Healthier Cream Cheese Viral Deviled Strawberries

This is the best-tasting, healthier cream cheese viral deviled strawberries recipe. Filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling with cream cheese and whipped cream and topped with juicy strawberries, my gluten-free graham cracker bits, and toasted almonds, these are the best deviled strawberries you’ll ever taste! Inspired by the viral TikTok recipe, they are not…

Cream cheese filled strawberries on a plate.

This is the best-tasting, healthier cream cheese viral deviled strawberries recipe. Filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling with cream cheese and whipped cream and topped with juicy strawberries, my gluten-free graham cracker bits, and toasted almonds, these are the best deviled strawberries you’ll ever taste! Inspired by the viral TikTok recipe, they are not only a great appetizer for bridal showers but also a yummy dessert for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. It’s the perfect healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth especially during peak strawberry season. 

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.

YouTube video

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Filled Strawberry Recipe

  • You only need a few simple ingredients.
  • It is super easy to make for an impressive result.
  • The flavor-rich ingredients make it taste amazing!
  • All the ingredients are easily digestible for a gentle tummy.
Cream cheese filled strawberries on a plate.

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.

Cream cheese filled strawberries on a plate.

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.

toasting almonds

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. 

Sifting powdered cane sugar.

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.

Piping on the whipped cream cheese.
Adding toasted almonds to the top of the cream.
Cream cheese filled strawberries on a plate.

Helpful Recipe Notes

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!

Refrigeration: Store the deviled strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.

Storing Assembled Strawberries: If you’ve already assembled the deviled strawberries, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not stack them as they may get squished.

Refreshing: If the strawberries have become a bit soft, you can refresh them by placing them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will help firm them up slightly.

Avoid Leaving at Room Temperature: Since these strawberries contain dairy in the filling, it’s important to keep them refrigerated until ready to serve to prevent spoilage.

Can I make these deviled strawberries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and hull the strawberries ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble them just before serving these bite-sized treats to prevent the strawberries from becoming too soft.

Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered cane sugar in these easy treats?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but it may not dissolve as easily in the filling. You can pulse it in a blender or food processor to make it finer, or simply mix it in well with the cream cheese.

Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?
Yes, you can use any chopped nut of your choice or omit them altogether if you have a nut allergy.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe, as frozen strawberries may become too watery when thawed, affecting the texture of the filling.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a vegan version of this recipe.

Can I use a different type of cracker for the filling?
Yes, you can use any type of cookie or cracker crumbs that you prefer, or even crushed nuts or seeds for a different texture.

How do I prevent the strawberries from tipping over when serving?
To prevent the strawberries from tipping over, you can slice a small piece off the bottom of each strawberry to create a flat base before filling them. You can also serve them in a deviled egg platter.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Yes, feel free to add other flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract to the filling for a different twist.

Cream cheese filled strawberries on a plate.

Healthier Cream Cheese Viral Deviled Strawberries

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
This cream cheese deviled strawberry recipe is a healthier twist on the viral TikTok recipe. Filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling and topped with gluten-free graham cracker bits, and toasted almonds, they're perfect for any occasion, from bridal showers to Valentine's and Mother's Day.
5 from 7 votes
Servings 24
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

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

YouTube video

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 22mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 137IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword deviled strawberries, tik tok recipe, viral recipe, whipped cream
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Very yummy. The sweetness of the cream and the tartness of the strawberries balance out nicely.

  2. 5 stars
    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.

    1. Hi Delila, thank you for the review! I’m so glad you liked the graham cracker bits, too!

  3. 5 stars
    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 🙂

5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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