Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe

Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe: Creamy & Decadent Dish

I’ve always loved chocolate-covered strawberries and I’m a huge fan of cheesecake, so I decided to combine them.

This recipe is the amazing result of that experiment, creating a truly decadent treat. Each bite is a perfect mix of fresh fruit, creamy filling, and rich chocolate.

They look impressive, but I found them surprisingly simple to make. Let me show you how you can create these delicious bites yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients required to craft these delightful treats. Using fresh, high-quality components will give you the best results.

• 24 large strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star. Look for ones that are firm and bright red for the best flavor and structure.
• 1 cup milk chocolate candy melts (175g): These melt smoothly and set up nicely, giving a perfect chocolate shell that doesn’t get too soft at room temperature.
• 8 oz cream cheese (225g): Use a full-fat, block-style cream cheese that is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g): This dissolves easily into the cream cheese, ensuring the filling is sweet and creamy, not grainy.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened (57g): Adding softened butter makes the cheesecake filling extra rich and creamy. This is optional but recommended.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml): A little vanilla enhances the other flavors and adds a warm depth to the cheesecake filling.
• Optional toppings: Graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or blueberries add texture and extra flavor.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 24 stuffed strawberries.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Dairy-Free: You can make a dairy-free version by using a plant-based cream cheese alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture will be very similar, and the taste is just as delicious.
• Sugar-Free: For a lower-sugar option, use a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in the cheesecake filling. Pair it with sugar-free chocolate for a guilt-free treat.
• Flavor Add-Ins: Get creative with the filling by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. You could also mix in a little cocoa powder for a double-chocolate experience or a dash of mint extract for a refreshing twist.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick to assemble, with most of the time spent chilling the treats to perfection.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these strawberries. Here is a list of basic kitchen tools that will help you.

• Knife and Cutting Board: For trimming the strawberries so they can stand upright.
• Melon Baller or Small Spoon: To easily scoop out the center of the strawberries to create a cavity.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the cream cheese filling until it’s perfectly smooth.
• Piping Bag with a Star Tip: To beautifully fill the strawberries with the cheesecake mixture.
• Cookie Sheet and Parchment Paper: For placing the strawberries on after dipping them in chocolate, preventing them from sticking.

How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries?

This recipe is broken down into simple, manageable steps. By following this guide, you will create beautiful and delicious treats perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

First, gently wash and thoroughly dry your strawberries. Cut off the green leafy tops, then slice a small bit from the pointed tip of each berry. This creates a flat base that allows the strawberries to stand up straight.

Next, use a melon baller or a small knife to carefully hollow out the center from the top where you removed the stem. You want to create a small pocket for the cheesecake filling. Be gentle to avoid piercing through the sides of the strawberry.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Dip

Place your chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop for a more gentle melting process.

Hold each strawberry by its sides and dip the bottom half into the melted chocolate. If you want to add coatings like graham cracker crumbs or nuts, roll the chocolate-dipped portion in them now. Place the dipped strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Chill the Strawberries

Once all your strawberries are dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let them chill for about 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the chocolate shell to set completely, becoming firm and crisp.

This step is important because a firm chocolate base makes the strawberries much easier to fill without making a mess. It also provides a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the strawberries are chilling, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter (if using), and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off will also work well.

Step 5: Fill and Garnish

Remove the chilled, chocolate-dipped strawberries from the fridge. Carefully pipe the cheesecake filling into the hollowed-out center of each strawberry, creating a beautiful swirl on top. You can be as generous with the filling as you like.

Now for the final touch. Garnish your stuffed strawberries with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, a few chopped nuts, or a fresh blueberry on top. Place them back in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making these a few times, I’ve discovered a few tricks that take them from great to absolutely perfect.

• I found that making sure the strawberries are completely dry is critical. Any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize up and become grainy. I pat them dry with a paper towel right before I start.
• Don’t skip the step of cutting a flat bottom on the strawberries. When I first tried this, I didn’t, and they kept tipping over after I filled them. This small step makes a huge difference in presentation.
• Using chocolate candy melts or wafers really is the best option. I tried regular chocolate chips once, and while they tasted good, they never fully set and became soft very quickly at room temperature.
• Let the cream cheese soften completely to room temperature. If it’s too cold, the filling will have small lumps. I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I start.

How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries?

Presentation can make these simple treats look like they came from a gourmet bakery. Arrange them on a white platter or a cake stand to make the colors pop. For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle a little extra melted white or dark chocolate over the top just before serving. Garnish the platter with a few mint leaves or whole strawberries for a fresh look.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving. The exact values will vary based on the size of your strawberries and the toppings used.

• Calories: 100kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

These stuffed strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare and store them with these tips.

To store them, place the finished strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The strawberries will start to release moisture after that, which can make the filling and chocolate a bit soft.

I would not recommend freezing these strawberries. The texture of the strawberries and the cream cheese filling changes significantly after thawing, becoming watery and mushy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cheesecake stuffed strawberries. Here are just a few of them.

• Incredibly Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these treats are surprisingly simple to prepare. The steps are straightforward, making this a fun recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
• The Perfect Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet strawberries, tangy cheesecake filling, and rich chocolate is a classic combination that is truly irresistible. Each bite offers a burst of complementary flavors and textures.
• A Show-Stopping Dessert: These strawberries are visually stunning and are sure to impress your guests. They are perfect for special occasions like parties, holidays, or a romantic dessert for two.
• Customizable to Your Liking: You can easily change the toppings, add different flavors to the filling, or use different types of chocolate. This versatility allows you to create a new treat every time you make them.