but you can also use a small spoon if needed.
• Serving platter – a nice plate or tray to display your stuffed strawberries for guests or yourself.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Mix in lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice into the filling for a fresh, tangy twist that brightens the flavor.
• Swirl in melted chocolate or add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolatey version.
• Use flavored extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla to add a different aroma and taste.
• Top with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra crunch and texture on top of the stuffed strawberries.

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Strawberries:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 20 large strawberries)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, plus extra for garnish

Optional Topping:

• Honey or caramel sauce, for drizzling

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes chilling time in the fridge to let the cheesecake filling set nicely inside the strawberries. So, plan on around 45 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

Wash and dry your strawberries well. Using a small paring knife or a strawberry huller, carefully hollow out the center of each strawberry by removing the green stem and some of the inside flesh. Create enough space to hold the cheesecake filling, but be gentle so the strawberries don’t break.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the graham cracker crumbs, saving a little to sprinkle on top later.

3. Fill the Strawberries:

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into each hollowed strawberry, filling them up until the tops look full and creamy.

4. Add Finishing Touches and Chill:

Place the stuffed strawberries on a serving plate. Lightly sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the tops. If you like, drizzle a bit of honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness and decoration. Chill the strawberries in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the filling firms up.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the cheesecake stuffed strawberries chilled. They’re easy to enjoy as a fresh, creamy little dessert or snack. Perfect for parties or anytime you want something sweet but light!

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries because frozen ones can become mushy when thawed, making hollowing and filling difficult. If you only have frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture before using.

How Long Can I Store Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The strawberries may release some juice over time, so it’s best to enjoy them as fresh as possible for the best texture.

Can I Make the Cheesecake Filling Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before filling the strawberries to refresh its creamy texture.

What Are Good Substitutes for Graham Cracker Crumbs?

If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed pretzels can work well for that nice crunchy topping and flavor.