Lighter Cream Cheese Viral Deviled Strawberries
These delicious, lighter Cream Cheese Deviled Strawberries are filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling, topped with gluten-free graham cracker bits and toasted almonds. Inspired by a viral TikTok recipe, they’re perfect for bridal showers, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day and offer a lighter, delicious treat during peak strawberry season.
These delicious lighter Cream Cheese Deviled Strawberries are a showstopper, filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling made with cream cheese and whipped cream. Topped with juicy strawberries, gluten-free graham cracker bits, and toasted almonds, they’re the ultimate treat for any special occasion. Inspired by the viral TikTok recipe, these deviled strawberries are perfect for bridal showers, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day. They make an irresistible dessert or appetizer, especially during peak strawberry season, and bring together all the sweetness you crave with a lighter touch.
Can I use frozen strawberries in deviled strawberries?
Unfortunately, no, because the recipe calls for fresh strawberries, and frozen strawberries can get mushy when thawed, affecting the texture of the final dish.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Filled Strawberry Recipe
- Viral TikTok favorite: Inspired by the trending recipe with a healthier twist for your special occasions.
- Creamy cheesecake filling: A smooth mix of cream cheese and whipped cream gives every bite a rich, velvety texture.
- Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for bridal showers, Mother’s Day, or Valentine’s Day as a fun appetizer or dessert.
- Strawberry season star: Fresh, juicy strawberries take center stage, paired with a delicious crunch of gluten-free graham cracker bits and toasted almonds.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting cream cheese filled strawberries recipe:
Cream Cheese: You can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of sour cream, mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor, or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Heavy Whipping Cream: It’s also called heavy cream. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, or use whipped topping for a quicker option.
Powdered Cane Sugar: Replace with powdered erythritol or stevia for a sugar-free version, or use regular powdered sugar if cane sugar is not available.
Vanilla Extract: Instead of vanilla extract, you can use almond extract for a different flavor profile, or skip it if you prefer.
Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for a slightly different citrus flavor, or apple cider vinegar for a more subtle tartness.
Toasted Sliced Almonds: Substitute with toasted coconut flakes for a nut-free option, or omit for those with nut allergies.
Graham Cracker Bits: Make my Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Bits for the healthiest option. Crushed gluten-free graham crackers can be used for a similar texture and flavor, or crushed nuts for a different crunch.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or omit the herbs altogether if you prefer.
How to Make My Homemade TikTok Deviled Strawberries Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for the best way to make this delicious healthier version of the viral recipe. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Premake the Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Bits (You can also use storebought graham crackers).
Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Carefully use a small paring knife, small melon baller, or small spoon to scoop out a small amount of the center flesh from each strawberry, creating a hollow cavity. Be careful not to cut through the bottom. Use a paper towel to dab out the excess water in the middle of the strawberry. Tip: Reserve the scooped-out strawberry flesh for smoothies or another recipe.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds (optional)
Bring a non-stick frying pan to medium-high heat. Melt one teaspoon of butter and add in 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. Sprinkle with several pinches of salt. Once they begin to toast, continuously stir them until they’re lightly golden. Remove them from the heat immediately because they can burn quickly. Spread on a paper-towel-lined plate and allow to cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake filling
In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and pinches of salt until smooth with a hand mixer or the whisk attachment on an immersion blender. Gradually add the powdered cane sugar through a sieve and beat until light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fill the Strawberries
Place a graham cracker bit in the center of each strawberry. Using a piping bag fitted with a small star tip (or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off), pipe the creamy filling on top. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also spoon the filling in.
Sprinkle the tops of the deviled strawberries with toasted sliced almonds. For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish with a small mint leaf (optional). Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Expert Recipe Tips
Choosing Strawberries: Select large, ripe strawberries for this recipe. Look for berries that are firm, plump, and without blemishes for the best results.
Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
Whipping Cream: For best results, chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This will help the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
Sweetening the Filling: Adjust the amount of powdered cane sugar to suit your taste. You can add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you like the filling.
Filling Firmness: If the filling seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before piping.
Serving Suggestions
For a delicious twist, serve your Nutella deviled strawberries on a serving plate drizzled with melted dark chocolate and balsamic vinegar. Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes for extra flair. Get creative with garnishes like chopped pistachios or crumbled cookies!
Do you love strawberries? Check out more of my easy and nutritious strawberry recipes:
Healthier Cream Cheese Viral Deviled Strawberries
Ingredients
- 12 ripe strawberries
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup graham cracker bits
Instructions
- Premake the Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Bits (You can also use storebought graham crackers).Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Carefully use a small paring knife, small melon baller, or small spoon to scoop out a small amount of the center flesh from each strawberry, creating a hollow cavity. Be careful not to cut through the bottom. Use a paper towel to dab out the excess water in the middle of the strawberry.
- Toast the sliced almonds (optional). Bring a non-stick frying pan to medium-high heat. Melt one teaspoon of butter and add in 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. Sprinkle with several pinches of salt. Once they begin to toast, continuously stir them until they're lightly golden. Remove them from the heat immediately because they can burn quickly. Spread on a paper-towel-lined plate and allow to cool.
- In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and pinches of salt until smooth with a hand mixer or the whisk attachment on an immersion blender. Gradually add the powdered cane sugar through a sieve and beat until light and fluffy.In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Place a graham cracker bit in the center of each strawberry.Using a piping bag fitted with a small star tip (or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off), pipe the creamy filling on top. If you don't have a piping bag, you can also spoon the filling in.Sprinkle the tops of the deviled strawberries with toasted sliced almonds. For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish with a small mint leaf (optional).Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Video
Delicious! Could have eaten the whole batch.
Thank you, Amanda! I could, too 🙂
Very yummy. The sweetness of the cream and the tartness of the strawberries balance out nicely.
Thank you, Chanda! I appreciate the review 🙂
You can’t go wrong with strawberries and cream cheese! These turned out great!! I highly recommend her graham cracker bits recipe. They tasted just like a cheesecake crust.
Hi Delila, thank you for the review! I’m so glad you liked the graham cracker bits, too!
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!! It is easy, delicious and the perfect appetizer for any social event. Please let me know how it turns out for you 🙂