If you’re looking to dazzle your guests or simply treat yourself to something delightfully indulgent, you’re going to fall in love with Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries. These luscious berries are stuffed with smooth, tangy cheesecake filling, dipped in rich chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy graham cracker crumbs. The sweet-and-tangy strawberry contrasts perfectly with creamy, dreamy cheese and deep cocoa flavor. Best of all? This beautiful treat comes together in just thirty minutes without even turning on your oven — perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you want a showstopping bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries couldn’t be easier, and each one plays a role in packing these little bites with irresistible flavor, velvety texture, and that classic strawberry-cheesecake charm.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound): The juicy, sweet base of the dessert—choose ripe, firm berries for best results.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): This is the foundation of your cheesecake filling; full-fat cream cheese will make your filling super luscious.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Gives the filling its classic sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish—sift for ultimate smoothness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla deepens flavor and adds bakery-style warmth.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Provides a perfectly balanced chocolate shell that won’t overpower the strawberries or cream cheese.
- Coconut oil or shortening (1 teaspoon): This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and coat the berries in a glossy layer.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1/4 cup): Sprinkle on top for that classic cheesecake crunch and a tempting golden color.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by cutting the tops off your strawberries with a sharp paring knife. Carefully hollow out the center of each berry using a melon baller or the very tip of the knife. Be gentle—you want to create enough space for the filling without tearing the sides of the strawberry. Pat them dry completely; any extra moisture could affect the filling and chocolate coating.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is velvety smooth. It should be thick but pipeable. Make sure there are zero lumps, as this is the star of your creamy surprise inside each strawberry.
Step 3: Fill the Strawberries
Spoon the cheesecake filling into a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off). Gently pipe the mixture into each hollowed strawberry, letting the filling peek out just a little. This step is incredibly satisfying—watching those ruby-red berries transform into little cheesecake vessels is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until the mixture is silky smooth. Holding each filled strawberry by the leaves or with a fork, dip the berry into the melted chocolate, coating the bottom and sides. Let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before setting each one onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Sprinkle and Chill
Before the chocolate sets, shower the dipped strawberries with graham cracker crumbs—don’t be shy! Pop the tray into the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the chocolate is crisp and glossy. Now your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries
Garnishes
For a professional, party-ready finish, consider garnishing your strawberries with extra drizzles of white or dark chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar over the plate, or a couple of fresh mint leaves alongside. These little details transform a delicious snack into an Instagram-worthy dessert.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are delightful solo, but for a dessert platter, pair with chocolate-dipped pretzels, mini meringues, or a bowl of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a robust cup of espresso!
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering a few strawberries on lollipop sticks for a striking party presentation, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an elegant high tea. You could even tuck them into mini cupcake wrappers for neat individual servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about a day, but it’s best to eat them within 24 hours for peak flavor and texture. The juicy berries can release some moisture over time, so lay a sheet of paper towel in the bottom of your storage container if you want to absorb excess liquid.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dessert, as strawberries tend to become watery and mushy when thawed, and the chocolate shell can crack. If you must freeze, wrap each berry individually and enjoy them frozen for a cool treat—just know the texture will be different.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t really needed, but if you prefer the chocolate soft, leave the strawberries at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Don’t microwave these, as it will melt the chocolate and filling!
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best to make them a few hours before your event and store them in the refrigerator. Just avoid making them more than a day ahead, as the strawberries can get watery and the chocolate may lose its shine.
What type Dessert, Snack
Semisweet chocolate is ideal for its balance of sweetness and depth, but you can absolutely use dark, milk, or white chocolate—mix and match to your taste! Just be sure to add a bit of coconut oil or shortening for a smooth, glossy dip.
Do I need special equipment?
No special gadgets required! A paring knife and a piping bag (or a zip-top bag) make the process simple and mess-free. Even a sturdy spoon will do the trick if you’re careful.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but keep in mind that full-fat cream cheese delivers a richer, silkier filling. Low-fat versions may be a bit thinner, so chill your filling before piping to help it hold its shape.
How do I keep the chocolate from sliding off?
Dry the strawberries thoroughly before dipping, as water can cause the chocolate to seize or slip right off. Allow the filled berries to chill for a few minutes before dipping if the filling is warm.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a quick showstopper or looking for a dessert that always disappears in minutes, these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are the answer. They’re every bit as scrumptious as they look, and I can’t wait for you to try them—don’t be surprised when everyone instantly asks for the recipe!
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Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 strawberries 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and rich chocolate coating.
Ingredients
Strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and dried
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening
Graham Cracker Crumbs:
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Cut and Fill: Cut tops off strawberries and hollow out centers. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pipe filling into strawberries.
- Melt Chocolate: Microwave chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
- Dip Strawberries: Dip filled strawberries into chocolate, coat, and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes until set. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For variety, try white or dark chocolate for dipping.
- Drizzle with extra chocolate for decoration.
- Best served the same day for freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strawberry
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
