These fun red, white, and blue cheesecake strawberries are a festive treat! Fresh strawberries are stuffed with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with a sprinkle of blue sprinkles for that extra pop.
They’re perfect for celebrations and super easy to make. I could snack on these all day, and the kids will love helping to make them too! Just don’t forget to save some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh, large strawberries are best for these treats. If strawberries aren’t in season, you could try halved raspberries or even a mix of berries to keep the red and blue theme.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that rich cheesecake flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but the same creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the filling nicely and helps it stay creamy. You could use granulated sugar instead; just sift it to avoid a gritty texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for the fluffy texture. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or whipped coconut milk (chilled). It will add a hint of coconut flavor too!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add sweetness and a pop of color. You can substitute with other berries like blackberries or even chocolate chips if preferred.
How Do You Get the Right Texture in the Cheesecake Filling?
The texture of your cheesecake filling is crucial for these strawberries! Start by beating the cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth—this helps avoid lumps. Then, fold in the whipped cream gently to keep it airy.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can be hard to blend.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form; this is what gives the filling that light texture.
- When combining the whipped cream and cream cheese, be gentle! This maintains the fluffy texture.
Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Strawberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 large fresh strawberries
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need to let the strawberries chill for about 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at just under an hour to have these delicious treats ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by washing your strawberries gently under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Carefully cut each strawberry in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, hollow out a tiny cavity in the middle of each half. This will hold the delicious cheesecake filling!
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s completely combined and creamy. This is your cheesecake mixture!
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters out, the cream stands up and holds its shape! It makes your filling fluffy and light.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this slowly to keep the mixture airy and creamy. You want it well combined but still fluffy—no lumps allowed!
5. Fill the Strawberries:
Grab a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Fill your bag with the cheesecake filling. Now, pipe a generous amount of the filling into each hollowed-out strawberry half. Look at that creamy goodness!
6. Add the Blueberries:
Top each filled strawberry half with two fresh blueberries. They add a nice burst of flavor and keep your red, white, and blue theme going strong!
7. Chill and Serve:
Arrange your fabulous strawberries on a serving platter. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling set up a bit. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy these festive, creamy, and fruity cheesecake strawberries!
Enjoy your delicious and colorful treat! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Berries?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for blueberries, you can use any berries you like, such as raspberries or blackberries. Just keep the color theme in mind for your red, white, and blue presentation!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake Strawberries?
Store any leftover filled strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as the strawberries can become soggy over time.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just fill the strawberries right before serving for optimal freshness and flavor!
What If I Don’t Have a Piping Bag?
No worries! If you don’t have a piping bag, simply use a zip-top bag. Just fill the bag with the cheesecake mixture, seal it, and snip off one corner to pipe the filling into the strawberries. It works just as well!
