If you love the whimsical charm of a sweet twist on a savory classic, Deviled Strawberries are about to become your new dessert obsession. Think ripe strawberries, piped full of luscious cream cheese filling, and finished with a cozy sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. They’re a guaranteed showstopper at parties, picnics, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Every bite of these Deviled Strawberries is a perfect balance of juicy fruit, creamy filling, and buttery crunch—you won’t believe how easy they are to whip up!

Deviled Strawberries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Deviled Strawberries lies in just how simple their ingredient list is. Each component brings something essential: pure flavor, creamy texture, or the irresistible sparkle of freshness.

Strawberries: Choose 18-24 large, ripe, and unblemished berries so each half can cradle a generous swirl of filling.
Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup whipped till stiff peaks, which turns the filling silky, light, and beautifully pipeable.
Cream cheese: 1 (8 ounce) package, softened—this is the backbone of the creamy filling, adding tang and richness.
Sour cream: 1/3 cup for an extra layer of creamy tang and a smooth, light mouthfeel.
White granulated sugar: 2/3 cup to sweeten the filling just the right amount without overwhelming the freshness of the strawberries.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon to infuse warmth and round out the flavors.
Fresh lemon juice (optional): 1 tablespoon—totally your call, but it adds a little brightness and lifts the flavor of the berries and cream.
Graham cracker crumbs: 1/2 cup for a nostalgic, subtly crunchy finish that ties everything together.

How to Make Deviled Strawberries

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Start off by giving your strawberries a good rinse and pat dry gently with paper towels. Slice off the green stems, then halve each berry lengthwise. To make sure they sit pretty on your platter, slice a tiny sliver off the back of each half. Using a small melon baller or spoon, scoop just enough from the center to create a cozy little well, being careful not to go all the way through. This spot is for the filling, so don’t overdo it—just enough for a generous dollop of creaminess to nestle in without tipping over.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Grab a medium-size mixing bowl and your electric mixer. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whip it until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about five minutes. You want the cream to hold its shape firmly so it supports the filling, keeping everything light and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if you’re using it). Beat everything together until it’s ultra smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic happens—the tanginess of the cream cheese and sour cream balances perfectly with the sugar and aromatic vanilla.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula, being careful not to deflate all that air you whipped in earlier. This merger is what makes the filling airy and luscious at the same time, giving each Deviled Strawberry its signature texture.

Step 5: Pipe the Filling

Spoon your finished filling into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (a star tip makes them extra fancy, but a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works too). Pipe a gorgeous swirl of filling into the center of each prepped strawberry half so it peaks invitingly above the rim.

Step 6: Finish with Graham Cracker Crumbs

The final, irresistible finishing touch: sprinkle each deviled strawberry with a shower of graham cracker crumbs. Not only does this add a gentle crunch, but that golden color makes the strawberries pop and adds a hint of nostalgia reminiscent of cheesecake. Now all that’s left to do is serve and bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Deviled Strawberries

Garnishes

To give your platter of Deviled Strawberries a little extra pizzazz, garnish each with a tiny mint leaf or an extra twist of lemon zest on top of the filling. Not only does it look gorgeous, but the fresh pop of green or zing of citrus takes the presentation—and flavor—up a notch.

Side Dishes

Deviled Strawberries truly shine as a standalone treat, but they also love to mingle! Serve alongside a platter of assorted berries, delicate shortbread cookies, or a bubbly glass of Prosecco for a decadent finish to a brunch or party.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Deviled Strawberries in concentric circles on a round platter for a show-stopping centerpiece. For something fun and picnic-ready, tuck them into cupcake liners. Or try mixing in a few blueberries and raspberries for a festive, colorful spread—perfect for holidays and birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to resist devouring every last Deviled Strawberry, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as the strawberries can start to soften over time, but they’ll still taste delicious even if slightly less perky.

Freezing

While it’s tempting to try freezing Deviled Strawberries for later, the texture of both the strawberries and the filling doesn’t hold up well after thawing. The berries can become watery and the cream loses its airy texture, so it’s best to make and enjoy these fresh.

Reheating

No reheating needed—these beauties are meant to be enjoyed chilled! Serve them straight from the fridge for the best creamy, cool bite every time.

FAQs

Can I prepare Deviled Strawberries ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the strawberries and make the filling up to a day in advance, but for peak freshness, wait to assemble and add the graham cracker crumbs until just before serving.

What’s the best way to hollow out the strawberries?

A small melon baller is perfect for making a neat little well, but a half-teaspoon measuring spoon or a small paring knife does the trick, too—just remember not to scoop out too much so the berries stay sturdy.

Can I make Deviled Strawberries dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Swap out the cream cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives and use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream. They’ll still be luscious and crowd-pleasing.

How do I keep the filling from sliding off?

Make sure the strawberries are dry, and don’t hollow out too much. Chilling the strawberries and the filling before piping also helps everything stay in place.

What other toppings go well with Deviled Strawberries?

Get creative! Crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cinnamon are all fun twists that pair wonderfully with the creamy filling and sweet berries.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably special about sharing a tray of Deviled Strawberries with friends and family—they’re light, bright, and always a hit. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just want a sweet surprise after dinner, give these a try and watch the smiles start rolling in!

Deviled Strawberries Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18–24 deviled strawberries 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Deviled Strawberries are a delightful twist on the classic deviled eggs. Juicy strawberries are filled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake-like filling and topped with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberries:

18–24 large strawberries

Cheesecake Filling:

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

Finishing:

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

Prep the strawberries: Cut off the stems, slice in half, and remove a small sliver from the back of each half. Hollow out a small indent in the middle.
Whip cream: Beat whipping cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
Prepare filling: In another bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
Combine: Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Fill strawberries: Pipe the filling onto each strawberry half.
Finish: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the filled strawberries.
Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Filling
Cuisine: American