Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Deviled Strawberries! They’re a delightful twist on traditional stuffed treats, bursting with sweet and creamy goodness. Just imagine biting into a perfectly ripe strawberry, only to find it filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of lemon. It’s like a mini dessert explosion in your mouth! I often whip these up for gatherings, and they never fail to impress. They look so elegant on a platter, and the best part? They’re no-bake, making them super easy to prepare. Trust me, once you serve these at your next get-together, your friends will be begging for the recipe! They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious treats together!
Ingredients List
- 12 large strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Look for ones that are bright red and firm to the touch.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for a deeper flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of freshness to balance the sweetness; freshly squeezed is always best!
How to Prepare Deviled Strawberries
Step 1: Wash and Prepare Strawberries
First things first, let’s wash those beautiful strawberries! Rinse them gently under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. This is super important because you want to keep them fresh and flavorful. Always choose ripe strawberries—bright red and a little firm are the way to go. Trust me, the more ripe they are, the sweeter and juicier your Deviled Strawberries will be!
Step 2: Hollow the Strawberries
Now, grab a sharp knife and let’s get those tops off! Carefully slice off the green tops, making sure to create a nice flat surface. Then, using a small melon baller or a spoon, gently hollow out the centers of the strawberries. Be careful not to poke through the bottom! You want enough space to fill them with that creamy goodness, so aim for about half an inch deep.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, blend them together until the mixture is nice and smooth—no lumps allowed! You want it to be creamy and spreadable, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, just add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up a bit.
Step 4: Fill the Strawberries
Time to fill those strawberries! Using a small spoon or a piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), carefully spoon or pipe the cream filling into each hollowed strawberry. Don’t be shy—fill them generously! The cream should be just peeking out of the tops, looking all delicious and inviting.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Once all the strawberries are filled, pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite even more delightful. When you’re ready to serve, arrange them on a platter and maybe top with a mint leaf for a pop of color. Wow, they’ll look so lovely!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of active time!
- No baking required, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Deliciously refreshing with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Looks stunning on any dessert table, impressing your guests effortlessly.
- Fun to customize—try adding different flavors to the cream filling!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Deviled Strawberries are absolutely perfect, always choose ripe strawberries—this makes all the difference in flavor! Look for ones that are deep red and firm. If you’re feeling creative, try adding a bit of citrus zest or even a splash of almond extract to the cream filling for a twist! For presentation, arrange the strawberries on a lovely serving platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness that’ll wow your guests. Trust me, these little touches make your treats not just tasty, but gorgeous too!
Nutritional Information
These Deviled Strawberries are not only delicious but also a light dessert option! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 strawberry):
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But regardless, these little beauties offer a sweet treat without too much guilt! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make Deviled Strawberries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the strawberries and the cream filling a few hours in advance. Just keep the filling stored in the fridge separately and fill the strawberries just before serving to keep them looking fresh and beautiful!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Don’t worry if you’re out of cream cheese! You can substitute it with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different, yet still delicious, flavor. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if needed!
Can I use different fruits?
Yes! While strawberries are my favorite, you can also use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just be sure to choose fruits that can hold up to being hollowed out and filled. They will be just as delightful!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my experience!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a day. Just know that the strawberries may soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy them as soon as possible!
Can I add flavor variations to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or fold in some crushed cookies for added texture. The options are endless, and it’s a fun way to customize your Deviled Strawberries!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover Deviled Strawberries, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a day, but I recommend enjoying them sooner for the best flavor and texture. Just a heads-up, the strawberries may get a bit softer as they sit. As for reheating? Nope, these are best served cold, so no need to worry about that!
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Deviled Strawberries: 5 Irresistibly Sweet Treats to Try
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberries filled with a creamy mixture.
Ingredients
- 12 large strawberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and dry the strawberries.
- Cut the tops off and hollow out the centers.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice.
- Fill each strawberry with the cream mixture.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Top with a mint leaf for garnish if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strawberry
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Deviled Strawberries, stuffed strawberries, dessert recipe