There’s something undeniably indulgent about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, especially when it’s all wrapped around juicy, ripe strawberries. The first time I served these Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Strawberries at a gathering, it felt like I was a wizard conjuring smiles and delight—no one could resist the combination! These treats make both an elegant dessert and a fun, finger-friendly option for any occasion.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a stunning dessert that looks like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. Imagine the delighted expressions of your family and friends as they bite into the velvety chocolate shell and discover the luscious cheesecake inside. Whether you’re snacking on a cozy evening at home or impressing guests at a party, these strawberries are bound to take center stage. Ready to whip up this sweet sensation? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Love Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries?
Decadent Delight: These strawberries are a perfect blend of flavors that create an exquisite treat, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Easy to Prepare: With only a few ingredients and a quick 30 minutes to whip up, they are an ideal solution for a last-minute dessert.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights, they can suit any mood or celebration!
Showstopper Appeal: Their elegant look will impress friends, leaving them thinking you’ve pulled out all the stops.
Customizable Indulgence: Feel free to explore different chocolate types or fillings for your own twist on these irresistible bites.
Get started with this simple recipe and serve up smiles!
Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries Ingredients
For the Strawberries
• Large strawberries – Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
For the Chocolate Coating
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Ideal for balancing the sweetness of the cheesecake filling; dark or milk chocolate can also be delicious!
For the Cheesecake Filling
• Cream cheese – Use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the chocolate shell.
• Powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and helps create a silky texture in your cheesecake mix.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor, making your cheesecake filling even more delightful!
• Heavy cream – Whipping this into the cream cheese adds lightness and richness, turning your filling into a dreamy cheesecake center.
Get ready to bring your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries to life with these delicious ingredients!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries
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Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This step will make cleanup easier and provide a non-stick surface for the strawberries to rest on.
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Rinse and hull the strawberries: Gently rinse the strawberries and pat them dry with a clean towel. Cut off the green tops and use a small paring knife to hull the center, ensuring ample space for the cheesecake filling.
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Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Dip the strawberries: Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully place the dipped strawberries on the parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
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Mix the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth. Slowly add in the heavy cream and beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to chill.
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Pipe the filling: Transfer the chilled cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with your desired tip. Pipe the filling into each chocolate-covered strawberry, filling them generously.
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Set the filling: If the cheesecake filling appears too soft, pop the strawberries back into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help it set up beautifully.
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Serve and enjoy: These Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are best served immediately or within the next 12 hours. Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures with each delicious bite!
Optional: Drizzle with extra melted chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries
Choose the Right Strawberries: Opt for large, ripe strawberries that are firm to ensure they hold up well when dipped in chocolate.
Avoid Water Contact: Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping; water can cause the chocolate to seize and not adhere properly.
Melt Evenly: When melting chocolate, do so in short bursts in the microwave to prevent burning; stir well to achieve a smooth consistency.
Chill for Perfect Filling: Refrigerate the cheesecake filling for at least 15 minutes before piping, as this helps it firm up for easier filling of the chocolate-covered strawberries.
Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries within 12 hours to enjoy optimal taste and texture.
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries?
Add a touch of magic to your dessert table with delightful pairings that elevate every bite of these indulgent strawberries.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is a delightful complement to the rich cheesecake.
- Hot Chocolate: There’s nothing quite like pairing these strawberries with a warm, velvety hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the strawberries, offering a colorful and vibrant contrast.
- Coffee: The bold flavor of a freshly brewed cup of coffee offsets the sweetness beautifully and enhances the dessert experience.
- Ice Cream: Pair your strawberries with a scoop of creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent frozen treat!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add an artistic touch by drizzling extra melted chocolate over your strawberries, creating an elegant presentation.
- Champagne: Pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate special moments—its lightness enhances the strawberry flavors while offering a festive touch.
- Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert experience by serving the strawberries with a chocolate fondue pot for dipping.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A sprinkle of crunchy nut mix adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft cheesecake filling—perfect for munching alongside!
- Cheese Platter: Introduce a savory element with a selection of cheeses; creamy brie or tangy goat cheese pair enticingly with sweet strawberries.
Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore delightful twists to this classic treat!
- Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Milk Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste that contrasts beautifully with the cheesecake filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Roll the dipped strawberries in crushed nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for an added crunch and earthy flavor. It creates an exciting texture contrast!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cheesecake filling for a playful hint of heat that surprises in every bite.
- Fruit Infusion: Mix in some fresh lemon or orange zest into the cheesecake filling to brighten the flavor with citrusy notes.
- Boozy Bliss: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, like amaretto or Bailey’s, in the cheesecake filling for an adult twist that’s decadent and delightful.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel over the chocolate-dipped strawberries for an extra indulgent layer that sweetens the experience.
- Sugar-Free Option: For a healthier choice, use sugar-free chocolate and cream cheese, adjusting sweeteners to taste for guilt-free enjoyment.
With these variations, your Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries can be as unique and exciting as you are! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries are an excellent choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the steps to make and chill the filling, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the strawberries, you can dip them in melted chocolate and refrigerate them in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet for up to 12 hours before serving. When you’re ready to impress your guests, just pipe the chilled filling into each strawberry and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to set. This way, they’ll be just as delicious and fresh as if you had made them all at once!
Storage Tips for Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries
Room Temperature: Serve fresh for the ultimate taste; best enjoyed within 12 hours of preparation.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Avoid stacking them to prevent the chocolate from smudging.
Freezer: While not recommended for long-term storage, you can freeze unfilled chocolate-covered strawberries for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before filling.
Reheating: If the chocolate appears dull after refrigeration, simply let the strawberries sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to restore some sheen.
Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries?
Absolutely! You want to select large, firm strawberries that have a vibrant red color, indicating ripeness. Look out for shiny skin without any dark spots or bruises, as these can signal overripeness. A great visual cue is to ensure the green tops are still fresh and green rather than wilting.
What is the best way to store Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries?
For optimal taste, serve your strawberries fresh within 12 hours. If needed, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their appearance, avoid stacking them on top of each other, as this can cause the chocolate to smudge.
Can I freeze Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries?
Yes, you can freeze unfilled chocolate-dipped strawberries for up to 2 months! To do this, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before adding the cheesecake filling.
What should I do if the chocolate isn’t setting properly?
If the chocolate on your strawberries isn’t setting, it might be due to moisture. Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping. If you’ve already dipped them and they seem too soft, place them in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to help the chocolate firm up.
Are these chocolates safe for pets or allergies?
It’s always best to keep chocolate-covered treats away from pets, as chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. If anyone in your family has dairy allergies, consider using dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan cream cheese to create an allergy-friendly version of these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries.
How can I customize the recipe further?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with chocolate types, such as dark, milk, or even white chocolate. You can also play with flavored extracts like almond or add a dusting of crushed nuts on top for extra crunch. Enjoy exploring personalized variations for these delightful treats!
Delicious Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Rinse and hull the strawberries: Gently rinse the strawberries and pat them dry with a clean towel. Cut off the green tops and hull the center.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted.
- Dip the strawberries: Hold each strawberry by the stem, dip into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on the lined baking sheet.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Slowly add in heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Pipe the filling: Transfer the chilled cheesecake filling into a piping bag and pipe into each chocolate-covered strawberry.
- Set the filling: If the filling is too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: These strawberries are best served immediately or within the next 12 hours.