Classic Deviled Strawberries
These elegant deviled strawberries combine fresh berries with a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, perfect as a light dessert or appetizer. They are easy to make and visually appealing, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Equipment
- Paring knife
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag with star tip (or zip-top bag)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Fresh Strawberries large, firm, and ripe
- 8 oz Cream Cheese full-fat, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar for sweetness
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh, for brightness and to cut sweetness
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest for citrus aroma and flavor
Optional Garnishes
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- White Chocolate Shavings
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and dry strawberries thoroughly, then hull them and carefully cut a small cone out of the center to create a cavity.
- If berries are large, slice a thin piece off the bottom to ensure they sit flat on a platter.
Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Beat the mixture until it is smooth, light, and fluffy, with no lumps.
Fill and Garnish
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag with a star tip, or use a zip-top bag with a snipped corner, and pipe a generous dollop into each strawberry cavity.
- Optionally, garnish with graham cracker crumbs, white chocolate shavings, or a small mint leaf for added flavor and visual appeal.
Chill and Serve
- Arrange the filled strawberries on a platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up before serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, firm strawberries. The chilling time is crucial for the filling to set and for the flavors to fully develop. These can be prepared a few hours in advance, but it's best not to make them the day before as the strawberries can release moisture.