If you’re searching for a show-stopping party dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, look no further than Deviled Strawberries! Imagine ripe, juicy strawberries serving as edible cups for the fluffiest cream cheese filling—each bite bursting with fruity, tangy, and sweet notes. Deviled Strawberries are an irresistible twist on classic deviled eggs, perfect for spring brunches, summer celebrations, or anytime you want a treat that draws oohs and ahhs. Even better, they’re simple to whip up but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Deviled Strawberries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Deviled Strawberries comes from just a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a key role in flavor and presentation. Fresh strawberries provide the canvas, while the creamy, lemon-kissed filling makes them downright addictive.

Strawberries: Choose 18-24 large, ripe strawberries for the best presentation and flavor—they’ll be sweet, juicy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the filling extra light and fluffy, giving you that luscious texture.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the filling, adding tanginess and body; make sure it’s at room temperature for effortless mixing.
Sour cream: Just a touch for added silkiness and a very slight tang, so the filling doesn’t feel too heavy.
White granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the strawberries’ natural taste.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, giving a warm aromatic note that pairs beautifully with fruit.
Lemon juice (optional): Adds a hint of bright citrus that enhances both the filling and strawberries—fresh is always best!
Graham cracker crumbs: For the “deviled” effect! A sprinkle adds a playful crunch and somehow makes them taste like cheesecake in a single bite.

How to Make Deviled Strawberries

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Start by cutting off the stems from each strawberry, then slice them in half lengthwise. To help your Deviled Strawberries sit up straight, carefully shave a thin sliver off the rounded backs of each half. This little trick keeps them from tipping over on the platter. Now, using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out a tiny well in the center of each berry half—just big enough to hold the dreamy filling.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a medium mixing bowl, pour in your heavy whipping cream. Whip it with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form; this should take about five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape and has light, billowy volume that’s perfect for folding into the filling.

Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a tablespoon of lemon juice if using. Blend everything with an electric mixer until you have an ultra-smooth, silky concoction. This is the base that makes Deviled Strawberries taste like mini cheesecake bites!

Step 4: Fold and Combine

Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and a light touch to keep the filling airy and cloud-like. Mix until everything looks uniform, but don’t overdo it—overmixing can deflate the whipped cream.

Step 5: Pipe the Filling

Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or just use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) with your luscious cream filling. Pipe a gorgeous swirl into the hollowed-out section of each strawberry half. Don’t worry if they look rustic—it’ll just add to their homemade charm.

Step 6: Garnish with Graham Cracker Crumbs

To finish your Deviled Strawberries, sprinkle each one generously with graham cracker crumbs. This simple touch gives the perfect contrast of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet in every bite. Now they’re ready to wow your guests (and make you a kitchen hero)!

How to Serve Deviled Strawberries

Garnishes

The beauty of Deviled Strawberries is that they’re stunning as is, but a little garnish can take presentation over the top. Try a pinch of extra graham cracker crumbs, a tiny mint leaf, or even a dusting of lemon zest for extra color and freshness. It’s the little details that make guests swoon.

Side Dishes

Deviled Strawberries shine alongside other light desserts or fresh fruit platters. Pair them with shortbread cookies, mixed berries, or a refreshing citrus salad. They’re also a brilliant complement to afternoon tea sandwiches or buttery scones if you’re building a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond a basic tray! Arrange Deviled Strawberries on a vintage cake stand or tuck them inside individual cupcake liners for easy serving. For parties, try displaying them in staggered rows on a long platter or even stack them in a “pyramid” for a playful centerpiece. They’re gorgeous no matter how you showcase them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Deviled Strawberries (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 48 hours, though they’re best enjoyed within a day for peak freshness and crispness.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cream cheese filling separately if needed, the assembled Deviled Strawberries don’t freeze well—the berries become mushy as they thaw. For best results, make the filling ahead and store it in the fridge, then pipe onto fresh strawberries just before serving.

Reheating

Since Deviled Strawberries are meant to be served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. In fact, they’re at their most refreshing straight from the fridge. If the filling feels a bit firm after chilling, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to bring back that velvety texture.

FAQs

Can I make Deviled Strawberries the day before a party?

Absolutely! You can prep both the strawberries and the cream cheese filling the day before. Store the prepped strawberries in an airtight container with a paper towel and refrigerate the filling separately. Just pipe and garnish on the day you serve for best results.

How do I make these Deviled Strawberries low-carb or keto-friendly?

Swap the white sugar for your favorite low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol or monk fruit, and skip the graham cracker crumbs. You’ll still get a creamy, tangy treat that feels totally indulgent without the carbs.

What can I do with leftover cream cheese filling?

If you end up with extra filling, lucky you! It’s delicious as a dip for fresh fruit, dolloped onto pancakes, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful. You can even use it as a filling for mini tart shells.

Do I need special tools to make Deviled Strawberries?

While a piping bag with a star tip creates gorgeous swirls, you can just as easily use a plastic zip-top bag with the corner cut off. A melon baller makes hollowing the berries easy, but a small spoon works, too.

How do I know if my strawberries are ripe enough?

Look for berries that are fully red, plump, and fragrant. They should be firm enough to hold their shape but not underripe, which can make them tart. The flavor of ripe strawberries is key to making Deviled Strawberries truly spectacular.

Final Thoughts

Deviled Strawberries are the kind of dessert that always disappears first at any get-together. They’re playful, easy to assemble, and bursting with flavor in every bite. If you’re looking to wow friends and family (or just treat yourself!), give Deviled Strawberries a try—you’re in for a sweet, tangy, and totally unforgettable treat!

Deviled Strawberries Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 18–24 deviled strawberries 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Deviled Strawberries are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Juicy strawberries are filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a sweet and creamy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberries:

18–24 large strawberries

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup white granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

Prep the Strawberries: Cut off the stems and slice strawberries in half. Trim a sliver off the back to sit upright. Hollow out the middle slightly.
Whip Cream: Beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.
Combine: Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Fill Strawberries: Pipe cream cheese mixture onto each strawberry half.
Finish: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.
Serve: Enjoy!

Notes

For a low-carb option, use a low-carb sweetener and skip the graham crackers.
The quantity of strawberries needed may vary based on size.
The cream cheese mixture can be prepared the day before for convenience.
Strawberries can be prepped in advance; store them airtight with a paper towel to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Whipping
Cuisine: American