Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
For the Strawberries:
- 12 large fresh strawberries (washed and hulled)
Optional Garnishes:
- Crumbled graham crackers
- Fresh mint leaves
- Chocolate shavings
- Berries for decoration
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined, making sure there are no lumps.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can use a hand whisk or electric mixer for this step.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. This will give the filling a light, airy texture.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For an extra tangy kick, mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This will mimic the flavor of traditional cheesecake while brightening up the overall taste.
Prepare the Strawberries
- Hull the Strawberries: Using a paring knife, remove the tops of the strawberries and carefully scoop out the center to create a hollow space for the cheesecake filling. Be sure not to cut through the sides or bottom of the strawberry.
- Dry the Strawberries: After hulling, gently pat the strawberries with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the filling stay in place and prevent it from becoming too runny.
Fill the Strawberries
- Pipe the Filling: Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe the filling into the hollowed-out strawberries. Fill each strawberry generously, but avoid overfilling so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Smooth the Top: Use a small spatula or knife to smooth the top of the filling for a clean finish.
Garnish and Serve
- Add Garnishes: Top each filled strawberry with a sprinkle of crumbled graham crackers, a few chocolate shavings, or a mint leaf for added flavor and visual appeal. If you like, you can also decorate with small berries to give the strawberries a colorful pop.
- Chill the Strawberries: Let the filled strawberries chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to firm up the cheesecake filling before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the strawberries are chilled and the filling has set, arrange them on a platter and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Cook Time: 20 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 strawberries
- Calories: 120 kcal per strawberry
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g